Selling Used CAD or CNC Software
You can transfer a software license to another buyer, but there are formalities involved. November 23, 2008
Question
Is it possible to sell used software? Specifically Cabinet Vision Solid 4.1. If we no longer need this software, I would hope that I could sell it so I don't have to eat the very large investment we made.
Forum Responses
(CAD Forum)
From contributor S:
It would be safe to assume that you cannot. Typically, possessing the CD does not mean you own the software. You are leasing the knowledge and thus have no right of ownership (or re-sale). The best thing to do for any specific software/company is to read the EULA or consult an authorized re-seller.
From contributor J:
Not sure how CV works, but I thought there is high dollar design software that does allow the resale of your license. They may charge the buyer a license transfer fee. This allows the buyer to treat the software as if they were the original owner. Best to call them and see how they handle this.
From contributor K:
This question was here a couple of years ago by someone wanting to sell their Cabnetware program, which is owned by the same parent company as CV. At that time Cabnetware was charging a registration fee equal to approximately 3/4 the price of the program new. This makes it very hard for you to recoup much of your investment. I would definitely contact CV to find out their terms so you can know how to price this.
From contributor K:
There was a CA Supreme Court case - a landmark case in software - that basically said software companies could not deny owner/licensee the ability to sell or transfer a lease or the property for a reasonable fee. I don't remember the company, but it may have been Microsoft. Search the web.
I had a piece of software that I wanted to sell and was told that I couldn't by the firm that had sold it. I informed the person with the company during the course of the conversation that I was aware of a Supreme Court case and ended with that. Shortly (less than an hour later) I got a return call saying that they would be glad to transfer, for X dollars (a reasonable fee). It appears that all the major software companies are afraid of such a class action lawsuit.
From contributor A:
I sold my 20/20 to another company last week. I simply contacted 20/20, informed them I would not be using the software. They required a $100 transfer fee and a notarized bill of sale between the buyer and myself stating my release to new buyer and that new buyer would be responsible for all future upgrade fees should they be required. I was extremely impressed with 20/20 on this. You might get 50-70% for it.
From contributor N:
A while back, the advice was given that it might be possible to avoid some of the difficulty of selling software. The notion was that the software needs to be purchased and registered in the company's name but to a subsidiary enterprise. For example, Acme Woodworking "insert software name" Division. If the division and its assets are purchased by another party, is this so different from enormous companies selling subsidiaries without checking every word of every EULA on perhaps thousands of computers?
From contributor F:
I know a neighboring cabinet shop just purchased a full version of Solid with an extra key. He had to work out a few details with his salesperson at Planit, but he got a used copy for about half the price of a new one. So, to answer your question, I know you can sell it, but you may not recoup very much of your investment. But, I guess some is better than none!
