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Is used software legal in Switzerland?

The short answer is yes. Buying and using second-hand software licences is permitted in Switzerland, provided three conditions are met. Here is the direct explanation, with no detours.

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Is used software legal in Switzerland? Yes. Here is the short, clear answer with the legal basis and the three conditions that must be met.

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The three conditions

  • Lawful first placing on the market. The licence must have been sold for the first time within the EU or Switzerland with the rightholder's consent.
  • Proper transfer. The previous owner may not continue to use the software after the sale. The licence transfers entirely to the new owner.
  • Complete proof of purchase. A proper invoice documents the lawful acquisition. With us, that is the VAT invoice in Swiss format.

Why this is the rule

Behind the legality stands the exhaustion principle under Art. 12 para. 2 of the Swiss Copyright Act. It states that the rightholder resale of a work copy that has once been lawfully sold cannot prohibit.

European case law reached the same conclusion with the CJEU judgment C-128/11 of 2012 and expressly clarified that this also applies to digitally downloaded software. Used software is therefore not a legal grey area, but a practice secured by the highest courts.

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Firma
Kewee OÜ
Tallinn, Estland
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17352418
EU USt-IdNr.
Im estnischen Firmenregister

Häufige Fragen

Is used software really legal in Switzerland?

Yes. The principle of exhaustion in Art. 12 para. 2 of the Copyright Act permits the resale of lawfully acquired licences. The prerequisites are lawful first placing on the market, proper transfer, and proof of purchase.

Am I committing an offence if I buy used software?

No. Buying and using a lawfully transferred licence is permitted. Risk arises only with licences of unclear provenance, which is why it pays to look for a reputable vendor.

What distinguishes legal from problematic used software?

Legal goods come from lawful first placing on the market in the EU or Swiss area and come with proof of purchase. It becomes problematic with keys from third countries or without any proof at all.
About Keywi24

Keywi24 is a Swiss online shop for verified pre-owned Microsoft and antivirus software licences. The team has in-depth market knowledge from over five years of experience. Our goal is not to become the largest licence shop, but the most trusted.

That’s why we don’t invest in marketing hype, but in 90 days of real technical support after every purchase. Legal basis: CJEU ruling C-128/11 (03.07.2012) and Art. 12 para. 2 URG.

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