@TOPAZ
(Edited on 09/16/2025 due to typos, formatting, missing screenshots and note regarding responsibility for the partial reimbursement mentioned.)
On the one hand, it is understandable that the pace of development is increasing at ever shorter intervals, but at the same time, this is putting increasing strain on the financial planning framework, which can become a commercial burden for the company if there are a certain number of one-off purchases.
It is also understandable that the UIs of today’s desktop apps (not Studio) and thus the access options with well-thought-out operation and efficient user experience will at some point no longer be up to date or sufficient for future model versions, so that one is forced to develop a new UI, i.e., a completely new version from scratch.
It is as well important to recognize that what you are offering in terms of access to additional apps and free credits for all those who remain in their subscription beyond September 16, 2025, as an considerable gifts on your part.
_
Like many others, I purchased Video AI and Photo AI with the promise of feature updates/upgrades for one year. They made no distinction between a one-time purchase and a subscription.
Here, for example, is a screenshot of your website from the day I purchased Topaz Video AI (note the small print to the left of the “Buy $299” button):
If i activating automatic renewal, you also refer to “auto-upgrades.” This is also shown in the latest post above by AND-E with a screenshot.
_
LICENSE AGREEMENT - EULA
Here are two quick quotes from the EULA, which I saved as a PDF on May 14, 2025 (see screenshot of the PDF properties above):
(1) „This End User License Agreement (“EULA”) is a binding agreement between you (referred to herein as “Customer”, “End User”, “You” or “Your”) and Topaz Labs LLC (“Topaz”) and
governs Your use of the products set forth at https://www.topazlabs.com/, including, but not limited to, Photo AI, Video AI, and Gigapixel (collectively, the “Software”).“
(…)
(2) „2.3. Updates. During the Initial Term, You will have access to any update [1] to the Software offered by Topaz.“
[1] No distinction between maintenance updates and feature updates..
If the licensee violates the provisions of this EULA, Topaz’s first two steps will certainly be:
(1) to notify the licensee of the violation of the agreements and obligations under the EULA
(2) enforce their rights under this EULA
But how do you react if you yourself violate the binding nature of the EULA?
Your reasoning and promotion of your pricing concept, your assurances, both for one-time payers and for users of automatic renewal, are the same today (with regard to the Studio versions) as they were then (at the time of my purchase):
My financial contribution would enable future investments and models (for at least one year in advance).
Today, however, my personal impression is that you are breaking the promises made at the time and the binding agreement according to the EULA. But you are once again using the above reasoning/application as your argument.
To stay in line with your argumentation:
A example based on my understanding: If I let my current subscription (valid until May, 2026/April 2026) expire or do not switch to the studio license model, then hen you could already or can continue use my financial contributions to secure current and future investments for existing and future models, but you would be denying me the new models that are just around the corner less than 3/4 months (out of 12/11!) after the start of the contract.
Since the understandings mentioned at the beginning for further development now conflict with a presumably overlooked provision for one-time payers* and existing subscribers (*each with a license valid beyond September 16, 2025), I have a suggestion:
Wouldn’t it be a reasonable arrangement in the interests of both parties if Topaz offered and granted a partial refund?
An offer of a binding guarantee of partial reimbursement to those whose one-time payment is valid beyond September 16, 2025, and to those who do not wish to renew their current subscription or switch to the Studio version. Calculated on a daily basis from September 16, 2025, until the respective end of the promised updates based on the respective license term.
(09/16/2025): Addendum on the subject of responsibility: Company management has decided on this new pricing model, so I believe that responsibility for a course correction in terms of (partial) reimbursement also lies there. Not with support.
__
Have you already asked yourself what (especially future) value Topaz’s credibility will retain if you now reinforce your commitment with the same arguments—this time for subscribers to the Studio version? What can the public, renewing subscribers, or new subscribers expect after another year has passed and the apps’ user interfaces and the Studio pricing concept can no longer keep pace with the new models and/or economic efficiency?
—
To clarify the figures once again: I purchased two Topaz desktop applications for $468 (for the app/model version(s) valid at that time and for the next 12 months of your model developments and feature updates/upgrades).
But not for maintenance updates! See screenshot and EULA excerpt. Maintenance updates are not a convincing selling point in advertising! This was my understanding at the time of my purchase of VIDEO AI (see screenshot) — because the functionality of an app is rightly considered a matter of course! But today, my personal impression is that you are already trying here and there to promote/sell maintenance updates as a plus point or as a feature for those who have been “left behind.”
But back to my little model calculation based on your 1-year commitment:
-
PAYMENT Video AI: US$ 299.00
that’s US$ 24.9166666667 per month
Per day at least US$ 0.83055556 (depending on whether a month has 30 or 31 days)
-
PAYMENT Photo AI: US$ 169.00
That is US$ 14.08333333333 per month
Per day at least US$ 0.46944444 (depending on whether a month has 30 or 31 days)
-
Purchase date:
Video AI : 04/19/2025, VALID UNTIL 04/19/2026
Photo AI: 05/16/2025, VALID UNTIL 05/16/2026
Effective date of changes: 09/16/2025
Surplus for partial refund of days to be taken into account:
VIDEO AI: September 16, 2025 to April 19, 2026 = 216 days (start and end dates included)
Photo AI: September 16, 2025 to May 16, 2026 = 242 days (start and end dates included)
The calculation below is based on the exact number of days between the two dates, but only the daily amount for a month with 30 days. This would have to be determined individually in each case. It cannot be shown here.
216 * 0,83055556 = at least US$ 179,40000096 as the refundable amount for Video AI
242 * 0,46944444 = at least US$ 113,60555448 as the refundable amount for Photo AI
Is this a proposal that affected customers and Topaz Labs can imagine?
You’re asking questions that have all been asked and answered repeatedly in this thread. I certainly understand you not wanting to wade through 560 posts above yours looking for the answers. And shame on Topaz Labs for not putting together their own FAQ; it would make things much easier. BUT… there is an indirect FAQ (not sanctioned by Topaz Labs, but in the words of their own personnel) just a few posts above years that answers all your questions and more. Please grab the little blue diamond icon on the right and scroll up to post 