The difference with software is that I don't need to buy the library to use the computer. Not sure which FPGA's you're using since all the big players force you to use their shitty tools and charge massive license fees for the privilege
thowayedidoqo, I can still use them without the libraries. For example, I could write my own FFT or compression routine. It just may be cheaper to license them from the vendor or a third party. I have done plenty of designs without paid IP. I have used IP from Xilinx, Altera (pre-Intel), and third parties.