The license to use the software is a big part of what you purchase when you buy the software. As musicians we can appreciate the need to protect intellectual property. Copyright laws protect our music, lyrics, and other creative endeavors. We know that the act of passing off someone else's work as our own is very clearly wrong, and highly illegal. In the realm of sampling we are educated about the fine line between using a small sample to augment our own work and stealing an entire riff. But what about using software we haven't paid for to create these music works; there is no problem in doing that, is there? The answer to that question should be obvious.

Piracy is a big issue when it comes to software. But what does that all mean? Piracy is using software that you either have not paid for (ie: cracked software) or software that you purchased that you are running on more than one system that you have not acquired the appropriate licenses for.

Here is a brief overview of Steinberg's Licensing Contract that you obtain when you purchase your software:

By opening the sealed CD-ROM and/or filling out and sending in the registration card of your newly purchased software, you are declaring yourself to be in full agreement of the terms and conditions of the Licensing Contract. If after you read the Contract and you do not agree with the conditions of that Contract, then you should immediately return the unopened software and all other parts of the package (ie: disks, dongle and manuals) to the dealer where you purchased the software.

The Object of the Contract is the computer software that you purchased. Steinberg grants the user (Licensee) the right to use the software, but that right is not exclusive, nor is it transferable unless special permission has been granted by Steinberg Canada. The License applies to one single computer only. However, if the single computer is connected to a multi-user system, then this License shall apply to all users of the system.

The Licensee may personally use the software temporarily on another system, but may not allow other users or third parties to do so. This means that the lending of software is not permitted.

You may create backup copies of the CD-ROM disks for safe-keeping in storage in case the original disks become damaged. If you create any backup copies of the software, you must keep record of all copies made and will be legally obliged to provide this information to Steinberg if there is any suspicion of misuse. If requested by Steinberg, you must destroy any backup copies that you have made.

Steinberg Media Technology AG maintains that it is the holder of all rights of ownership and all other over the licensed software, hardware and all documentation related to the licensed software. If any copies are made, it must be assured that Steinberg's copyright notice is attached to that copy.

Steinberg and the Licensee are aware that functionality defects in the licensed software cannot be totally ruled out, in the present state of technical knowledge, even if the greatest care is taken. Steinberg's legal liability for programming errors in the licensed software, including later updates provided for under this contract, is therefore restricted to any case of Steinberg acting with intent or gross negligence.

Should the software disks or hardware protection from the licensed software prove defective, the Licensee can demand replacement during a period of 6 months from receipt of the licensed software and hardware.

At Steinberg's discretion, the guarantee can take the form of changing the licensed software or exchanging it for a different licensed software. In those instances when, within the context of the guarantee, the scope of the licensed software would have to be changed, in particular if more memory capacity is needed for the program, the the licensee can make no claims of any kind against Steinberg.

The contract comes into force to moment when the seal pack of disks is opened or when the registration card is returned to Steinberg and remains in force for an undetermined amount of time until notice of termination is served by either the Licensee or by Steinberg. The Licensee can serve a 30 days' notice of termination at any time by registered letter.

If you should have any questions concerning this License Contract or wish to speak to a representative from Steinberg Canada for any reason, please contact us: Steinberg Canada.