How do companies know if I use cracked software or assets for my personal gig?
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.
Your clients might be performing due diligence and ask you for copies of your licenses. Especially if they're in a jurisdiction that's more litigious than others
I’ve worked for studios, been freelancing for two decades. Not once have I, or have even heard of any client requesting proof of software lol. Moreover, there isn’t any legal impact to the client regardless. Nor is the onus on the client to ever prove such a fact.
It also disproves your original statements. Most clients won’t care in some verticals. Others conduct regular audits of themselves and all their contractors.