May 23, 2016  Adobe is carrying out validation tests to alert users who run pirated copies of their software. Those who have 'non genuine' software installed receive a pop-up.

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.

Software piracy exposes businesses and consumers to security threats including malware and viruses, and leads to decreased efficiencies for consumers and organizations.

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, including 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 have 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.

Adobe aims to stop the fraudulent supply of Adobe apps and services, and help users who have been the victims of fraud.

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

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

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.

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

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, and
• increased chances of the software not functioning correctly, or failing completely.

About Adobe software notifications – notifications at installation

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.

About Adobe software notifications – notifications during product use

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

Adobe runs validation checks that identify if an installed Adobe app is genuine or non-genuine. When non-genuine 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 (maocOS) or Task manager (Windows).

If you or someone in your organization has received a notification, it is because a software has been found that is not genuine.

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.

The product name is always displayed in the upper-left corner of the application window or menu bar.

If a file is opened, you see the filename followed with the product name. If no file is opened, you see the product name only.

The product name is displayed in the upper-left corner of the Mac menu bar, whether a file is open or not.

Identify track and version of Acrobat or Reader DC

• Acrobat DC: Choose Help > About Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. The pop-up window shows the product name, associated version string, and copyright message.

Find Non Genuine Adobe Software Mac Pro

• Acrobat Reader DC: Choose Help > About Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. The pop-up window shows the product name, associated version string, and copyright message.

• Acrobat Pro DC: Choose Acrobat Pro > About Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. The pop-up window shows the product name, associated version string, and copyright message

Adobe Software Download

• Acrobat Reader DC: Choose Acrobat Reader > About Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. The pop-up window shows the product name, associated version string, and copyright message.

Typically, the version string contains release year, build ID, and track ID.

Release year

Internal build number

Track ID: The first two digits indicate the ID that represents the track name; '20 represents the Continuous track, and '30 represents the Classic track.

Internal build number

The Acrobat DC product family introduces two tracks for both Acrobat and Reader, which are different products:

• Continuous: This track provides service-based tools as well as new features, security and platform enhancements, and bug fixes as part of frequent (and most often) silent updates. Over time, the Continuous track’s update cadence is more frequent than the Classic track. Classic license program customers do not have access to this track for Acrobat.
• Classic: This track is similar to the 10.x-11.x model, and does not provide new features in updates. Free services are available, but optional. Like previous releases, a quarterly update cadence delivers security and platform enhancements as well as bug fixes.

For more information, see Document Cloud Product Tracks.

Which Acrobat DC product is right for me—Reader, Acrobat Standard, or Acrobat Pro?

See the Acrobat DC product comparison to discover the best product for you.