You are purchasing a product key, not a license. According to Microsoft license terms, the product key is intended for one-time activation. Usage is unlimited for a single device (PC, laptop, notebook, etc.) as long as the product remains on that same device. If you reformat the computer, reset it, or make hardware changes, there is no longer a guarantee that the key can continue to be used on that PC. Please ensure that you comply with the system requirements and the terms of use provided by the software manufacturer.
In accordance with the Microsoft License Agreement, the product key is intended for single use and activation only. Its lifespan is unlimited as long as the product is used on the same device. If the device is formatted, reconfigured, or if general hardware changes are made, it can no longer be guaranteed that the key will work on the computer again. You may not activate the key on multiple devices; please refer to Microsoft's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. License terms for your specific product can be found on the Microsoft website, where you can view detailed terms for the product associated with your key.
We sell legally acquired items. This is a volume license item. If the item is marked as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) in the description or title, the corresponding copy of the software has been removed or rendered unusable on all previous devices, storage media, and cloud services. If the item was not marked as OEM, the original purchaser also received only a product key and downloaded the software from the manufacturer. In this case, the copy associated with the key has also been removed or deactivated from all devices and storage media.
You have the right to download and install available improvements and updates from the manufacturer's website. The requirements of Article 5(1) of Directive 2009/24/EC regarding the purchase of an "exhausted copy of the program" are fulfilled. Purchasing a product key allows you to use the computer program correctly. OEM versions offer the advantage of receiving the same software at a much lower price. In many countries, including Germany, the purchase, sale, and use of OEM versions is completely legal. Trading OEM versions without hardware binding is legally permitted. Since 2011, this trade has been allowed globally from within Europe.
Important: By purchasing this software, you expressly agree to the conclusion of the contract before the expiration of the withdrawal period. You acknowledge that your right of withdrawal expires upon the commencement of the contract. If you do not agree, please do not purchase this software.
Digital Distribution: This refers to the direct sale of digital content over the internet without the transfer of physical media (such as DVDs). This form of distribution is also known as Electronic Software Distribution (ESD), Electronic Software Delivery, or Direct Download Service. Digital distribution offers both economic and ecological advantages and is considered a "Green IT" measure.
Legal Precedents:
In its ruling of July 6, 2000, the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) ruled that the principle of exhaustion cannot be bypassed by manufacturer license terms (Ref. I ZR 244/97 – OEM Decision). The BGH stated that the redistribution of software is free due to the exhaustion of the copyright distribution right.
Furthermore, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled on July 3, 2012, that used software may be resold regardless of how it was acquired, including software purchased via download. The exclusive distribution right of the copyright holder is exhausted upon the first sale. This ruling also covers the splitting of "volume licenses"—bundles of individual licenses sold together for marketing reasons—which is permitted and does not constitute an illegal "splitting" of a single license.
Sources:
Federal Court of Justice Ruling (July 6, 2000)
Principle of Exhaustion, UrhG §69c No. 3
Transfer of Rights of Use, UrhG § 34
Distribution Right, UrhG §17
