> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://staylime.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://staylime.com/docs/theme-management/theme-license-and-transfer.md).

# Theme license & Transfer

When you purchase a theme from the Shopify Theme Store, the theme is licensed exclusively to the store where the purchase was made.

According to Shopify's Terms of Service: **1 license = 1 store.** You cannot download a ZIP file and upload it to a second store.

{% hint style="danger" icon="octagon-exclamation" %}
**Unlicensed themes do not qualify for support or updates.** Uploading the theme to a different store without purchasing a new license breaks the connection to the Shopify Theme Store. You will not receive automatic updates, and our team will be unable to provide technical support for that installation.
{% endhint %}

***

### Unlicensed theme use & DMCA

If you receive a notification that you are using an unlicensed theme, or a DMCA notice, you must take one of the following actions immediately:

**Purchase** — buy a valid license directly through the Shopify Theme Store for the store where you are using it.

**Delete** — if you choose not to purchase, completely remove the theme from your Shopify Theme Library.

**Provide license information** — if you believe you already have a valid license, click "Provide license information" in the licensing issue message in your Shopify admin.

{% hint style="warning" icon="triangle-exclamation" %}
**Legal action:** We reserve the right to report your store to the Shopify legal team and issue a formal DMCA takedown request if you continue using an unlicensed theme.
{% endhint %}

***

### How to transfer a license to a new store

If you are rebranding or opening a new store and permanently closing your old one, you may be eligible to transfer your theme license.

{% hint style="warning" icon="lightbulb" %}
**Important: theme developers cannot transfer licenses.** We do not have access to your Shopify billing or licensing data and cannot manually move a license between stores. Only Shopify Support can assist with this process.
{% endhint %}

**Requirements for transferring:**

* Both stores must have the **same account owner email**
* You must be the registered owner of both accounts
* You must **permanently close** the original store — it cannot be reopened after the transfer

#### **Steps:**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Go to **Online Store → Themes** on your old store
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Next to the theme, click **Actions → Download theme file** — a download link will be sent to your email
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Remove the theme from the original store including any renamed copies
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Close the original store**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Upload the theme ZIP file to your new store via **Online Store → Themes → Add theme → Upload zip file**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Purchase the theme again** for the new store
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
*(Optional)* Contact Shopify Support to request a refund on the original purchase
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

**Useful resources:**

* [Understanding licensing and transferring themes →](https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/online-store/themes/managing-themes/unlicensed-themes)
* [Buy a theme from the Shopify Theme Store →](https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/online-store/themes/adding-themes#buy-a-theme)
* [Contact Shopify Support →](https://help.shopify.com/en/support)


---

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