We're discussing a product here...
I cannot fathom why anyone would infer that a "lifetime", in the context of product development and sales, is a reference to the lifetime of a human being.

Even if one were to presume somehow that the reference to human lifetime is a valid legal point, from a technical perspective, I don't believe there has been a violation of contract. You have not and will never be charged for a update or upgrade to DVD Region & CSS Free. Of course, you may have to wait a bit for the next update...perhaps a "lifetime", who knows? Nevertheless, it's free.

Are there any software programs that offer free updates/upgrades for the lifetime of the user? If the company/product goes belly up...is the company liable for damages based on development that has not and will not take place?

Hey Alpha,

Spend the money dude! Less then a tank of gas.

That's the long and skinny of it^^

I was also confused by the initial misconception. But, the minute everything starts to make sense is the exact moment life loses the fun.

Right on!!

I have a bit different look on what a lifetime guarantee means.My basic concept is the product is guaranteed to do the job it is supposed to for as long as the original purchaser owns the product.That may be the purchasers lifetiime.
Let me compare it to lifetime guarantee brake pads for a automobile.These are actually guarenteed for as long as the original purchaser owns the vehicle.This is usually not the lifetime of the owner but it is not the lifetime of the product either.
Say you bought some lifetime brake pads & in a year they were doing a poor job of stopping your car.You have a mechanic check them & find the brake pads are worn out.
Do you accept it if the manufacturer tells you well when the brake pads wear out that's the lifetime of the product?
I sure don't I owned one car for several years & had the pads warranteed 4 times before selling the car.
Software is no different to me & if it isn't upgraded permanently with the lifetime guarantee purchased with it.Then it no longer does the job it was purchase for & a full refund should be given.If upgrades are no longer available.You see the lifetime guarantee is part of what you purchase so it is not FREE.You have paid in advance for it.

The lifetime guaranty is what the seller says it is.
And Fengtao has spoken.
And I dont think an automotive anology is particulary applicable here.

alphap3nis, I think Fenqtao has made it very clear, here and on the web site,as well as everyone else that has responded to your post. I really don't see a need for a continuation of this argument. I'm sorry but that's just me....

Have any of the penny pinchers out there considered what we will all do when fengtao goes bankrupt because of his liberal update/upgrade policy? Maybe fengtao has, which is why he is changing his business model.

I agree. Think this thread has run its course.

^Agreed. The issue has been answered in a more than satisfactory manner.

The automotive anology is as valid as any.It points out a contract is a contract.
Fengtao can do what he is doing now & from a date such as May 8 in this case make the contract what he wants it to be.From that point on it is up to the buyer whether they want the product with the new contract.
Just because Fengtao is the seller doesn't mean he can alter the contract after the fact.
I haven't read the ECLU but if he had defined "Lifetime" in it as lifetime of the product then that would be the contract.A seller hould never leave this open to interpretation.Because with lifetime undefined in the contract the buyers interpretation is equally valid.Ultimately a court will have to make the decision.
To me a product with a lifetime guarantee is either to be properly repaired or replaced with a product that will properly do the job.
All a seller has to do is put in the contract & a lawyer could do the legalese better:The lifetime guarantee is for the lifetime of the product & this seller considers that X years.
I want to make another point.I bet Fengtao doesn't think the copyrights to the product run out with the "lifetime" .So another company could just take the name & make an exact copy & start selling it.

All analogies break down.
They are particularly inapplicable in a contract law dispute where they possess no probative value.

Guys, I think this has been done to death....

You can think all you want but the reality is that it is what Fengtao says it is....

Good luck with all the legalese and a lawsuit in China!!!

Can an admin close this post please ?

seconded!

Thirded. All in favor...

Aye!

Can i have a link, please? I have no statement found on the website so i doubt any other willing to buy will.

This was one of the two things i complained about - and did not get any substantial answer until now (and i doubt i will get one). The other one was why e-mails are not answered - again no answer.

Why not deleting the entire thread?

If you do not have to add substance or are not in the mood for a discussion - stay away from. Sometimes most simple solutions are the best.

No one is forced to reply.
I just don't want to leave anyone thinking Fengtao has the final word.
Legally he doesn't.
The contract becomes enforcable once a product is sold under that contract in the USA.Agreed a person that sued might have a hard time collecting from someone in China.
So it all comes down to what is in the contract.I would advise Fengtao have a good United States lawyer to write the new contract for him.Well written contracts cure a lot of problems.
There are ways to enforce a judgement against a person in another country even China.Such as an injunction preventing future sales.
That is the power the US government does have.
The same way a company in another country can't label their software "Movie Pirate" with explicit instructions for doing something illegal in the USA & sell it here.
In the end what matters legally is a contract; is a contract.And any ambiguity is to be construed against the writter of the contract.

Aye!

Please read:http://www.dvdfab.com/free.htm

This thread is going nowhere. You have all the replies you are probably going to get. If you have other questions please contact support. You can find that on the Fab Website I am sure. Noone here has anymore of an answer than I have already given you above.