Adobe Forums: Did I just bought an OEM version of the Creative Suite?

RidderGranolCommunity Member

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Did I just bought an OEM version of the Creative Suite?

Nov 4, 2009 3:58 PM

Hi All,

I recently bought and just received two copies of the Adobe Creative Suite 3, Web Premium. I have bought it through eBay from a very legimate software seller (100% positive feedback, 3296 ratings).

When I look at the back of the case I've received, a label states '90086876 DVS/A,STWD,3.0,WIN,ED,WWE,OEMBD'. Picture of the case can be seen at the end of this post. (The software came in a shrink-wrapped case)

What concerns me, is the word OEMDB. Does this mean that I have bought an OEM version of this software? Adobe states in his piracy FAQ that it is illegal to install an OEM version of the software on a computer other than the one on which the software came with. But what confuses me, is that I read elsewere on this forum that an OEM version of the Adobe Creative Suite does not exist, I really would like to know if this software is 100% legal, because I do not want to work with illegal software.

Also, the software was located in the USA, and is shipped to me in The Netherlands. Will that give any problems, too?

Thanks in advance,
Mark

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Dov Isaacs,

Adobe Employee

Nov 4, 2009 4:40 PM

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I recommend that you send a copy your posting plus the actual serial number and full purchase details to piracy@adobe.com. They will get back to you fairly quickly and let you know what's going on.

- Dov

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RidderGranol,

Community Member

Nov 5, 2009 12:24 AM

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Thanks, Dov. I just send the e-mail to the piracy department. How quick do they normally answer? (Because of the possible paypal claim which has to be filed within 30 days)

I'll post the results here.

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markrice,

Community Member

Jan 6, 2010 7:22 PM

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Hi RidderGranol,

Did you ever receive a reply from piracy@adobe.com? I'm very interested because a friend is trying to sell a version that looks VERY MUCH like yours. Please let me know. (email address deleted by host). I want it, but do not want an OEM.

Mark

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MichaelKazlow,

Community Member

Jan 6, 2010 7:21 PM

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There are no OEM version of the Suite. That is why he was referred to piracy@adobe.com

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markrice,

Community Member

Jan 6, 2010 8:42 PM

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Thanks. OK, no OEM... but what do these letters mean? I'm having great difficulty deciphering Adobe's product numbers/letters. I'm determined to stay legit' as I do with all my software, but without any reference on these product numbers/acronyms, it's a difficult endeavor.

Thanks for your help.

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Ian C. Matthew,

Community Member

Jan 7, 2010 6:55 AM

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OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer. Normally refers to a supplier or manufcturer to a particular market. In the computer business, you'll find OEM copies of Windows for example. OEM copies are usually cheaper as there are typically more restrictions such as (in the case of Windows) tieing the software to a particular PC and ofloading support to the system builder.

Like others, I am not aware of Adobe making OEM software except perhaps deals involving bundling Photoshop with a particular scanner model.

Ian

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markrice,

Community Member

Jan 7, 2010 8:51 AM

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I'm sorry I was not clear. What do the letters mean on his packaging (DVS/A,STWD,3.0,WIN,ED,WWE,OEMBD)?

Is there reason to assume that this copy is bad? The OEMDB may mean something completely different in Adobe's codes, but I cannot find any documentation as to Adobe's codes. That would be very helpful if we had something indicating what a legitimate label means.

Thanks again.

Mark

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RidderGranol,

Community Member

Jan 30, 2010 2:07 PM

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Hi guys,

Sorry for my late answer. I have contacted the Adobe Piracy support and e-mailed with Chris Stickle. He (kind of) confirmed that I have actually bought an OEM version of the Adobe Creative Suite. Not that I am very proud of... because it's just as illegal to use as an pirated version in my opinion.

[..] It is OEM software. It appears that it’s designed for sale/use in the Asia Pacific region(still trying to confirm) and can only be sold with new computers. It’s not legal to be sold otherwise. [..]

Chris Stickle
Enforcement Manager, Anti-Piracy

I bought my copy on eBay form the user: [removed by host so that people that are ok with purchasing OEMs cannot follow to the site] and his real name is Kent Arwood) and still sells a LOT of CS4 copies which, I guess, are all OEM versions. His shop is: [url removed by host so that people that are ok with purchasing OEMs cannot follow to the site]. So, don't buy from the ebay user pc_cellar !!

I contacted him about the fact that he sells OEM versions, and also confirmed me that he is aware of the fact he sells it. He told me fancy stories about the 'First sale doctrine' and the softman case, and that selling and using OEM software is legal in his opinion. (Search on Google to find out more about the First Sale Doctrine and the Softman case). But I just don't believe it. Here in the Netherlands there is (as far as I know) no such thing as the first sale doctrine. And even when there is, if the BSA (Business Software Alliance) come here and check out my software and see me using OEM, I'm in deep sneakers..

I've tried to contact the seller to get my money back, he answered polite untill the paypal buyer protection date expired. Since then, he doesn't respond anymore. I'm now contacting the local police to get this men stopping because he ripped me off $840

So guys, yes, OEM versions of the Creative Suite do exsist. But bon't buy them! Below some more pictures of the box and dvd's to help you identify an OEM version of the Creative Suite.

Anyone got an better idea to get my money back and sue him?
And, please, help me spread his ebay usernames on the web! So people a aware about his illegal sells.

I'll never ever going to buy software anywhere except at the vendor's official site, or at a local trustworthy shop! I really learned my lesson

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MichaelKazlow,

Community Member

Jan 30, 2010 2:05 PM

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I would still contact Paypal. Include your correspondence with Adobe. They might surprise you.

