Jump to content
An abstract image featuring a central dark circular void surrounded by vibrant, colorful, radial patterns resembling light rays or plasma, with a prominent white orb positioned partially within the circle. The background is black.

Buying and selling used software:
Legally compliant and verified

Used software refers to software licenses that have been legally purchased and resold. The European Court of Justice has ruled that trading in such licenses is permitted within the EU. ProLicense deals in used licenses, primarily for Oracle and VMware. We only sell and purchase licenses that have been reviewed by attorneys, with a complete chain of title from the original purchaser to the new user and proof that the previous owner has completely ceased using the software.

Many companies pay for software licenses they no longer need. Others are looking for licenses without wanting to pay the full list price.
ProLicense connects the two in a legally compliant manner and at a price significantly below the list price.

Contact us nowbuy or sell licenses

Two men are seated at a wooden table outdoors, working on laptops. One is typing while the other is looking at a screen. Green foliage is visible in the background, indicating a bright, sunny day.

Legal certainty when purchasing used software

The market for used software is unregulated. Many offers would not stand up to an audit. Missing documentation, incomplete chains of title, or a lack of proof that the previous owner has relinquished use are the most common vulnerabilities. ProLicense exclusively supplies and purchases licenses that have been reviewed by attorneys. Every transaction is fully documented, from the original purchaser to the new user. This stands up to an audit.

What ProLicense ensures with every transaction:

  • a complete chain of title from the original purchaser to the new user
  • Proof that the previous owner has completely relinquished use
  • Complete documentation that stands up to an audit

Used software combined with third-party support

Used licenses alone reduce initial costs. When combined with third-party support, they also reduce ongoing costs. This approach works equally well for Oracle and VMware.:

An abstract digital artwork features a stylized face composed of pixelated patterns and shapes, set against a bright blue background. Various geometric elements and lines appear to disperse around the face, creating a sense of movement and fragmentation.

Oracle

Existing licenses continue to be supported by an independent support provider, rather than paying the full Oracle support fees year after year. These fees amount to approximately 22% of the license costs per year and also increase by 8–10% annually.
You can meet additional needs with verified, pre-owned Oracle licenses. This allows you to significantly reduce ongoing costs while maintaining full compliance.

More about Oracle third-party support

A smiling man sits comfortably in a modern chair, dressed in a light blue shirt and beige trousers. He is looking towards the camera, with a fireplace in the background. The setting appears bright and stylish, suggesting a relaxed atmosphere.

VMware

Perpetual licenses remain valid through third-party support. Additional needs are met through used licenses. The Broadcom subscription is no longer required.

More about VMware third-party support

A man in a white shirt is sitting at a table, using a tablet. He is focused on the device, with greenery visible in the background through the window. Natural light brightens the room.

Independence: No manufacturer partnerships

ProLicense is 100% independent of Oracle and VMware and receives no compensation from vendors. Our recommendation is based solely on your specific situation.

A smiling man sits comfortably in a modern chair, dressed in a light blue shirt and beige trousers. He is looking towards the camera, with a fireplace in the background. The setting appears bright and stylish, suggesting a relaxed atmosphere.

Legal certainty: Reviewed by an attorney

 

Every transaction is reviewed by attorneys and fully documented. What we deliver stands up to an audit. If it doesn’t, we don’t proceed with it.

A woman with long blonde hair smiles while sitting at a table outdoors, engaging in conversation. She wears a white blouse with decorative details and has a laptop in front of her. Lush greenery surrounds the setting.

Over 20 years of experience

ProLicense has been advising clients on optimizing software costs for over 20 years and has firsthand experience with all relevant licensing and contract models. What makes financial sense for you depends on your specific situation, your contracts, your current software inventory, and your plans. We’ll review these factors with you before you take any action.

Why choose ProLicense for used software?

A blurred image of two individuals in a modern office setting. One person, viewed from behind, is wearing a suit and seated in a chair. The background features minimalistic decor and large windows, suggesting a professional atmosphere.
A smiling man stands with his hands in his pockets, wearing a white dress shirt and blue jeans. He has short, slightly tousled hair and stands against a plain black background.

We're here for you!

info@prolicense.com+49 (0) 40-228 6828-0Schedule an appointment

Buy, sell, or combine licenses

ProLicense is 100% independent of Oracle and VMware and is entirely on your side. Whether you’re buying, selling, or combining licenses with third-party support, we’ll work with you to determine what makes the most sense for your situation.

Legally reviewed · Over 20 years of experience · Not a vendor partner

Schedule an initial consultationmore about us

Frequently asked questions about used software

Yes. The European Court of Justice has ruled that the trade in used software licenses is permitted within the EU. This applies to downloaded software as well as to physical media. The key requirement is that the transfer is properly documented and the chain of title is complete. ProLicense ensures this for every transaction.

ProLicense specializes in used Oracle and VMware licenses. These include Oracle Database, Oracle Enterprise Edition, Oracle Middleware, as well as VMware vSphere and other VMware products. Please contact us if you are looking for a specific product or would like to sell one; we will check availability and assess our interest in purchasing it.

Used licenses are just as valid as new ones during an audit, provided the documentation is complete. For every transaction, ProLicense provides all necessary documents, a complete chain of title, and a confirmation of transfer from the previous owner. This ensures you’re on the safe side during an audit.

Please contact us and briefly describe the licenses you would like to sell. ProLicense will assess our interest in purchasing them and send you a specific offer. Once we reach an agreement, we will handle the legally compliant transfer and provide all necessary documentation.

That depends on the product and the current market situation. With Oracle, savings are typically at least 80% off the list price. With VMware, the supply of used perpetual licenses is limited, which is why prices and availability vary more widely. ProLicense will provide you with a specific quote based on your requirements.

Yes, that is exactly the most effective strategy. Existing licenses continue to be managed by an independent support provider, and any additional needs are met through used licenses. This reduces ongoing costs at both levels while ensuring full compliance. ProLicense can advise you on which combination makes the most sense for your situation.

The ECJ ruling generally applies to software that was first placed on the market in the EU with the rights holder’s consent. It covers both older and current versions, provided that the conditions for transfer are met. ProLicense has every transaction reviewed by attorneys and ensures that all legal requirements are fully met.

A man in a white shirt smiles while seated, engaging in conversation. He is positioned to the left, with a blurred woman in a white shirt visible in the foreground. In the background, a black and white photo of a man in a tuxedo is on the wall.

1Is it legal to buy used software?
2What software can I buy or sell on ProLicense?
3What happens during an audit if I use secondhand software?
4How does the license purchase process work through ProLicense?
5How much cheaper is used software compared to the new price?
6Can I also combine used software with third-party support?
7Does the ECJ ruling also apply to current software versions?