Adobe Genuine software FAQ

Genuine Adobe software is legally licensed software purchased directly from Adobe or an authorized reseller. Only genuine Adobe apps and services give you the latest features and functionality and ongoing access to support, plus the latest security protection.

It is not legal to use non-genuine software, regardless of how the user or organization obtained the software or is using it. 

Buying software directly from Adobe.com or an authorized reseller will help ensure you get genuine Adobe software. Adobe strives to protect you from fraudulent sellers and works to ensure that only genuine Adobe software is available for purchase.

• If you have received notification from Adobe indicating your software is not genuine, click the notification to learn more, which includes the option to purchase genuine Adobe software or contact Adobe for more information.
• If someone else in your organization is responsible for software purchase (for example, your IT Administrator), you may want to check with them first.
• If you received a notification when trying to install the software, Adobe has blocked a serial number due to misuse. Click the notification for options to resolve.

Software piracy occurs when:

• software has been modified or hacked, and/or
• keys or accounts that are known to have been stolen are used, and/or
• usage is not in line with the licensing terms of use (including the end-user license agreement).

Software piracy can expose businesses and consumers to security threats including malware and viruses, and can create decreased efficiencies for consumers and organizations.

Adobe cares that our customers get the best experience from Adobe software and apps, and develops programs to help ensure that customers are educated, informed, and protected. Programs include:

• investigating and bringing action against resellers of non-genuine software,
• blocking serial numbers that have been obtained or generated illegally
• informing customers if they have non-genuine software, both at installation and during product use, offering options to resolve the issue

Only genuine Adobe software gives you the latest features and functionality and ongoing access to support, plus the latest security protections.

Using non-genuine software poses a risk for individuals and organizations. Non-genuine software has frequently been modified, leading to issues such as:

• increased risk of exposure to viruses or spyware that can destroy or compromise data
• increased chances of the software not functioning correctly or failing completely
  

Invalid serial numbers are serial numbers that have been blocked by Adobe due to misuse. When Adobe discovers this fraudulent behavior, the invalid serial numbers are deactivated. Customers may only realize that a serial number has been deactivated when they attempt to install or reinstall the software and should follow the instructions provided to address this issue.

Non-genuine software can work normally until Adobe identifies and deactivates the fraudulent serial number. Once the serial number is deactivated, future attempts to install or reinstall will fail.

Adobe runs validation tests and notifies individuals and organizations that are using non-genuine software. These tests check for software modifications and invalid licenses. If you or someone in your organization has received a notification, this means that non-genuine software has been identified.

Adobe runs validation checks that identify if installed Adobe software or apps are genuine or non-genuine. When non-genuine software or apps are found, the service can inform users through notifications, providing options to resolve the issue. In addition to notifications, customers may also see the validation process running in their Activity monitor (macOS) or Task manager (Windows).

If you or someone in your organization has received a notification, it is because Adobe software or apps have been found that are not genuine. In order to remedy the issue, you should follow the instructions provided on the notification. 

If a user chooses to ignore notices and warnings, then Adobe may take appropriate additional action as necessary, including blocking access to the non-genuine software.

You may have received an email notifying you that our Fraud Prevention specialists have detected fraudulent behavior concerning Adobe serial number(s) associated with the software your company may be using. A fraud impacted serial number is one that may have been copied, stolen, sold, or misused. Please respond to the email for further information. 

In an effort to minimize disruption, Adobe will provide you with a new serial number to replace each impacted serial number. Each impacted serial number will then be deactivated to prevent continued misuse. Existing installations using impacted serial number(s) must be uninstalled and the new serial number(s) should be used for reinstallation and new installation.

No, the replacement serial number(s) will be provided at no additional cost. However, to avoid future misuse, please ensure that the new serial number(s) is secured and is used only by authorized personnel.

You may have received emails notifying you that our Fraud Prevention specialists have detected fraudulent behavior concerning the Adobe serial number(s) associated with the software your company may be using. The impacted serial number(s) will be deactivated to prevent continued misuse. Existing installations using the impacted serial number(s) must be uninstalled. New serial number(s) will be provided and should be used for reinstallation and new installation.