Buying Used Software – Questions and Answers
At Software ReUse, we frequently receive similar questions about used software, from both buyers and sellers. Many people are still unsure whether trading in used software is completely legal or what the benefits of used software are. We’ve summarized the most common of these questions for you here.
The same applies here: If you still have any concerns or questions about used software, please feel free to contact us at any time. We’d be happy to assist you personally!
Do you have questions about used software? We have the answers!
We are a software remarketer operating throughout Europe, which means we buy and sell used software, primarily from major vendors such as Microsoft, Adobe, VMware/Broadcom, and Oracle. This enables companies to save up to 75% on costs or to make use of untapped resources in the form of unused software licenses. We’d also be happy to advise you on how to optimize your software license purchases. Contact us!
Strictly speaking, the term “used software” is misleading, because software consists of bits and bytes and therefore cannot wear out. In this case, “used” simply means that the software is not being used for the first time and does not come directly from the manufacturer. Other than that, it’s just like new. That’s one of the advantages of used software!
Definitely yes. The sale of used software is legal throughout Europe. On July 3, 2012, the European Court of Justice ruled as follows: “A software manufacturer cannot prevent the resale of its ‘used’ licenses, which enable the use of its programs downloaded from the Internet, (…) even if the license agreement prohibits subsequent resale.” You can find more detailed information on this topic on our page “Legal Basis for Used Software.”
We purchase only from trusted sources that must confirm to us that the software is no longer in use.
We inspect the data storage media to ensure they are in good condition and readable.
Furthermore, we verify whether the software has been registered with the manufacturer and carry out a legally compliant license transfer.
These three steps ensure that the software can be used without any issues in your business!
Depending on the type of license you ordered, you will receive:
- Original license keys or serial numbers (MAK and KMS)
- Original owner’s information, contract details, and declaration of cancellation
- Optional: Data storage medium (if applicable or ordered separately)
- Invoice and Delivery Slip
Even with second-hand software, you retain the rights of the original purchaser. If the used version is eligible for updates, you also retain the right to purchase an update. The same applies to maintenance.
It is recommended that you purchase used software only from reputable providers that have been in business for several years.
Software ReUse has been transferring used software licenses since 2011—without any objections from the software manufacturers. We provide all the documents you need in accordance with the 2012 European Court of Justice ruling.
Companies are frequently audited by software vendors. To avoid costly retroactive licensing fees or even legal issues, proper licensing is essential.
Software ReUse stands for transparency—we disclose all documents related to the acquired software licenses. These typically include the original purchaser’s cancellation statement, contract numbers, and other essential contract components. This allows you to clearly demonstrate, in the event of an audit by the software vendors, that you have properly licensed your used software. Thanks to this transparency, we have been transferring used software without any objections from the software vendors since our founding in 2011.
It is advisable to sell used software to resellers who already have extensive expertise in this complex field.
Have you switched to the Microsoft subscription model? Software ReUse pays top prices for your software licenses that you no longer need. Even if you’ve taken advantage of the “Upgrade from Software Assurance” discount, you’re still legally permitted to sell your licenses. Contact our team to get an evaluation of your license portfolio.
You can also find more detailed information and answers to your questions about used software on our pages regarding the legal basis or license transfer. We’ve also summarized all the benefits of trading in used software, and we’re here to help you with a software audit!
Interested in buying or selling software for your organisation?
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