Why Buying Used CAD Software Licences Is 100% Legal — and a Smart Business Decision
Are you considering purchasing a used CAD software licence but wondering whether it's actually legal? We have great news for you: not only is it perfectly lawful within the European Union — it is a right explicitly confirmed by Europe's highest court. Here is everything you need to know.
The Landmark Ruling That Protects Your Right to Buy Used Software
In July 2012, the Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ) issued a groundbreaking judgment in the case UsedSoft v. Oracle (C-128/11) that changed the software industry forever. The ECJ's Grand Chamber ruled unambiguously: the resale of used software licences is legal throughout the EU, regardless of whether the software was originally delivered on a physical medium or downloaded from the internet.
The legal principle at the heart of this ruling is called the exhaustion of rights. It works like this:
First sale
A software manufacturer sells a licence and receives fair compensation for it.
Rights exhausted
From that moment, the manufacturer's right to control what happens to that licence is spent.
Free to resell
The original buyer may resell the licence freely — the manufacturer cannot interfere.
What This Means for You as a Buyer
Purchasing a used CAD software licence from our shop is not a legal grey area — it is a fully protected right under EU law. Specifically, you benefit from:
- Legal certainty: EU Directive 2009/24/EC on the legal protection of computer programs explicitly enshrines the right to trade in used software. The ECJ ruling makes this enforceable in every EU member state.
- Full usability: As a lawful acquirer of a used licence, you are entitled to install and use the software just as any first-hand buyer would. You may even download the current version directly from the manufacturer's website.
- Protection against manufacturer restrictions: Licence agreements that attempt to prohibit resale contradict binding EU law and are void.
- Significant cost savings: Used CAD licences are typically available at a fraction of the price of new ones, with no compromise on functionality or legal standing.
Our Licences — Your Peace of Mind
Every licence we offer has been carefully vetted for compliance with the ECJ's UsedSoft ruling. We ensure that:
- Each licence originates from a legitimate first sale within the EEA.
- The original licence holder has fully deactivated their copy prior to transfer, in line with the exhaustion principle.
- Full documentation accompanies every purchase for your records and IT department.
Whether you are equipping a design studio, an engineering firm, or a public institution — you can purchase with complete confidence.
Frequently Asked Question: Is My Licence Valid If I Buy Used?
Ready to Save on Professional CAD Software?
Browse our current selection of used CAD software licences and discover how much your business can save — without ever compromising on legality, quality, or reliability.
View our catalogue at cad-software.eu
Have questions about a specific licence or product? Our team is happy to advise you — free of charge and without obligation.
