Hi all,
Well after 15+ years in graphic design I finally got a letter too. I have an ad posted on my personal portfolio with a "supposed" Getty image on it that was purchased about 10 years ago for the ad it appears in. It was legally obtained as I worked for a large agency that purchased Getty Images all the time. I wrote them and gave all the information regarding the purchase of the image, the approximate date and the company who purchased it. Their answer? "We have no record and licenses are only valid for 5 years" So I got the same deal as a ton of people here - $625 after a "reduction" to resolve the matter amicably. Thankfully I found this site and have gotten some excellent info. I also went looking for the image again and it is not available anywhere on their site nor available if I call a customer service agent. So following someone else's posting I did send back a letter requesting proof of their copyright, signed agreement with the artist, etc. I'm not sure now if I just sit back and wait to see what else they try to throw at me or what? I am a little nervous as I've never in my life had someone threaten me with legal action. Does anyone know if they've ever actually taken something of this nature to court and won? Thanks!
Well after 15+ years in graphic design I finally got a letter too. I have an ad posted on my personal portfolio with a "supposed" Getty image on it that was purchased about 10 years ago for the ad it appears in. It was legally obtained as I worked for a large agency that purchased Getty Images all the time. I wrote them and gave all the information regarding the purchase of the image, the approximate date and the company who purchased it. Their answer? "We have no record and licenses are only valid for 5 years" So I got the same deal as a ton of people here - $625 after a "reduction" to resolve the matter amicably. Thankfully I found this site and have gotten some excellent info. I also went looking for the image again and it is not available anywhere on their site nor available if I call a customer service agent. So following someone else's posting I did send back a letter requesting proof of their copyright, signed agreement with the artist, etc. I'm not sure now if I just sit back and wait to see what else they try to throw at me or what? I am a little nervous as I've never in my life had someone threaten me with legal action. Does anyone know if they've ever actually taken something of this nature to court and won? Thanks!