Office 2024, Windows 11, ...
K44

Second-hand software licences: the resale market explained

Second-hand software, used licences, pre-owned licences: different terms for the same thing. Here we explain what second-hand software licences are, how the resale market works and why a used licence is in no way technically inferior to a new one.

At a glance

What are second-hand software licences? We explain the term, how the resale market works and why used licences are technically equivalent to new ones.

4,88★
Trusted Shops
Excellent
<5 min
Response time
Live chat (Mon to Fri)
90 days
Support
Free after purchase
90 days
Money back
Voluntary guarantee

What second-hand means when it comes to software

Second-hand software refers to a licence that has already been lawfully sold once and is now being passed on. The term sounds like used goods showing wear and tear, but that isn't quite right. Software does not wear out. A pre-owned licence activates the same software with the same features as one bought new.

This resale market is made possible by the principle of exhaustion. Once a licence has been sold with the manufacturer's consent, it may be resold. The ECJ ruling C-128/11 of 2012 confirmed this for the EU; in Switzerland, Art. 12 para. 2 CopA applies.

How the resale market works in practice

  • Initial purchase by an owner. A licence is lawfully acquired, for example by a company or a private individual.
  • Lawful transfer. If the licence is no longer needed, it may be passed on. The previous owner then no longer uses it.
  • Inspection by the dealer. A reputable dealer tests the activation before the licence is resold and replaces a key free of charge should it ever fail to activate.
  • Resale with proof of purchase. The new buyer receives the key and a VAT invoice as proof of purchase.

Keywi24 reviews on Trusted Shops

We do not host our own reviews. Independently verifiable on Trusted Shops – verbal rating currently Excellent.

Verify for yourself

You can verify the seller yourself, in two minutes

Who stands behind a shop is publicly verifiable: a reputable dealer has a real company with a registry entry and a valid VAT number, both of which can be inspected. The origin of an individual key cannot be proven from the outside, but it can be verified whether a tangible company stands behind the shop. With us, you can even do it live, right here.

Company
Kewee OÜ
Tallinn, Estonia
Registry code
17352418
EU VAT no.
In the Estonian commercial register

Frequently asked questions

What are second-hand software licenses?

Licenses that have already been sold lawfully once and are now passed on. Technically they are identical to new ones, they do not wear out and have the same features.

Is second-hand software legal?

Yes. The principle of exhaustion permits the resale of lawfully acquired licenses. Confirmed by the ECJ ruling C-128/11, and governed in Switzerland by Art. 12 para. 2 URG.

Why is second-hand software cheaper?

Because it is second-hand. On the secondary market a price below the manufacturer's new price emerges, with no loss of quality whatsoever, since software does not wear out.

More guides

About Keywi24

Keywi24 is a Swiss online shop for verified pre-owned Microsoft and antivirus software licences. The team has in-depth market knowledge from over five years of experience. Our goal is not to become the largest licence shop, but the most trusted.

That’s why we don’t invest in marketing hype, but in 90 days of real technical support after every purchase. Legal basis: CJEU ruling C-128/11 (03.07.2012) and Art. 12 para. 2 URG.

Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00 CET+41 800 20 00 07 (free)Live chat response usually <5 min90-day money-back guarantee