european exhaustion

The tag 'european exhaustion' on WindowsForum.com covers discussions about the legal principle of exhaustion of rights under European Union law, particularly as it applies to used Microsoft software licenses. Content under this tag examines how businesses can legally purchase second-hand Microsoft volume licenses, relying on EU exhaustion doctrine to resell or transfer software licenses without infringing copyright. Key themes include the need for proof of origin, transferability, deployment fit, and audit-ready compliance to avoid legal risks. The tag also explores the tension between European exhaustion law and Microsoft's subscription-based licensing model, highlighting the commercial and regulatory challenges for companies seeking perpetual software in 2026.