The Internet offers a lot of misinformation when it comes to buying and selling Adobe software used. Articles tell you it's neither legal nor effective, that you're wasting your money. That can be true if you buy pirated software, but the story is quite different if you go through Adobe's Transfer of License process. In fact, you can legally buy and sell Adobe software used, and if you're the recipient of used software, you can get Adobe support.

The safe sale or purchase of used Adobe software begins with the license transfer process. If you're the original owner of an Adobe product license, you can sell the software or give it away by transferring the license. 

Adobe requires a few things for you to transfer a license. The current owner of the product license must initiate the product transfer, not the receiver or transferee. The current owner must give Adobe a copy of his photo ID containing his signature. Thirdly, Adobe requires proof of original purchase (if you didn't purchase directly from Adobe) and the order number. The product serial number must be registered in your Adobe profile to transfer the license.

If you have met the requirements, you can then go through the license transfer process. This involves getting a case number from Adobe support and then the seller and buyer completing the transfer of license form. You then sign into Adobe support and upload your scanned form, photo ID and proof of purchase. After about four weeks, Adobe will approve or disapprove the transfer. If approved, Adobe registers the software to the new owner. This registration ensures the new owner can receive support from Adobe.

If you're simply buying an Adobe product used, just make sure the seller has gone through the license transfer process and get confirmation. Both the seller and buyer must sign the transfer form.

You don't need to buy used software from an "authorized" seller or fear that your product won't work or be supported, and you don't have to be an "authorized" seller to legally sell used Adobe software, as long as you go through the license transfer process.

The safest way to purchase Adobe products is through Adobe itself or from a seller you know is authorized (see the Adobe seller lookup page). Some new software may be legitimate, but unless it's from an Adobe-authorized seller, Adobe may not recognize it as genuine and therefore it may not be eligible for support, updates or upgrades. Pirated software is not only illegal but it may contain viruses or otherwise be unsafe or unstable. 

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Counterfeit Software

• The software lacks proper documentation.
• The manual is photocopied or missing.
• The software does not look authentic. For example, the software, product packaging, or accompanying materials are of inferior quality or include handwritten labels.
• The serial number is printed on the CD/DVD, sleeve, or jewel case.
• One CD/DVD contains multiple applications (especially if they are from different companies).
• The price of the software is far below retail price. [End quote]
• To see a comparison of legit software vs. counterfeit, visit the Adobe Identify and Avoid Piracy Page (Adobe: Identify and Avoid Piracy).

References/Resources:

Adobe: Transfer an Adobe Product License

Allied Business Network