OEM Software

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), or bundled software, is software that is obtained as part of the purchase of a new computer.

Sellers may not list "OEM" or "bundled" copies of software on eBay unless they are selling it with computer hardware. OEM software licenses usually prohibit the purchaser from reselling the software without the accompanying computer or without any computer hardware.

Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:

Listing cancellation
Limits on account privileges
Account suspension
Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings
Loss of PowerSeller status

Some Examples

Paula is upgrading her computer, and decides to sell an out-dated version of Microsoft’s Windows software. Unless she also sells the computer on which this version of Windows originally came installed, however, Paula is not allowed to list the software on eBay.

Josh works part-time repairing computers. Over time, he accumulates numerous copies of OEM software. eBay policy does not permit him to sell this software without computer hardware. Even though the computers on which this OEM software was originally installed are no longer operational, Josh may not list the OEM software on eBay without also listing it with its accompanying hardware.

Additional Information

For more information, see any of the following sources:

Why does eBay have this policy?

This policy helps protect buyers from purchasing unauthorized or counterfeit merchandise, and helps intellectual property rights owners protect their rights.

Related Help topics

Back to Key Rules and Policies