Buyer beware - you will not own your software!

by heytricia
(Tampa, FL)

If you are considering a purchase of any Rosetta Stone softwares, be aware that you will NOT own it. This means if you decide to sell it later, you cannot. I would never have paid the high prices I did for two (2!!!) of their software packages had I known I would be stuck with them forever.

I tried to sell my original copies of Rosetta Stone for Spanish and Japanese on eBay. (I am not a pro seller - just 'yard sale' there occasionally.) I did not retain any copies and removed the working copies from my computer. My eBay listings were pulled, and I received an email saying I was in violation of copyright. For the record I WAS able to sell other used softwares in this manner. So I did a bit of research and found a discussion at ThatPixelGeek.com titled 'You can't sell Your Rosetta Stone.' It explained that Rosetta's stand is they don't sell software - they sell licenses - and that I cannot transfer my licenses. It went on to say that this is legally questionable, but hey - who has deeper pockets?

Given these softwares are listed on Amazon under software - not language course, or rental, etc - I'm not buying Rosetta's argument. I also don't think Rosetta should be threatened by my resell, given they are now selling later versions that are superior to mine. Ultimately, I'm feeling a bit used and abused - and want to help others avoid the same predicament. Maybe you should check out the alternatives?