Why More Businesses Are Choosing Legal Software

In an era where software is essential in almost every business sector, the question arises: how do you ensure your company has all the necessary tools without overpaying or taking risks? More and more businesses are moving away from illegal software or dubious alternatives and consciously choosing legal, official licenses. Why? Read on below.

The Risk of Illegal Software

Many entrepreneurs underestimate the risks of unofficial software. Cracked versions of AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Cloud, or Office may seem attractive at first glance – free or dirt cheap – but can have serious consequences:

• Software doesn’t work properly or loses functionality
• Updates and cloud access are blocked
• Hefty fines during an audit by Autodesk, Microsoft, or Adobe
• Risk of data leaks or malware from unsafe installations

Audits happen more often than you think. Major vendors like Autodesk regularly conduct random checks on companies to verify all licenses are legitimate. If your organization gets caught, fines can run into thousands of euros – per user.

What Are Second-Hand Software Licenses?

Since a ruling by the European Court of Justice (Case C-128/11), it is completely legal to resell unused software licenses within the EU. Companies that downsize, merge, or go bankrupt can sell their unused licenses to a specialized reseller. The reseller checks the keys and offers them again – with an invoice and activation guarantee.

As a new customer, you receive:

• An official product key
• Access to the official software download
• Registration with the publisher (if applicable)
• Full functionality, including updates

Case Study: From Marktplaats Mistake to Legal Solution

A creative marketing agency in Utrecht used to pay over €6,000 per year for Adobe Creative Cloud and Autodesk licenses. In 2023, the owner bought “original” keys on Marktplaats for a few dozen euros. Initially, everything seemed to work, but after a few months, a message appeared when opening Photoshop: “Your license is invalid. Please purchase a legitimate license to continue.” Shortly after, AutoCAD and Revit were also blocked. The Marktplaats seller had vanished.

To save ongoing projects and get ahead of a potential audit, the agency switched to Licono. Within one business day, they received official licenses for AutoCAD, Revit, and Adobe Creative Cloud, including an invoice and transfer documents – over 70% cheaper than through official channels. Since then, the agency sets aside a modest annual budget for legal second-hand licenses.

Popular Software Under This Scheme

• AutoCAD license – for 2D/3D design and technical drawings
• Autodesk Revit – ideal for BIM projects
• Autodesk Inventor – for mechanical design (often combined with a course)
• Fusion 360 & Civil 3D – popular among engineers and technical firms
• Adobe Creative Cloud – for graphic design, video, and photography
• Microsoft Office 2021 / Microsoft 365 – essential for administration and communication
• Windows 11 Pro – professional and secure operating systems

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it legal to buy second-hand software?

Yes, within the European Union, it is legally permitted to resell and purchase unused software licenses. This was confirmed by the European Court of Justice in ruling C-128/11. The license must have been originally purchased and no longer in use by the previous owner.

Do I get updates and support with second-hand software?

In most cases, yes. If you activate your license via the official website of the vendor (e.g., Autodesk, Adobe, or Microsoft), you get access to updates and support like a regular purchase. Note: this only applies to licenses that are correctly and fully transferred. Avoid Marktplaats or eBay sellers offering illegal keys.

Can I still buy AutoCAD or Revit without a subscription?

Autodesk stopped offering new perpetual licenses in 2016. Since then, most Autodesk products are only available via subscriptions. However, there are still second-hand licenses from before this change. These are legally tradable as long as they were originally purchased and are no longer in use.

Are second-hand licenses cheaper than regular licenses?

Yes, often up to 70–90% cheaper. Companies like Licono buy unused licenses from bankruptcies or software upgrades and offer them at a heavily reduced price. This way, you save significantly without compromising on legality or functionality.

Can I use second-hand software in my business?

Absolutely. As long as you have a legal and correct license, you can use it for business purposes. Many companies consciously choose second-hand software to cut costs while remaining 100% compliant during audits or tenders.

What is the difference between second-hand and OEM licenses?

A second-hand license has been used before and is sold separately. OEM licenses are often tied to specific hardware and cannot be transferred according to manufacturer terms. Second-hand volume licenses or retail licenses are generally freely transferable and therefore better suited for reuse.

What Makes Licono a Reliable Platform?

While there are multiple providers of second-hand software, transparency is crucial. Licono.nl stands out with:

• Official licenses including invoice and transfer document
• Customer service in Dutch (phone & email)
• Clear installation and activation guides
• Specialization in business software (Autodesk & Adobe)

Conclusion: Smarter Software Procurement for Your Business

Software is the backbone of modern business operations. By choosing legal second-hand licenses, you avoid legal risks, retain full functionality, and save significantly. Want to use AutoCAD, Adobe, or Microsoft Office without worries? Visit Licono.nl – the platform for official second-hand software licenses for businesses.