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Russell_MTL,

Community Member

Feb 3, 2010 3:25 PM

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MichaelKazlow wrote:

I would still contact Paypal. Include your correspondence with Adobe. They might surprise you.

And if you're paying your Paypal with a major credit card you could check if they offer a buyer protection benefit that might apply.

Russell

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dikobraz77,

Community Member

Feb 12, 2010 6:34 AM

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Hi RidderGranol,
It seems I have same problem. In my case I have got CS4 Design Premium OEMBD from Ebay´s power seller called Cyberpc (100% rating, over 31.000 sales!!!) . He assured me as well everything is fine, legal, COMMERCIALLY LICENSED software and it is confirmed with Adobe support. On the DVD discs there is written Bundle with HP products only. I got in the package blank rewriteable CD made by HP . I have contact other people they have bought the same SW and they got the same OEM product like me.

Please could you let me know what was the answer of PayPal and eBay? Did you solve it with them yet?
Thanks for your response!

Here is the auction:
http://global.ebay.com/Adobe_Creative_Suite_4_CS4_Design_Premium_WINDO WS_NEW/290368663949/item

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KBwebpro,

Community Member

Feb 18, 2010 9:07 PM

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I noticed some suspiciously cheap CS4 suites by ebay user "mozarkpcs". I looked up ebay user "pc_cellar" and I get redirected to Mozark PCs. Is it a group that changes names once detected or what? Why is there no negative feedback for 3000+ sales if it's not legit?

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erias86,

Community Member

Apr 19, 2010 3:43 AM

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Hello,

Ive got a similar problem, I have ordered discounted CS4 Web Premium. After 2 weeks time I received a letter with a DVD box inside. On the back of the box there was a registration code and ED - does it stand for Educational? There was also a piece of paper added inside the box stating that I have to use the code from the back of the box to register the software. The DVDs are the ones that You can order from Adobe.com for 11$ - 30 day trail. When I wrote to seller about the he mailed me:

The trial comes packaged with the keycode attached to the back of the item that will activate the program forever. That key is what Adobe charges for. Disks themselves are useless without it. Again this program is not valued at $10.99 (that is referring to a trial without a keycode (in other words only good for 30days). This FULL version we have is packaged in a colorful DVD case (not a sealed retail box) but it is brand new 100% genuine and includes everything you need: content dvds, video tutorial dvd, and keycodes to be able to register and download updates direct from Adobe. We can offer this item cheaper because Adobe sells them to us for less due to this packaging. Again the license is new and unused and we offer a 100% money back guarantee if your whatever reason you do like anything you buy from us.

I have mailed at piracy@adobe.com couple of days ago but no answer till now.
Do You think this could be true and this software can be used comercially legally?

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MichaelKazlow,

Community Member

Apr 19, 2010 10:41 AM

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Do You think this could be true and this software can be used comercially legally?

No. But you knew that before you asked.

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erias86,

Community Member

Apr 19, 2010 12:01 PM

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Either You or someone from Adobe support who I chatted today is wrong.
After checking the serial Ive got confirmation that everything is OK.

Why do You think I cant use it legally?

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Dov Isaacs,

Adobe Employee

Apr 19, 2010 1:34 PM

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What the support person from Adobe told you was that the serial number was valid and that the software could be installed and run without issue.

However, that doesn't mean that either the vendor was legally entitled to sell that software to you or that you qualified to purchase or use that software with that packaging. Various unscrupulous so-called merchants on e-Bay and elsewhere resell copies of Adobe software either meant for the educational marketplace, large organizations, or bundling only with specific hardware purchases from specific vendors. Or in some cases, they have stolen valid serial numbers.

- Dov

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erias86,

Community Member

Apr 19, 2010 3:06 PM

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That means that one cannot be shure if software is legal when buying it from someone else then Adobe or reseller.

Could You please tell me one more thing, can't there be any posibility that what merchant was saying is true? Couldn't he really have activated the 30day trial version? I just want to be 100% sure before I send my order back to States.

PS Does Web Premium ED next to serial number on the back of the box stands for educational?

TIA,

Wojtek

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Dov Isaacs,

Adobe Employee

Apr 19, 2010 3:50 PM

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function(){return A.apply(null,[this].concat($A(arguments)))}

erias86 wrote:

That means that one cannot be shure if software is legal when buying it from someone else then Adobe or reseller.

Could You please tell me one more thing, can't there be any posibility that what merchant was saying is true? Couldn't he really have activated the 30day trial version? I just want to be 100% sure before I send my order back to States.

PS Does Web Premium ED next to serial number on the back of the box stands for educational?

TIA,

Wojtek

You always need to be very careful when purchasing software licenses. (Note that I say purchasing software licenses because you are almost never actually purchasing the software, only the right under certain circumstances specified in the End User License Agreement to use the software!) Just because someone sets up a store on the internet and claims they are selling legitimate goods, doesn't necessarily mean anything. There are indeed copies of Adobe software legitimately sold second hand or new software (i.e., never been opened or installed on any computer) in retail packaging sold by persons or organizations that are not part of Adobe or Adobe's reseller program. There is no problem with that software. But there is a problem if some "vendor" tries to improperly sell you an education version that you are not entitled to buy or tries to "unbundle" an OEM copy (designed for bundling with some other product) or a copy using a serial number purchased under Adobe's Volume Licensing Program meant for many copies within a particular organization (such as a design company) and not for resale.

I don't know exactly what the merchant told you either verbally or in writing, but unless you qualify for an educational or student version (in which case you must provide physical evidence of such eligibility before licensing the software) or you purchase some typically expensive hardware device / computer for which there is a bundle deal for which you qualify for a low bundle price, the only Adobe software that you can legally and validly use beyond the demo version for 30 days only is the full retail version of the product.

- Dov

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