Vector embedded software, maintenance and support terms are the documents that govern what Vector supplies beyond the right to run a desktop tool: source code that ends up inside a customer’s control units, new versions of licensed tools, and help from Vector’s support staff. Vector publishes them as separate terms and conditions next to its EULA.[4] They matter to a software asset manager because they create obligations that do not show up in a licence server: per-ECU licence validity, consent before transfer, a duty to renegotiate after an acquisition, and version limits on maintenance and support.
Editions
The Terms and Conditions for Embedded Software apply to “embedded software for microcontrollers or processors in control units” and to the generation tools Vector provides with it (Embedded Tools). They distinguish:[1]
- Standard Software: Vector Software not developed specifically for the customer.
- Modified Standard Software: Standard Software that Vector has changed or extended for the customer.
- Project Software: software developed for the customer that is neither of the above.
- Services: consulting, review, coaching, commissioning and integration.
Embedded Software is delivered as source code and Embedded Tools as executables. It is fit for series use in a vehicle or other system only if the Individual Contract says so. Otherwise it is Non-Series Software for prototype, evaluation or development use.[1]
Metrics
The unit of embedded licensing is the Licensed Control Unit. Vector grants “the non-exclusive, perpetual and worldwide right to use the Standard Software agreed in the Individual Contract according to the licence validity specified therein”. The grant covers reproducing and modifying the Embedded Software, linking the compiled object code into “control units covered by the license validity”, and, unless the software is Non-Series Software, distributing the object code as part of those Licensed Control Units.[1] The licence validity, such as which ECU projects or vehicle programmes are covered, is set in the Individual Contract and is not public. Catalog proof: Embedded Software: object code only in Licensed Control Units.
Use by group companies is allowed only “if so agreed in the Individual Contract”. Customer Contractors may exercise the rights to reproduce, modify and link only for a limited time and only to develop the Licensed Control Units. They must be bound by equivalent confidentiality, must not be Vector competitors, and must return or destroy the software afterwards.[1]
Counting / floors
Transfer. The customer may not transfer its right of use to a third party “without Vector’s prior written consent”. Vector will not refuse consent in bad faith for a first transfer, if the customer stops using and deletes all copies and the recipient accepts the restrictions in writing.[1] Catalog proof: Embedded Software: transfer only with Vector's consent.
Mergers and acquisitions. After a merger or acquisition, the customer “shall renegotiate an increase in the license fee” if its sales of products containing the Standard Software increase by at least 10% compared with the time the transaction took effect. It must tell Vector in writing, on request at any time, whether that threshold has been reached. Where group companies may use the software, their sales can be counted too.[1] This clause turns corporate transactions into a licensing event that should be tracked alongside the deal. Catalog proof: Embedded Software: fee renegotiation after M&A with 10% sales growth.
AUTOSAR field of use. Software based on AUTOSAR specifications or implementations may be used “only for Automotive Applications” (engine-powered, land-based, non-railed vehicles intended mainly for transport) and Derived Applications. Derived Applications exclude ultra-hazardous fields such as aerospace, aviation, nuclear power, chemical or biological reactors, petrochemicals and most military uses. This section overrides the Individual Contract.[1] Catalog proof: AUTOSAR-based Embedded Software limited to automotive and derived applications.
Protection of know-how. The customer may not reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble the Vector Software, remove copyright notices, or use it or its know-how to develop competing products. It must store the software only on its own systems and limit access to people with a strict need.[1] Third-party and open-source components carry their own terms, which prevail where they conflict.[1]
Programs
Embedded Software maintenance
“Maintenance of Standard Software will only be provided for the latest version provided by Vector for series production use.” Its content and scope are set in the Individual Contract. Maintenance fees are payable in advance, while support services, travel costs and expenses are invoiced on a time-and-material basis.[1] Claims for defects expire 24 months after the Passing of the Risk, unless a longer statutory period applies, and are excluded for software not released for series production or modified by the customer.[1] Vector’s total liability is capped at the lesser of the price paid under the Individual Contract giving rise to the claim and EUR 100,000, with the usual statutory exceptions.[1] See Embedded Software maintenance. Catalog proof: Embedded maintenance only for the latest series-production version.
Maintenance of standard tools
For standard tools under the EULA, “Maintenance” is “the licensing and delivery of new versions of a Product provided by Vector during the Maintenance Period under a maintenance contract”, and it does not include support. It is an optional addition to a perpetual licence, mandatory for some products. It can be concluded only for the current version, runs one year by default and is paid in advance.[2] Because a contract cannot be made for an older version, a perpetual licence whose maintenance has lapsed cannot simply resume coverage at its old version. Delivered maintenance shows up as a licence update in the Vector License Client, which applies to all licences on a carrier and cannot be undone.[5] See Perpetual License with maintenance contract. Catalog proof: Maintenance only for the current version, one year, paid in advance; Licence updates apply to all licences on a carrier and cannot be undone.
Standard Support
The Terms and Conditions for Standard Support govern “the free standard support” for Vector standard software and hardware products bought under a licence contract that refers to them. Support is offered by email, the Vector Customer Portal and telephone, available 24/7 through the portal and handled during local business hours.[3] Key limits:
- “Support covers the versions of the relevant Vector Products released by Vector over the last five (5) years.” Older versions need a separate offer, which may be charged.
- “Vector does not guarantee any response or resolution times”, and Vector may close a ticket at its discretion.
- Update packages, service packs, patches and bug fixes are “expressly excluded from the scope of support and is governed solely by the underlying license contracts”. Project support and support for customer-specific deliveries are excluded too.
- Support is free, so Vector is liable only for intent or gross negligence.
Source: Standard Support terms.[3] Vector’s subsidiaries apply the Vector Informatik GmbH support terms rather than their own.[4] See Vector Standard Support. Catalog proof: Standard Support covers versions released in the last five years; Standard Support excludes updates, patches and bug fixes.
Free Utilities and Sample Code
EULA Annex 4 covers software Vector provides free of charge. Utilities needed to commission or use a product are for the customer’s own use and may not be modified or distributed. Sample Code and Sample Configurations may be modified and used productively for the customer’s own purposes, but not sold, given to third parties or made public, “e.g. by uploading them to Github or similar platforms”. Vector may change or discontinue both at any time.[2]
Virtualization & partitioning
The embedded terms contain no virtualization or hardware-partitioning rule; the licensed unit is the control unit within the licence validity.[1] The Embedded Tools that generate configuration code are delivered under the same terms. Desktop tools such as DaVinci Configurator are licensed under the EULA license types described in Vector Informatik EULA license types and restrictions.
Out of scope
- Individual Contracts for embedded software, including licence validity definitions, fees and royalties, which are not public.
- Terms for modifications, software development, studies, consultancy and training, which Vector publishes separately.
- Paid support offerings beyond Standard Support.