Microsoft faces legal hurdles in its dispute with ValueLicensing over used software licenses, with recent court rejections and a 2013 document adding complexity.
UK court denies Microsoft's appeal
The UK judiciary has denied Microsoft the authorization to bring its dispute with ValueLicensing before the Supreme Court, marking another challenge for the tech giant in its legal battle over used software licenses.Microsoft faces ongoing legal hurdles
Microsoft is currently required to explain a thirteen-year-old internal document as part of its legal proceedings. The company is struggling to make its arguments heard in a case concerning the resale of used software licenses, particularly those related to Windows and Office.Supreme Court appeal denied without explanation
On October 13, the UK Court of Appeal rejected Microsoft's request for permission to appeal to the Supreme Court. The court did not provide detailed reasons for its decision, leaving the publisher with limited options for further legal action.Previous rulings support resale rights
Previous rulings have recognized the right to resell perpetual software licenses under certain conditions. However, these rulings do not resolve the ongoing dispute between Microsoft and ValueLicensing, which continues to unfold in the courts.Microsoft has limited time to appeal
Microsoft still has the option to directly approach the UK Supreme Court. It has 28 days from October 13 to do so and must convince the judges that its case warrants a new review, adding urgency to the legal process.Conflict dates back to 2021
The legal conflict between Microsoft and ValueLicensing began in 2021 when the reseller claimed 270 million pounds sterling from the tech giant. ValueLicensing accuses Microsoft of manipulating the market for used Office licenses by offering discounts to companies that agreed to retain or abandon their old licenses.Microsoft disputes allegations
Microsoft denies these allegations and has attempted to defend its position on the grounds of copyright. However, these defenses have not been successful in court, and the issue of whether Microsoft's practices were anti-competitive remains unresolved.Resale legality recognized
In November 2025, the UK competition court recognized the possibility of reselling certain perpetual licenses, including those from volume purchase contracts. This decision was confirmed by the Court of Appeal in July, but the legality of Microsoft's specific business practices is still under scrutiny.2013 document complicates matters
An internal document from 2013 titled Second-Hand Software Presentation is classified as a "Known Adverse Document" in the proceedings, indicating it could be unfavorable to Microsoft. The company has been ordered to explain why it delayed communicating this document until December 2025, despite the legal proceedings beginning four years earlier.Microsoft must provide explanations
Microsoft is required to provide explanations by October 31 regarding the delayed communication of the 2013 document. The company also faces additional legal challenges, including a separate collective action led by Alexander Wolfson, which could cost Microsoft between 1.3 and 3.5 billion pounds sterling if it loses.
