CyberLink licensing covers the terms under which CyberLink Corp. sells its consumer and business multimedia software and its FaceMe facial recognition products. The desktop line includes PowerDirector (video editing), PhotoDirector (photo editing), AudioDirector and ColorDirector, sold together as Director Suite. It also includes PowerDVD (media playback) and Power2Go (disc burning and backup).[3] The FaceMe line includes the FaceMe SDK, the FaceMe Platform API and turnkey solutions such as FaceMe Security.[9]
Each desktop product version has its own EULA, which is an agreement “between you, the end user, and CyberLink Corp.”[1] The software “is licensed to you, not sold to you”.[1] The grant allows the licensee to download and install the software “on a certain number of computer(s)/ device(s) in accordance with the number of the license(s) you purchased”.[1] The EULA then sets six licence types: individual, site, volume, evaluation or trial, subscription, and educational.[1]
Editions
Most CyberLink desktop products are sold in two forms:
- One-time purchase. For PowerDirector this is the current year’s version (PowerDirector 2027), described as a “lifetime license”, which “provides core editing tools”.[5]
- 365 subscription. For example PowerDirector 365, PhotoDirector 365 or Director Suite 365. The subscription “unlocks all new AI features, continuous updates, and millions of royalty-free stock assets”.[5] Plans are monthly, quarterly or yearly.[4]
A free version, PowerDirector Essential, has no time limit. In the free version, advanced AI tools and some export options are restricted.[5]
For organisations, CyberLink runs a volume licensing programme covering PowerDVD, PowerDirector, PowerDirector 365 for Windows and Mac, PhotoDirector, PowerDirector for Chromebooks and Power2Go.[3] It is described in CyberLink volume licensing and 365 subscriptions.
Metrics
| Unit | Catalog row | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Computer or device installation | CyberLink licensed computer or device | All desktop products; individual licences |
| One copy per device, capped at the bulk quantity | CyberLink volume licence seat | Volume licences |
| One product key per user per year | PowerDirector 365 volume product key | PowerDirector 365 volume subscriptions |
| Single location, user cap | CyberLink site licence | Site licences |
| Video channel | FaceMe Security video channel | FaceMe Security |
The EULA describes a volume licence as follows: “Only one copy per device may be installed”, and “The total number of licensed copies will be limited to a capped number according to the purchased quantity in bulk.”[1] A site licence is “licensed to be used in a single location”, with the maximum number of users set by the separate site licence agreement.[1]
Counting / floors
- Installations. Count installed copies against licences bought. The EULA allows one backup copy: “You shall not reproduce the SOFTWARE unless for backup purposes and limited to one copy only”. Volume licence holders may make several backups.[1]
- Volume minimums. Perpetual products in the volume programme have a “Minimum order quantity of 10 units”, with “No contract or ongoing purchase commitments required”. PowerDirector 365 is sold in tiers starting at 5 subscriptions.[3]
- Subscriptions. Each PowerDirector 365 volume key “unlocks one year of subscription”. Retail subscriptions renew automatically “until you cancel”.[3][4]
Virtualization & partitioning
The EULAs count computers and devices and say nothing specific about virtual machines, terminal servers or shared desktops. The only rules on copies are those for volume licences, which allow one copy per device, and the one-backup limit.[1] CyberLink’s Japanese volume editions list use without an internet connection as a volume-only feature, available on enquiry.[10] Retail subscriptions need “a working internet connection”.[1]
Cloud / BYOL
CyberLink desktop software is installed locally. The 365 subscriptions include CyberLink Cloud storage, and stored files are deleted 90 days after a subscription ends or expires.[4] FaceMe Security “runs entirely on-premises, keeping biometric data inside your own network”. Edge and hybrid deployment options are also supported.[7]
FaceMe
FaceMe is CyberLink’s enterprise facial recognition line. CyberLink distinguishes two forms. FaceMe Security “is a ready-to-use software solution” that can be deployed without coding. The FaceMe SDK “is a customizable software development kit, allowing customers to integrate its functionality into their own applications”.[6] CyberLink says the SDK can be deployed on workstations, PCs, mobile devices, digital signage, access control devices, POS systems and kiosks, and supports major operating systems and edge computing platforms.[9]
CyberLink does not publish FaceMe licence terms or prices. The FAQ states the licensing basis: “FaceMe Security is typically licensed on a subscription basis per video channel. However, we also provide alternative options, including perpetual licenses.”[6] The core product includes face recognition, access control, central administration, investigations and privacy controls. “Optional add-ons such as Face Terminal, People Tracker, Virtual Fence, Check-In, and VMR are licensed separately.”[7] People Tracker is not sold on its own. It is enabled by “a license that includes the People Tracker feature”, and enabling it reduces “channel capacity by approximately 30% to 40%”.[8] Sizing should therefore be done after People Tracker has been switched on.
The FaceMe Security Central server needs an internet connection for licence activation. A “1st Time Activation” licence needs it only at first launch, and activation by QR code is possible without connecting the server.[6] Trial versions are provided “After signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)”.[6]
Programs
- Volume Licensing. Volume discounts for organisations, with no ongoing commitment.[3]
- 365 subscription. Subscriptions renew automatically. A full refund is available only within 30 days of the first subscription, and only if no free credits have been used.[4]
- Educational licence. “Licensed for educational purposes and non-commercial use only”.[1]
- Evaluation or trial licence. One copy per device, time-limited, “for non-commercial use”.[1]
- PowerDirector Essential. The free version, to which expired PowerDirector 365 accounts revert.[5]
Audits and compliance
The published EULAs have no audit clause. Compliance relies on product keys, Member Zone accounts and activation. On first use of some multimedia functions, the software collects “the serial number of your computer system and the product key (CD key) for activation purposes only”.[1] The software must be “lawfully acquired from CyberLink or through CyberLink’s authorized resellers otherwise you do not have a right to use the SOFTWARE”.[1] Resale “will cause an automatic termination” of the licence in general, subject to local law.[1]
Two points matter most for business use. Trial and educational licences are non-commercial. And CyberLink does not license certain video codec patents for revenue-generating use. “If you are going to use the SOFTWARE for your direct revenue-generating use or to serve as a main resource to generate revenue for you then additional licenses will be needed” from the patent pool administrators.[1] See CyberLink EULA: licence types, media and codec terms.
The EULA is governed by the laws of Taiwan, and disputes “shall be resolved in Taipei, Taiwan, pursuant to the Taiwan Arbitration Act”.[1]
Out of scope
- FaceMe SDK and FaceMe Platform licence agreements and prices, which CyberLink provides on request.
- Site licence agreements and reseller terms, which are not public.
- Mobile apps sold through app stores, and online services such as MyEdit and Promeo, which have their own terms.