One of the most common questions when buying cheaper software: 'Is this even legal?' For the European Union, the answer is a clear yes – and it comes straight from the EU's highest court. Understanding the ruling helps you buy with confidence and spot a trustworthy seller.
One of the most common questions when buying cheaper software: 'Is this even legal?' For the European Union, the answer is a clear yes – and it comes straight from the EU's highest court. Understanding the ruling helps you buy with confidence and spot a trustworthy seller.
In its 2012 UsedSoft v. Oracle judgment (case C-128/11), the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that the resale of 'used' software licenses is legal. Germany's Federal Court of Justice confirmed this in 2013. The principle behind it is called exhaustion of distribution rights.
Buying pre-owned software is firmly legal in the EU, confirmed at the highest court level. The key is buying from a reputable seller who handles the transfer correctly and gives you an invoice and a working key – then you save money with full peace of mind.
At KeyVano you can buy genuine software licenses across the DACH region: Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The licenses are valid internationally and are not tied to any country – you get the same prices, the same instant delivery by email and the same support everywhere. Whether you order from Vienna, Zurich, Berlin or anywhere else, the process is identical and free of country-specific restrictions.
Yes. The Court of Justice of the European Union (UsedSoft v Oracle, C-128/11, 2012) and Germany's Federal Court of Justice (2013) confirmed that reselling perpetual software licenses is legal under the exhaustion principle.
Once a software maker sells a copy in the EU for a one-time fee for unlimited use, its distribution right is 'exhausted' – it cannot block that copy from being resold.
No. The ruling applies to perpetual, one-time-purchase licenses. Time-limited subscriptions are a different model and are not covered.
Buy from a reputable seller who provides a proper invoice, a valid product key and documents the lawful ownership transfer. Keep the purchase confirmation as proof.
Yes. KeyVano delivers software licenses to Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Delivery is instant by email everywhere, prices are the same for all countries, and the license keys work worldwide without regional locks.