Of course, pre-owned software is completely legal. A user who has purchased a perpetual license within the EU/EEA has the right (according to EU law) to transfer ownership of any specific product or purchased software copy to other private users or entities. This does not require any approval or authorization from the copyright holder (e.g., Microsoft), as their distribution rights were exhausted upon the first sale.

In simple terms, pre-owned software functions similarly to second-hand equipment or book purchases. After reading a book, it can freely be sold to someone else. The original purchaser no longer has control over the fate of the used equipment or the sold copy of the book. The same applies to pre-owned software – once uninstalled from the original owner’s device, it can be passed on to another user.

Check the detailed legal basis.

Purchasing pre-owned software primarily means acquiring the right to a license, allowing the buyer to use the software. Along with the software, buyers receive a product key essential for activation.

For every completed order, we include an invoice and our certificate of legality. These documents are sufficient to prove the legal acquisition of the license. If needed, we also provide license keys required for activation. For CAL licenses, a key is not necessary for activation.

We specialize as software brokers, providing our clients with software from companies with surplus licenses and trusted suppliers across Europe. Our portfolio includes Microsoft products offered through the volume licensing program, which perfectly meets the needs of diverse businesses and organizations.

A license and a product key are not the same. The right to use the software is granted by owning the appropriate license, not just the product key. The product key is only used for installing and activating the licensed program, but it does not grant usage rights. Without the proper license, using the program is prohibited.

Yes, it does. Pre-owned software has access to all security updates and fixes released by the producer, in line with the lifecycle policy of the product. This ensures the same functionality and standard technical support provided by Microsoft or other software producers. Updates and security patches for pre-owned software purchased from us are identical to those for new software sold directly by the producer.

Buying pre-owned software allows small and medium-sized enterprises to significantly reduce IT costs without compromising functionality or technical support. This enables them to allocate saved funds to other areas of business while benefiting from fully functional software tailored to their needs with expert guidance from Soft360.

Every product purchased from us comes with a certificate of legality and an invoice. You also receive all legally required documents necessary for the proper transfer of license ownership. Remember, pre-owned software is fully legal unless it comes from a fraudulent source. Thankfully, by purchasing software from Soft360, you don’t have to worry about this, as we always source from trusted and verified suppliers.

No. Acquiring a license for second-hand software does not require complicated documentation, including statements from previous owners about uninstalling the program. A ruling by the Hamburg Higher Regional Court in August 2016 (case no. 406 HKO 148/16) states that disclosing the chain of rights (previous license owners) is not required for legal trade of pre-owned software. This decision effectively debunks the myth that such disclosure is necessary and confirms that a simple proof of purchase is sufficient.