Getty Images E-Mail Response

[VicB]

I very much appreciate this web site - it has offered so much great advice and consolation! ()

I responded to the extortion letter ($600 demanded for one image worth $10 on their site) by e-mail, apologized, explained it was unintentional since the image was found on other web sites in the public domain. I removed it from my site immediately and even purchased three more royalty free images for $25. Should the demands continue or escalate I will hire Oscar imediately.

I received the following yesterday:

FOR SETTLEMENT PURPOSES ONLY

RE: 6887248-1050988 –

Dear

As you may know, Getty Images represents the world's leading photographers and licenses their work to provide visual imagery to its customers.  The image at issue in this settlement is a Rights-managed image, exclusively available for license through Getty Images and would have required the appropriate licensing prior to its use on the website. Getty Images has been unable to find the necessary licenses for this use.

Getty Images understands that xxx  company may have thought the image used on its website belonged to the public domain. It may be that the image was made accessible elsewhere; however, public availability or distribution does not mean that the images are part of the public domain.

Images represented by Getty Images are not in the public domain.  We have a proprietary interest in these images and take great steps to protect the copyrights, which are recognized by law the moment the images are created.

Absent proof of a valid web license, the balance on the settlement demand presented remains due.  Getty Images looks forward to settling this matter quickly and amicably. I appreciate your time and attention to this matter.

Best regards,


D. Bieker

Copyright Compliance Specialist
Getty Images License Compliance
licensecompliance@gettyimages.com
UK 800.279.9258
US 800.972.4170

Getty Images Headquarters
601 North 34th Street
Seattle, WA 98103 USA
Fax: 1.206.925.5001
  _____  


©2010 Getty Images, Inc.

[Robert Krausankas (BuddhaPi)]

Typical response from Getty, no invoice or license for said image that want to be paid.Thats all that matters to them, my question would be why would you then purchase additional images from them or any of the other stock companies?

[Oscar Michelen]

This is their typical computer-generated response.  There is enough information and videos on the website to give you some ammo to respond.  Good luck and keep us posted