QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

EXHIBIT 10.2

PROMISSORY NOTE

$175,000

Cupertino, California

October 11, 2000

    For value received, the undersigned promises to pay Preview Systems, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), at its principal office the principal sum
of $175,000 with interest from the date hereof at a rate of 11.00% per annum,
compounded annually, on the unpaid balance of such principal sum. Such principal
and interest shall be due and payable on October 11, 2001.

    If the undersigned's employment or consulting relationship with the Company
is terminated prior to payment in full of this Note, this Note shall be
immediately due and payable.

    Principal and interest are payable in lawful money of the United States of
America. AMOUNTS DUE UNDER THIS NOTE MAY BE PREPAID AT ANY TIME WITHOUT PREMIUM
OR PENALTY. Any such prepaid amounts shall be applied to accrued interest before
application to any principal amount due.

    Should suit be commenced to collect any sums due under this Note, such sum
as the Court may deem reasonable shall be added hereto as attorneys' fees. The
makers and endorsers have severally waived presentment for payment, protest,
notice of protest, and notice of nonpayment of this Note.

   

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Vincent Pluvinage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUICKLINKS

EXHIBIT 10.2
PROMISSORY NOTE