Adobe Reader Distribution Rights

Does your company distribute Adobe Reader to employees? ... if so, make sure you have a valid Distribution License.

Many companies are unaware of their obligations when they distribute Adobe Reader software within their organisation, that is ...

 ... even though it's free it still needs a license arrangement with Adobe.

Now it's not as onerous as it sounds - it can all be done online, so lets look at some of the detail.

When do I need it?

A Distribution License Agreement is required for:

• ​Corporations and organisations that want to distribute Acrobat Reader or the Acrobat Reader mobile app on a company intranet site or local network.
• Commercial vendors that want to bundle Acrobat Reader or the Acrobat Reader mobile app on physical media such as a CD or DVD, on OEM hardware such as computers and mobile devices or with OEM hardware such as scanners.

Individuals interested in the software for personal use can download it free without applying for a Distribution License.
​
Note: You do not need to apply for a Reader Distribution License if you prefer to direct users from your website to Adobe.com to download Reader.

What does the Agreement allow me to do?

You will be authorised to:

• Distribute the current version of Adobe Reader within your organisation, for internal use only, from ​a copy of the software installed on a file server for the purpose of downloading and installation to computers within your internal network.
• Distribute the software on a standalone basis on physical media including a hard drive.

What are the key restrictions?

You must:

1. Only distribute the version of Adobe Reader stated in your confirmation email.
2. install only one copy of the software on a file server for the purpose of allowing use via NFS, Citrix or other virtualisation technologies.
3. Within 6 months of the release of a major new version by Adobe, cease distributing the current version and move distribution to the new version.
4.  Not configure or distribute the software for use without installation, other than as provided for under (2) above.

Ok, got it ... what do I do now?

You'll need to apply for a desktop license which will take just a few minutes and is required to determine how you intend to use Reader. After you complete the short online form, you'll receive an email with a link to the installers. You'll also need to mark a renewal date 12 months from receipt to reapply - the agreement is only valid for one year.