Hang on, two days ago I was browsing their website and they still sell perpetual licences. They are very clear that you can own forever and as use as much as you like the version you purchased, but won't be getting upgrades or updates for free. They sell upgrade passes at discounted prices for yet another perpetual purchase. So, you technically own it, unless I missed something.
Yes, you can buy an upgrade for the next perpetual licence iirc. I understand maybe you don't like this and still want to pirate it, but the option still exists.