"In a significant development in the legal dispute between Microsoft and UK reseller ValueLicensing, a London tribunal has granted Microsoft permission to appeal a ruling that found perpetual software licenses can be legally resold. The case, which involves a £270 million class action, centers on Microsoft's ability to control products it has licensed to resellers."
Microsoft Granted Permission to Appeal UK Tribunal Ruling on Resale of Perpetual Software Licenses
The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) unanimously dismissed Microsoft's copyright argument in November 2025. The tribunal ruled that the presence of graphics does not transform software licenses into copyrighted creative works that would prohibit resale. This decision aligns with a prior UK precedent established in the UsedSoft case.
Despite this initial setback, Microsoft was granted permission to appeal the CAT's decision. The tribunal acknowledged that there is no "clear authority" or direct legal precedent on the specific points of law regarding copyright jurisdiction in this context, suggesting that Microsoft's arguments have a reasonable chance of success on appeal.
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