I don't own a commercial website

[Greg Troy (KeepFighting)]

Oscar's letter program is a great value, he knows the copyright law inside and out and has handled over 800+ of these letters.  You get a letter sent to Getty which will stop Getty from contacting you directly, they must go through Oscar.  Should Getty decide to respond you get a follow up letter.  I would consider using Oscar's program if you are not going to fight it yourself and I would certainly do it before I gave a penny to Getty.

If you want to fight it yourself all the information should be here in the forums plus the people here can offer good advice, but you must ultimately decide what is best for you and your situation.

[Robert Krausankas (BuddhaPi)]

What you get by retaining Oscar for the letter program, is the peace of mind knowing Getty Images can no longer contact you, nor can the collection agency...any contact must go thru Oscar's Office.. like was stated your other options are to put up with their nonsense for the next three years, or pay them what they are asking for..which would only assist them in sending more letters.

[dionesiamn]

So I've done more reading and video watching and the Oscar letter program seems a plausible choice. But to clarify and understand:

1. By doing this, I would basically be "retaining" Oscar as legal representative? And if I'm not in New York can he still represent me?
2. Has anyone who as gone this route actually been taken to court?
3. Does Oscar continue to represent you in court (if the matter escalates) or do you need to hire another local attorney?
4. Should I be concerned that at least one other poster has not gotten a reply or return contact from Oscar's legal team?
5. And lastly, since I have already made contact with Getty is this still an option for me?

Thank you so much. This website is the greatest.

[dionesiamn]

Sorry, I found the answer to question 3. I understand if taken to court I can retain him.

[Robert Krausankas (BuddhaPi)]

So I've done more reading and video watching and the Oscar letter program seems a plausible choice. But to clarify and understand:

1. By doing this, I would basically be "retaining" Oscar as legal representative? And if I'm not in New York can he still represent me? - YES
2. Has anyone who as gone this route actually been taken to court? - NO
3. Does Oscar continue to represent you in court (if the matter escalates) or do you need to hire another local attorney? - You would need to further retain Oscar, which is NOT included in the 195.00 letter program..chances are very good it would not go to courth though.
4. Should I be concerned that at least one other poster has not gotten a reply or return contact from Oscar's legal team? - NO, everyone needs to know and remember that Oscar's main business or practice is NOT ELI related, and very few have slipped through the cracks of the 850+ letters he has handled.
5. And lastly, since I have already made contact with Getty is this still an option for me? Yes it is, you can simply tell Getty to not contact you any longer as you have retained council, by law they can't

Thank you so much. This website is the greatest.

[dionesiamn]

Again, I want to thank you all on this forum for the help. I have prepared and sent my "letters" off to the Defense Letter Program with a request for instructions on how to pay the fee. I didn't see how that was done so I assume they'll let me know once they enroll me. I'll wait and see how this goes. I wish everyonw else the best of luck in dealing with this playground bully.

[Greg Troy (KeepFighting)]

You are in good hands, please keep us updated on how everything goes for you.  Also feel free to stick around in the forums and participate.

Again, I want to thank you all on this forum for the help. I have prepared and sent my "letters" off to the Defense Letter Program with a request for instructions on how to pay the fee. I didn't see how that was done so I assume they'll let me know once they enroll me. I'll wait and see how this goes. I wish everyonw else the best of luck in dealing with this playground bully.