Can I install Linux and then use the original Windows 8 OEM product key for a virtual machine on the same computer?

I have ordered a new laptop and expect to receive it in 2-3 weeks.  The laptop comes with an OEM version of Windows 8 installed.  I wish
to install Linux as the host operating system and create a virtual machine running Windows 8.  Can I legally use the product key from the OEM installation to activate a virtual machine that will only be used on the laptop that had the original OEM installation? 
If so, what is the procedure to activate the copy installed on the virtual machine?
This question has been addressed for Windows 7, but my searches did not reveal this question posed for Windows 8.

Technically, no.  The OEM is licensed only for the physical hardware on the system.  It isn't licensed for virtual hardware.
You may find you're unable to activate your OEM license in the VM.  A lot of OEM Windows look for specific hardware to verify they're being installed on the correct hardware.
Although here: http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/Pages/support-faq.aspx#fbid=Zh0SiBdas5I
Q. Can I install OEM on a virtual machine (VMware)?
A. You may install OEM in a virtual environment as long as you have a separate license for each instance of the software. It is fine to use the OEM version as long as it is properly licensed. To be clear, a separate version of software must be installed
for both the “standard” and “virtual” installations.
You still may not be able to activate if there is a hardware block.
The best place to ask this is to Microsoft licensing, any response you get here, including mine, won't hold up since it's not an official answer.
Q. Can I install OEM on a virtual machine (VMware)?
A. You may install OEM in a virtual environment as long as you have a separate license for each instance of the software. It is fine to use the OEM version
as long as it is properly licensed. To be clear, a separate version of software must be installed for both the “standard” and “virtual” installations.
edit: removed the duplicate Q&A

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