Ambiguous Import/Export Permissions

[Bartalon]

So I've been looking for answers to this question (and variations thereof) all over Google and it seems to be generally unanswered or nonexistent for some reason.

• If I export a file as an FBX or OBJ from a student edition of software, am I "allowed" to import that file into a legitimately licensed version for commercial use?

I asked an Autodesk agent about it and the best they could do is link me this page on AutoCAD Architecture but noted that this pertains to all Autodesk software:

http://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad-architecture/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcart...

However, this only explains what will cause a "student edition" warning to pop up and doesn't mention anything about whether importing such file types into a licensed copy is "compliant," I think is the word Autodesk uses.

Basically I'm wondering if I can move some old work from the student edition into a licensed copy, finish it there and still be able to use it commercially.

Thanks in advance 

[Steve_Curley · Accepted solution]

Simple answer. No.
Longer answer. No. Student versions are for learning - ONLY. Nothing made with student versions may be used commercially - ever - regardless of how you attempt to circumvent (by exporting the object) the licensing in place at the the time the model was created. There is no ambiguity at all.

I should point out that any discussion advocating software piracy (which includes the commercial use of a non-commercially licensed Autodesk product) is strictly forbidden and will be removed from the forum and may be forwarded to the Autodesk antipiracy department.

Note that this question has been asked before. many times, and always with the same answer. How Google could possibly have missed all the references I do not know...

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/installation-hardware-os/maya-licensing/m-p/4775835#M7315
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?siteID=123112&id=18270111
http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/maya-general/student-edition-models-transition-to-retail-license/m-p/4...

[Bartalon]

Thanks for the links and such.  This particular question was actually a follow up question to an even more specific situation that an Autodesk agent was able to answer.  I don't feel so bad for not finding results since the agent couldn't produce anything either; I was probably being way too specific with my search strings 😛  

Just to be clear, I'm not trying to advocate piracy or circumvent legal use, that intent wasn't even mentioned in my post.  I'm trying to avoid noncompliance by finding answers to specific circumstances.  No need for the disapproving warnings.

Cheers

[Steve_Curley]

The warnings were as much for the benefit of others who might consider such a course of action, not entirely aimed at you. Consider them a gentle reminder 😉