Office 2024, Windows 11, ...

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License Origin & Legality

In brief

Keywi24 sells digital software products – specifically license and product keys for Microsoft Office, Windows, Visio and Project. After purchase you receive all the necessary information digitally by email. This resale is lawfully permitted within the EU/EEA and in Switzerland – provided that certain requirements are met, which we check for every license.

Legal framework (EU/EEA)

Trading in used software is generally permitted within the EU/EEA. The legal basis is in particular the Computer Programs Directive 2009/24/EC (Art. 4(2) and Art. 5(1)).

In its judgment C-128/11 of 03/07/2012 , the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) clarified that the distribution right in a copy of a program may, under certain conditions, be exhausted – even if the software was originally made available by download.

Requirements in practice

A resale is typically permitted when, among other things:

  • the copy of the program was first placed on the market with the rightholder's consent,
  • the original usage license was granted for an unlimited period (not a mere rental or subscription),
  • the original user has ceased their own use and does not continue to use any remaining copies,
  • for products licensed in volume, the license package is not split up in an impermissible manner.

Legal framework (Switzerland)

Swiss copyright law also recognises the principle of exhaustion. For computer programs, Art. 12(2) of the Copyright Act (URG, SR 231.1) provides that a computer program that has been lawfully sold (or sold with consent) may be used or resold.

Where our licenses come from

Companies buy software licenses in varying quantities – and sometimes they no longer need them. The typical sources are:

  • Insolvencies – a company is wound up and the licenses that have not yet been activated are passed on.
  • Business closures – a business ceasing operations or a merger in which the old IT infrastructure is dismantled.
  • License stocks from system migrations – e.g. migration to Microsoft 365, where perpetual licenses are freed up.

We source the goods through established European distribution and reseller channels and document proof of purchase. Every license is checked for activatability, edition and origin before sale.

What you receive from us

  • VAT invoice as a proper proof of purchase – with stated VAT and complete invoice details.
  • Product key and activation data depending on the product.
  • Microsoft-signed original setup files from our verified download library.
  • Installation and activation instructions as well as step-by-step guides.
  • Personal customer service for activation questions (Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00 CET) – via chat, phone or TeamViewer.

Upon explicit request, we additionally provide business customers with a complete chain of supply including transfer documentation – relevant, for example, for internal compliance reviews or software audits.

Activation vs. right of use

A product key serves to technically activate the software. The legal right of use derives from the manufacturer's respective license terms as well as the applicable statutory rules (including the principle of exhaustion).

We describe products transparently: edition, platform, region and activation type are clearly stated on every product page. If you are unsure which variant suits your setup, we advise you before purchase.

If something doesn't work

Should a technical problem arise in an individual case – for instance an activation that does not go through on the first attempt – we help quickly. Usually within a few minutes during business hours, via chat, phone or TeamViewer remote support. If the problem cannot be resolved, you receive a free replacement or a full refund of the purchase price.

Independent reseller

Microsoft, Windows, Office, Visio and Project are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Keywi24 is an independent reseller and has no economic affiliation with Microsoft Corporation.

Not legal advice

This information serves general orientation and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal questions, please consult qualified advice.

// More about us

Who stands behind Keywi24

Behind the legal framework are real people – technicians who build their own machines, know the Windows Registry and keep at it until your license works. Read how we work, exactly where our licenses come from and why you can rely on every key with us.

Read about us

// Buyback for companies

Sell licences from your company

Have unused licences from a platform switch or hardware refresh? We buy them in a legally sound way, with a documented destruction declaration.

To the buyback