Adobe is expanding its corporate philanthropy concept to donate software to schools and other worthy causes in France, Germany, the UK and Japan.

Previously only operating in the US and Canada, the scheme is part funded by cash raised from the company's Robin Hood anti-piracy scheme which has so far recovered pirated software worth over $1M.

The products involved are Acrobat, FrameMaker, GoLive, Illustrator, InDesign, PageMaker and Photoshop. Product donations are coordinated by Gifts In Kind International, a non-profit organisation that serves as the link between corporate donors and the charitable community.

"Adobe is pleased to provide its design software to inspire and educate on a worldwide basis" said Adobe president Bruce Chizen, "By gaining experience and building skills using today's technology, schools and other non-profit organisations will be prepared to actively participate in the creation of future technologies."

A registration form for the scheme is available from the Adobe web site. ®