The new thinking on marketing by animation software companies is to offer FREE licenses to all students and academic staff. It makes sense for both parties. Companies get their products into academic institutions, the software becomes an accepted part of courses and students enter the industry with specific skills. My University use free tools from UNITY, AUTODESK and UNREAL and the benefits are positive for the companies involved.
Educational Institutes are not looking to exploit companies and there are better ways for companies to protect their interests (eg. limited versions / watermarks / advertising etc)
ToonBoom need to step up and make the sensible move.