• Can I use multiple instances of FileMaker software on a single computer running multiple operating systems (e.g., using virtualization or other technologies)?
• We would like to purchase additional licenses for our workgroup, but because we have several old machines we are not all able to use the current version of FileMaker. But our FileMaker software version 9 and earlier versions will no longer be supported. What can we do?
• May I use FileMaker software on different computers over a network so long as I never use more copies concurrently than the number of copies licensed?
• Am I allowed to use FileMaker software that I've licensed on my computer at work on my home or portable computer?
• Can I transfer my FileMaker software license to someone else?
• FileMaker Pro has some license restrictions regarding the use of the software when hosting multiple clients. Can I use FileMaker Pro with middleware?
• I've created a database template using FileMaker Pro software and was wondering whether I can distribute this template to others?
• Regarding FileMaker Applications in multi-user environments, how many licenses do I need to purchase?
• Can I purchase a FileMaker Application as a developer, modify it and sell it as my own?
• What is the difference between an "Upgrade" and a "Trade Up", and how does it affect my license rights?

Can I use multiple instances of FileMaker software on a single computer running multiple operating systems (e.g., using virtualization or other technologies)?

No, you may only install and use a single copy of FileMaker software per license on the computer, and you may not use multiple instances of FileMaker software on the same computer at the same time. You will need to pay for additional licenses if you want to run multiple instances of FileMaker software on a computer at the same time.

However, for customers upgrading to FileMaker 12 software, since the file format has changed FileMaker will allow the following. Customers upgrading to FileMaker 12 software may temporarily use FileMaker 11 or FileMaker 10 software that you have previously licensed on the same computer for the limited period necessary to migrate your database files to operate with FileMaker 12 software. In these upgrade situations you still only own a single license to use the software.

We would like to purchase additional licenses for our workgroup, but because we have several old machines we are not all able to use the current version of FileMaker. But our FileMaker software version 9 and earlier versions will no longer be supported. What can we do?

FileMaker gives both Volume License Agreement (VLA) customers and Single License (boxed or downloaded product) customers the right to purchase new (not upgrade) licenses of FileMaker software version 12 and install an earlier, supported version of FileMaker, not to exceed the total number of new licenses purchased. Solution Bundle Agreement (SBA) customers do not receive downgrade rights. If a customer uses an older version of FileMaker software, it is licensed "AS IS," WITH ALL FAULTS AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.

As of September 27, 2012, FileMaker will no longer offer support for FileMaker 9 products or earlier versions. This means that FileMaker will no longer provide downgrade rights, replacement media, technical support, downgrade media, or downgrade installation codes for these unsupported versions. Therefore, you will no longer be able to downgrade to FileMaker 9, however, you can downgrade to other supported versions. It is important to remember that FileMaker Pro 11, 10, and 9 use the same file formats, allowing these versions to run together in your workgroup.

May I use FileMaker software on different computers over a network so long as I never use more copies concurrently than the number of copies licensed?

No. Your software copies may not be shared concurrently by different computers. You must acquire and dedicate a license for each computer which will be using the FileMaker software. Although you may run the software from an internal network, each computer which has access to the software from such network requires its own license. The same rule applies to use of the software in a terminal server environment. Again, you must acquire and dedicate a license for each computer or client which is provided access to the FileMaker software on the terminal server.

Am I allowed to use FileMaker software that I've licensed on my computer at work on my home or portable computer?

In order to provide our customers with the flexibility to take their work home with them, we provide limited home/portable use rights for FileMaker Pro software. As long as you are the primary user of the computer at work, you may make a second copy of FileMaker software for your exclusive use on either a home or portable computer. Note that you may only make one such additional copy for either your home or portable computer, but not both. And only you, and no one else, may use the copy of the FileMaker software installed on such second computer. Please note that these rights do not apply to students if the software is part of a volume license program ordered at an education discount. Further, these rights do not apply to FileMaker Server software.

Can I transfer my FileMaker software license to someone else?

If you have a single-user retail version of FileMaker software, you can request permission to transfer your license to another party. Please review FileMaker's Software Transfer Policy for Single-Users and download the Transfer of License form. For information regarding transferring volume licenses, please review the FileMaker Software Transfer Policy for Volume License Customers.

FileMaker Pro has some license restrictions regarding the use of the software when hosting multiple clients. Can I use FileMaker Pro with middleware?

In general, if you want to use middleware, you should use FileMaker Server, and not FileMaker Pro. The FileMaker Pro license includes a restriction in Section 2(c) that Licensee is prohibited from using FileMaker Pro with any middleware, application server, CGI, or other software or technology that allows more than a single client to access any FileMaker Pro database." If the middleware allows more than a single client to access a FileMaker Pro database, then it is prohibited by this license restriction and you'll need to use FileMaker Server with such middleware. But if the middleware does not allow more than single client access to FileMaker Pro databases, then it is acceptable to use with FileMaker Pro.

I've created a database template using FileMaker Pro software and was wondering whether I can distribute this template to others?

You may distribute database templates that you originally create using FileMaker Pro software to third parties. You may not, however, distribute copies of the FileMaker Pro software itself. The parties to whom you distribute your database template will need to license their own copy of FileMaker Pro software to utilize the template. In many respects its analogous to word processing documents and a word processing application -- the document created is freely distributable, but recipients will need their own word processing application in order to read the document.

Regarding FileMaker Applications in multi-user environments, how many licenses do I need to purchase?

As is the case with other FileMaker products, you must pay for one license per computer installation. Please review the complete software license terms for additional details regarding backup, portable and home use rights.

Can I purchase a FileMaker Application as a developer, modify it and sell it as my own?

No. FileMaker's standard license only allows you to modify the Software for your internal use, and you may not distribute modified or unmodified versions of the FileMaker Applications to other people. Please contact FileMaker if you are interested in a special volume license under FileMaker's SBA (Software Bundle Agreement) program which allows for the distribution of FileMaker software.

What is the difference between an “Upgrade” and a “Trade Up”, and how does it affect my license rights?

Customers “upgrade” when they replace an eligible older version of the software (e.g., FileMaker Pro 11) with the current version (e.g., FileMaker Pro 12).  An upgrade also occurs when a customer transitions from FileMaker Server 12 to FileMaker Server 12 Advanced.  In these upgrade situations the FileMaker software license terms state, “the upgrade or update does not constitute the granting of a second license to the Software (i.e., you may not use the upgrade or update in addition to the software it is replacing, nor may you transfer the software which is being replaced to a third party).”  Following an upgrade, the customer only has one license because they received a special discount price when they paid for the upgrade.

Customers “trade up” when they transition from the current version of FileMaker Pro 12 to FileMaker Pro Advanced 12.  In this trade up situation, the customer has two licenses.  So in this trade up situation, the customer may continue to use both FileMaker Pro 12 and FileMaker Pro Advanced 12 software on the same or different computers.  This applies to volume licensing only.