A Cheap Product Key or an Audit-Proof Software License?

So-called “product keys” are often offered at low prices on individual competitors’ online platforms. However, purchasing such keys carries risks. Anyone looking for inexpensive alternatives will find questionable offers from software retailers on various online marketplaces that cost only a fraction of the official price.

Product Keys Without a Valid Microsoft License

But what’s the catch? In the vast majority of cases, these are product keys without audit-proof licenses. The vendors promise to send a download link along with a product key for activation via email within one day. In most cases, the software downloads successfully, but this product key will not pass a software audit by Microsoft.

In an interview with the computer magazine PC-Welt (PCwelt.de/October25, 2019), Microsoft clarifies that “a working product key is not the same as a valid license,” because: “Product keys are not ‘licenses’; they merely serve to allow customers who have already received a right of use (‘license’) for a computer program to install and activate it.” If such a product key is checked and found to be invalid, this may mean that the product key is deactivated until a legal product key with a valid license is entered. As a result, a user may no longer be able to use their software.

As the online magazine heise.de reported in an article by c’t (c’t 20/2020), the provider Lizengo is currently the subject of a criminal investigation on suspicion of fraud in connection with the sale of Microsoft activation keys, although the presumption of innocence applies.
According to the computer magazine, Lizengo is accused of having sold its customers in 2019 “product keys as alleged ‘licenses’ for computer programs from an American software manufacturer (in this case, Microsoft, editor’s note), who filed the complaint, without granting the buyers an actual right to use the computer programs.” According to c’t, an inspection of some product keys revealed “that product keys had already been transmitted to previous purchasers and, in some cases, used to activate Microsoft computer programs before Lizengo began distributing the product keys.” Microsoft subsequently initiated legal action against Lizengo’s management.

Update: The editorial team has learned that the Lizengo store has closed.

Buy Microsoft licenses legally and receive transparent licensing documents

If you want to be on the safe side, you can count on us.
At Software ReUse, the local pioneer in affordable and legal software licenses, you’ve been able to purchase used Microsoft and Adobe licenses since 2011, which are transferred to your company in compliance with EU law. You can save up to 75% in some cases—while enjoying 100% quality and performance in your daily work!

When you purchase the software , you will receive a valid license along with all the necessary documentation for an audit, including: contract details, the identity of the original purchaser, and a copy of the cancellation notice. This ensures that your company is 100% audit-ready.

Audit-compliant licenses, from Microsoft Office to Adobe Creative Suite

Software ReUse offers licenses for Microsoft Office 2016, Microsoft Office 2019 Professional Plus, and Windows 10 Professional, among others. Software ReUse also carries server licenses such as Windows Server 2019/2016, SQL Server 2017 and later, and Adobe Creative Suite CS6.

Do you have any questions about used software licenses?

In our facts , you’ll find more information about purchasing used software licenses. Or contact us via the contactform or by phone at +43 1 997 27 87-10 for a no-obligation consultation.

Sources:
PC Welt: October 25, 2010
Article from c’t 20/2020 / September 12, 2020