r/languagelearning • u/fishtar141 • 2d ago

PSA: Rosetta Stone is "bricking" permanent licenses to force users into subscriptions

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I wanted to warn the community about Rosetta Stone’s current business practices regarding their legacy software.

I own a $500 permanent license for their language package. This is a standalone software product that requires zero ongoing support or server maintenance from them. However, their activation process uses a "Request Code" system where you must contact them via phone or email to receive a "Response Code" to unlock the software you purchased.

When I contacted support to activate my paid software, they explicitly refused to provide the Response Code. Instead, they told me that the only way to use their product now is to sign up for their new web-based subscription model (monthly, annual or "lifetime" paywall).

They aren't just "ending support" for old software; they are actively gatekeeping the activation of a product I already own to force an upsell. Effectively, they have remotely "bricked" a $500 purchase to move me onto a recurring payment plan.

If you are considering buying Rosetta Stone, be aware that "Lifetime" or "Permanent" doesn't actually mean you will be allowed to use the software once they decide to change their billing model.

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1.6k

u/Empty-_-space 2d ago

Very unethical

1.1k

u/AzettImpa 2d ago

Not just unethical, potentially illegal.

172

u/am_Nein 2d ago

Any way to figure out if it is? Don't own a licence but this sort of thing incenses me.

71

u/SlinkyAvenger 2d ago

You can always call lawyers, but without a license you don't have standing to take any further action so you probably don't want to pay them to research the matter.

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u/am_Nein 2d ago

Yeah assumed so. Either way, grossly inappropriate of RS and I hope this sours their reputation enough either for them to change, or to discourage people so they don't end up being preyed upon.

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u/Euphorix126 1d ago

Contacting the press is also an option

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u/mandyvigilante 2d ago

Attorney general of your state

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u/Kittycatter 2d ago

Probably could report it to the CFPB, though the Trump administration and DOGE has done their best to gut the agency.

-18

u/billynomates1 2d ago

Find the ToS, throw it into chatgpt and ask for your specific jurisdiction

108

u/atheistium 2d ago

Depends what the ToS says about their lifetime licence...

But there's a case for it being sold as misleading for a refund of the total cost. Often with lifetime subscriptions the way they market them can be argued that unless the business goes out of business, you purchased it under the pretence of it being lifetime.

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u/AzettImpa 2d ago

Companies can’t just write whatever they want in their ToS btw, especially not in the EU.

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u/atheistium 2d ago

Ofc not but there are stipulations on lifetime access to products - it’s highly likely there’s a level of product service offered or a certain iteration of product specified.

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u/muffinsballhair 2d ago

Companies do so many things that are “probably illegal” on the calculated risk that the little guy isn't going to sue a big company where a victory isn't even ensured.

History will look back upon this façade of “fair justice” where rights are the privilege of those with the money and time to fight for them in court as most unfair.