Microsoft refused permission to appeal resale licence ruling to Supreme Court
Microsoft has failed to secure permission from the Court of Appeal to take its dispute with ValueLicensing to the UK Supreme Court. The case concerns whether ValueLicensing can resell pre-owned software licences, and the refusal leaves Microsoft facing further court scrutiny over its handling of surplus licences.
The dispute began in 2021, when ValueLicensing sued Microsoft for £270 million, alleging it restricted the supply of surplus Office licences; Microsoft denies wrongdoing. A recent consent order requires documents from current and former Microsoft executives, including a 2013 presentation labelled a “Known Adverse Document”, and asks why its existence was disclosed only at the end of 2025. Microsoft can apply directly to the Supreme Court within 28 days, while the case is due to proceed with a witness statement and further disclosure.
- Microsoft’s appeal bid was refused by the Court of Appeal.
- ValueLicensing’s £270 million case centres on resale of used licences.
- A 2013 internal presentation is among documents sought.
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Software licences give people and organisations permission to use programs such as Microsoft Office. Some licences can be sold on when their original owner no longer needs them, and ValueLicensing is a company that trades in these pre-owned licences.
ValueLicensing sued Microsoft in 2021, alleging that it restricted the supply of surplus Office licences and seeking £270 million; Microsoft denies wrongdoing. The case matters because the courts are examining how software licences can be resold and what information Microsoft must provide about its business practices.
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Originally published by The Register as “Microsoft’s second-hand licensing appeal gets the brush-off”.