Buying cheap software licenses online has become increasingly popular , but is it really legal? This article explains everything you need to know about the legality of buying cheap software licenses online within the EU. Learn what’s allowed, what to avoid, and how to stay safe when purchasing digital licenses.

Legality of Buying Cheap Software Licenses in the EU

Since the landmark ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union in the UsedSoft vs Oracle (2012) case, the resale of perpetual software licenses purchased within the European Economic Area (EEA) is fully legal , as long as certain conditions are met. This means that buying cheap software licenses online in countries like Spain, Germany, or France is entirely legal when the seller provides clear legal guarantees.

Essential Legal Requirements

For a resale to be valid and lawful:

• The original license must have been purchased within the EEA.
• It must be a perpetual license, not a temporary subscription.
• The original owner must have deleted or uninstalled all software copies.
• There must be no contractual clauses prohibiting transfer.

Required Documentation to Ensure Legality

A trustworthy seller should provide:

• The original invoice or purchase contract.
• A formal statement confirming that the software was uninstalled by the first user.
• A certificate proving the software’s original distribution occurred within the EEA.

For more legal details, see our Legal Framework for Digital Licenses and the official European Court of Justice ruling – UsedSoft vs Oracle (2012).

Advantages of Buying Second-Hand Software Licenses

• Save up to 70% compared to retail prices.
• Get 100% legal and functional licenses from verified sources.
• Choose a sustainable alternative to buying brand-new software.
• Access full-featured professional tools at a fraction of the cost.

Risks to Be Aware Of

Be cautious when you buy cheap software licenses online without verification:

• Missing documentation can mean the license is illegitimate.
• Extremely cheap offers might be OEM keys or stolen/blocked licenses.
• Some keys may activate temporarily but later get revoked.

Key Points to Verify Before Purchase

• Ensure the company is legally registered and has verified reviews.
• Check that you receive full traceability documentation.
• Confirm the license is original, perpetual, and transferable.

Explore our verified deals on Microsoft Office, Windows, and PC protection software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy cheap licenses for Windows or Office?

Yes , as long as they are perpetual licenses within the EEA and come with valid documentation. Without it, you risk temporary activation or later deactivation.

What’s the difference between OEM, Retail, and Volume licenses?

• OEM: tied to original hardware; not transferable.
• Retail: transferable if uninstalled from the previous device.
• Volume (MAK/KMS): intended for companies, not individuals.

What if my key stops working after purchase?

Without documentation, it’s nearly impossible to claim. Always buy from authorized resellers who offer full proof of legality.

Our Guarantee at DigitalLicenseStore

At DigitalLicenseStore, we only sell verified, legal software licenses with full documentation. Each product includes proof of authenticity and compliance with EU law. If you’re unsure which license fits your needs, our support team is here to help.

Contact us via our form or WhatsApp chat for assistance.
Also, browse our Microsoft Office, Windows, and Antivirus offers — all 100% legal and secure.

Note: This article does not constitute legal advice and is intended solely for general informational purposes regarding the applicable EU legal framework (as of 2025).