Do I need to prove an unbroken chain of previous owners back to the developer when acquiring used software?
Generally the purchaser of used licences doesn’t need to meet this demand. Once sold by the developer, a software licence is freely tradeable and negotiable, without having to prove any evidence. However, the proof of the unbroken licence chain back to the developer is important as the purchase of used software licences usually is a so-called acquisition of rights. Yet, the right can only be sold if it exists. To prove this, the licence chain back to the developer is the perfect evidence. The evidence is supported by the notarial proceeding executed by usedSoft, in which the notary testifies under specification of the delivery note and order number that the vendor has confirmed in writing to have acquired the licence legally and henceforth not to use it anymore. This certicifation is an effective way to protect oneself against the possible allegation of a developer of not having purchased legally the applied software.
