Buy second-hand software with legal certainty from Soft & Cloud

Yes, the purchase of used software is entirely legal. Landmark rulings by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) have established that the trade in second-hand software licences is legally valid, provided the principle of exhaustion is observed. We guarantee that every licence transferred is sold in accordance with the strict copyright requirements of the manufacturers and EU case law.

Used software is attractive to companies of all sizes – from SMEs to large corporations. IT managers and CFOs, in particular, benefit from this, as they aim to manage their IT budgets more efficiently without compromising on software quality or legal certainty. They allocate capital where it drives genuine innovation, rather than tying it up in overpriced new licences.

Hybrid approaches – that is, the combination of cloud subscriptions and on-premises purchase models – offer maximum flexibility. They help you avoid dangerous ‘vendor lock-in’ (dependence on the manufacturer) and retain full control over your infrastructure. Used software is the ideal building block for cost-effectively scaling or securing existing on-premises environments.

Used licences primarily originate from restructuring, company mergers, insolvencies or the transition of IT architectures (e.g. migration to the cloud) at other organisations. These are surplus assets that are no longer required by their previous owners and which we – after verifying their legal validity – return to the market.

When you purchase a second-hand software licence, you acquire the unrestricted right to use the software – which is legally identical to buying a new licence.

No, there are no disadvantages to buying used software compared to buying new. As software is a digital asset, it is not subject to wear and tear. You are acquiring a technically identical, fully functional version. The only difference compared to buying new lies in the price – not in the quality, the level of support or the scope of functionality.

Our Soft & Cloud sales process is designed for maximum transparency and security. Following a thorough needs analysis, you will receive a bespoke quote, more detailed advice if required, and finally access to our own licence management portal, where you can find all the licences you have purchased.

Used software refers to licences that were originally purchased by a company and are now – due to a change in IT strategy – available for resale. As software does not suffer physical wear and tear, the term ‘used’ in the legal sense simply refers to the transfer from the first to the second owner.

The full functionality of pre-owned software remains intact. In many volume licence agreements, updates and support services form part of the software lifecycle. We can advise you on which licences are best suited to your specific requirements (e.g. existing Software Assurance contracts) to ensure seamless maintenance.

A reputable provider of used software is characterised by absolute transparency. Look out for:

• (TÜV) certifications: Independent certification confirming a legally compliant licence transfer
• Expertise: Competent advice on licence terms and individual requirements
• Audit assurance: Clear guarantees that the licences will stand up to scrutiny in the event of an audit by the manufacturer.
• Market experience: An established track record and demonstrable expertise in licence management.