Used or new? How to make the right purchasing decision
Legal foundations, savings potential, and what to consider when buying used licenses.
On this page
Short answer: Used software licenses have been explicitly legal since a 2012 ECJ ruling, provided the previous owner has completely ceased their own use. Savings compared to a new license range from 40 to 70 percent, depending on the product, with identical functionality – it's the same software, just with a more affordable previous owner.
The legal basis
In 2012, the European Court of Justice ruled in the case of UsedSoft vs. Oracle (C-128/11) that software licenses may be resold within the EU – including as downloads, not just on data carriers. The prerequisite is that the license is perpetual and the previous owner has rendered their copy unusable.
How much can you save?
The savings depend on the product and the age of the version but typically range between 40 and 70 percent compared to the new price. Since it is the same software with the same functionality, you are paying solely for the origin of the license, not for less performance.
Buying new: when it's still worth it
For the latest version with the longest support period, the price difference to a used license is often smaller because fewer used copies are in circulation. Anyone who needs the newest version anyway should compare both prices instead of automatically opting for a used license.
What to look out for when buying
- An invoice with VAT shown
- A verifiable license chain from the initial purchase to you
- A clear indication of the license type (volume, retail, or OEM)
- A dealer who provides this information without hesitation
If one of these features is missing, the low price is not an advantage, but a risk.
"I was skeptical whether used software was really good – until I saw that it was exactly the same installation file as for a new license." This is how one customer describes his initial hesitation, which, after the first tested used license, turned into a clear purchase preference.
Conclusion
If you choose a reputable dealer, you get the same legal protection and functionality with used software as with a new license – only significantly cheaper. At Firstsoft, every license is individually checked and documented before sale. Compare all editions in the comparison calculator or view our entire range.
