Abstract This paper proposes the integration of the resolution rule for Max-SAT with unsatis?ability-based Max-SAT solvers. First, we show that the resolution rule for Max-SAT can be safely applied as dictated by the resolution proof associated with an unsatis?able core when such proof is read-once, that is, each clause is used at most once in the resolution process. Second, we study how this property can be integrated in an unsatis?ability-based solver. In particular, the resolution rule for MaxSAT is applied to read-once proofs or to read-once subparts of a general proof. Finally, we perform an empirical investigation on structured instances from recent Max-SAT evaluations. Preliminary results show that the use of read-once resolution substantially improves the performance of the solver.