For context, I want to run a small personal gig (offering stuff on Patreon). Nothing too fancy.
In order to do that, I would need to use the Adobe suite, Windows, some audio and video effects, all requiring a commercial license.
In theory, I start to make money. How would Microsoft and Adobe know that I don’t pay for their software?
If I use some audio effects, how would their owners even be able to tell / find my work? We’re talking about basic sound effect, like rain, door knocks etc.
I’ve always been confused by this
I don’t know why you’re being downvoted, because this is a real practice
There’s a page on Adobes website about them putting the serial number of your license in files you create. It’s usually not a “we immediately know” type thing, but a “if we find out and check, it’s pretty obvious to us” way. I’m not sure how else people think they would enforce the licenses anyways. It’s not just a licence to use the software, but to use the final product commercially.