I just got my letter on Tuesday looking for help

[mcairns]

I just recived a letter from Getty requesting $1225 for an image infraction I called them and they reduced it to $1040 which I explained was a crazy amount for the infraction because I was unaware it was copyright as it was purchased as part of a template I used on my website they said they captured the image in November of 2010 and my site was offline then the company I was subscribed too were out of business and the site was not going anywhere so I just left it offline.

I also contacted the photographer of the image in question and he said he has no control of what Getty does with his images so he could not help.

I am just looking for ideas there is a lot on this website so looking for pointers for my next step?

Thanks to Anyone that could help!!...
Mark..

[JPicker]

Respectfully, and because he has helped so many on this site, your best bet is to contact Oscar.

[mcairns]

Do I contact him on this site or via another way?

[JPicker]

His contact info can be found in this thread:

http://www.extortionletterinfo.com/forum/read.php?2,1702

[Matthew Chan]

Actually, Oscar's contact info is on SEVERAL PAGES/PLACES on this website not to mention the HOME PAGE but one has to make a tiny effort to search for it.

I also think it is tragic how we have entire videos and interviews freely available to subscribers that discuss the situation but some won't take the time to educate themselves.

There is a reason why an entire website is devoted to the subject.  Solutions cannot be encapsulated into 3 sentence answers so I won't even attempt it.

[mcairns]

Thank you Mathew I was kind of angry at the company when I wrote this I am currently going through all the information on the site and I am grateful for you guys putting up all this information I was just frustrated when I first found the site and that so many people are being forced into the same situation.

I have sent an email to Oscar and I am awaiting a reply thanks for the help.

Mark.

[mcairns]

Wow looks like someone hijacked my post I wish to thank both Oscar and Matthew for having this site up without it I would have been floundering around in google land without a clue I look forward to hearing from Oscar so I can discuss my next step agains the evil Getty machine...

[Matthew Chan]

Mccairns,

You bring up a good point. I might need to break this thread off.

UPDATE: A line of discussion was broken off and a "new" thread was formed called "Rebuttal to Oscar not responsive"

[mcairns]

I got my letter on March 10th and they deadline to pay the fee was the day they sent the letter March 8th should I send them an email appoligising for the error and that the site has been down all year and to ask for a extension while I wait for Oscar to get back to me?

[Matthew Chan]

If you feel you must respond, you can simply let them know Oscar will be contacting them on your behalf. They know Oscar and this website very well.

[Sue]

Hi,

First thank you for this site - it has been an invaluable tool for research on this situation. A client of mine received this letter several weeks ago demanding $2500 for two images I used on her website, which were distributed by a royal free site years ago. Of course the images were immediately deleted and archives.org contacted to remove their archives of my clients site. I have told her to put off responding to Getty until I could talk to Oscar first.  I have sent several e-mails to Oscar. I know he is very busy and I would rather wait for him to respond to me, then look for other legal counsel. Can you please elaborate on the above post re: letting Getty know that 'Oscar will be contacting them on your behalf'.

Cheers,
Sue

[mcairns]

Is there any way of checking the picture is registered as a copyrighted image I checked http://www.copyright.gov/records/ but found no listing for the collection or the name of the image is there somewhere else it could be listed?

[Oscar Michelen]

Hey Sue:

I don't seem to see an email from a "Sue" re-email me at xxx.  Don't worry so much about Getty's artificial deadlines.  Once you email me I will get you the info on what is covered by our letter program  and how to retain me if you are interested Thanks

[Oscar Michelen]

It is very difficult to check for these images in this fashion.  Getty has registered The Stone Collection I believe with the copyright office so if your image comes from that collection it is likely registered.  If someone more tech savvy than I can figure out a way to search for these images, I hope they post the details of how to go about it on this site.

[mcairns]

Oscar have you recieved my email yet?