I received this e-mail the other day. They are trying to charge me $500 regardless if I take the picture down or not. What do I do? I already removed the photo. It was an honest mistake. I will copy and paste the message here:
License Compliance Services on behalf of © Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd.
605 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 400
Seattle, WA 98104
United States
9/2/2014 5:40:31 PM
Dear *** ****,
It has come to the attention of Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd that a copyright image represented by Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd or image(s) represented or created from originals in the possession of Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd are being used or have been used for online promotional use by your company. According to our records there is no valid license issued to your company for the use of the image(s).
To view the image(s) in question together with the usage(s) found on your company’s website (http://www.*****), go to: https://lcs.maryevans.com/*****
Using an Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd image without a valid license is considered copyright infringement and in violation of the Copyright Act, Title 17, United States Code, entitling Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd to seek compensation for infringing uses. Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd is committed to protecting the interests, intellectual property and livelihoods of the contributors with whom we work.
To resolve this matter (Case Ref: 4R***-****):
_____________________________________________________________
If a valid license has been issued for the image(s) in question:
Please email the license purchase information to lcs@maryevans.com within 10 business days of the date of this letter.
If a valid license proof cannot be found:
Please cease using the image(s) in question immediately.
In addition, a $500.00 settlement payment should be received within 10 business days of the date of this letter. The payment options are detailed below. Ceasing use of the image(s) does not release your company of its responsibility to pay for the image(s) already used.
Remittance Payment Options (settlement fee: $500.00)
_____________________________________________________________
You can remit your payment online at:
https://lcs.maryevans.com/4R*****
Remit Check Payment To:
License Compliance Services
Picscout Inc.
605 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 400
Seattle, WA 98104
United States
Please include Reference Number 4RMT-1**** with check payment.
Alternatively, you may contact us at +1 855 387 8725 or Pay by Wire Transfer to:
Bank of America
Picscout Inc.
Bank Account number: 138110423135
Routing (ABA) Number: 125000024
Swift Code: BOFAUS3N
Address: PO Box 25118, Tampa, FL 33622-5118
Please include Reference Number 4RMT-1*** with wire payment.
We believe that prompt cooperation will benefit all concerned parties.
If you would like to continue to use the image(s) in question, or if you believe you have mistakenly received this letter, please contact us by email at lcs@maryevans.com, or call +1 855 387 8725 and we will assist you.
This letter is without prejudice to Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd’ rights and remedies, all of which are expressly reserved.
Sincerely,
License Compliance Services on behalf of © Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd.
lcs@maryevans.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd?
Mary Evans Picture Library licences images for commercial use in books, newspapers, magazines, adverts, web sites and all manner of other media.
Mary Evans Picture Library images cover a broad range of topics and subject areas which, although coming under the umbrella classification of history, in fact, extend far beyond most people's perception of historical pictures.
Mary Evans Picture Library material has traditionally been used in an editorial context to illustrate news stories, magazine articles and the like, but today it is increasingly sought by creatives looking for different and stimulating imagery around which to base advertising campaigns or commercial design projects.
Why is Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd contacting me?
Your website was recognized by an internet service Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd uses to identify all online uses of images we represent. After notification by this service and upon review of our billing systems there is no record of a valid license for use of the image(s) identified online.
What if I didn’t know?
You may have employed a third party, former worker or intern to design and develop your company’s site. However, the liability of any infringement ultimately falls on the company (the end user) who hired that party, employee or intern. You may have been unaware this material was subject to license. The Copyright Act treats infringements as “no fault,” meaning anyone who copies, displays or publicly distributes a photograph infringes the copyright whether they were aware that the use was infringing or not.
What if I simply remove the image?
While we appreciate the effort of removing the material in question from your site, we still require compensation. Your company has benefited by using our imagery without permission from Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd or its represented contributors. As the unauthorized use has already occurred, payment for that benefit is necessary.
What if I need to speak further with somebody to discuss this matter?
Please either email us at lcs@maryevans.com or call +1 855 387 8725.
License Compliance Services on behalf of © Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd.
605 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 400
Seattle, WA 98104
United States
9/2/2014 5:40:31 PM
Dear *** ****,
It has come to the attention of Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd that a copyright image represented by Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd or image(s) represented or created from originals in the possession of Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd are being used or have been used for online promotional use by your company. According to our records there is no valid license issued to your company for the use of the image(s).
To view the image(s) in question together with the usage(s) found on your company’s website (http://www.*****), go to: https://lcs.maryevans.com/*****
Using an Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd image without a valid license is considered copyright infringement and in violation of the Copyright Act, Title 17, United States Code, entitling Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd to seek compensation for infringing uses. Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd is committed to protecting the interests, intellectual property and livelihoods of the contributors with whom we work.
To resolve this matter (Case Ref: 4R***-****):
_____________________________________________________________
If a valid license has been issued for the image(s) in question:
Please email the license purchase information to lcs@maryevans.com within 10 business days of the date of this letter.
If a valid license proof cannot be found:
Please cease using the image(s) in question immediately.
In addition, a $500.00 settlement payment should be received within 10 business days of the date of this letter. The payment options are detailed below. Ceasing use of the image(s) does not release your company of its responsibility to pay for the image(s) already used.
Remittance Payment Options (settlement fee: $500.00)
_____________________________________________________________
You can remit your payment online at:
https://lcs.maryevans.com/4R*****
Remit Check Payment To:
License Compliance Services
Picscout Inc.
605 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 400
Seattle, WA 98104
United States
Please include Reference Number 4RMT-1**** with check payment.
Alternatively, you may contact us at +1 855 387 8725 or Pay by Wire Transfer to:
Bank of America
Picscout Inc.
Bank Account number: 138110423135
Routing (ABA) Number: 125000024
Swift Code: BOFAUS3N
Address: PO Box 25118, Tampa, FL 33622-5118
Please include Reference Number 4RMT-1*** with wire payment.
We believe that prompt cooperation will benefit all concerned parties.
If you would like to continue to use the image(s) in question, or if you believe you have mistakenly received this letter, please contact us by email at lcs@maryevans.com, or call +1 855 387 8725 and we will assist you.
This letter is without prejudice to Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd’ rights and remedies, all of which are expressly reserved.
Sincerely,
License Compliance Services on behalf of © Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd.
lcs@maryevans.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd?
Mary Evans Picture Library licences images for commercial use in books, newspapers, magazines, adverts, web sites and all manner of other media.
Mary Evans Picture Library images cover a broad range of topics and subject areas which, although coming under the umbrella classification of history, in fact, extend far beyond most people's perception of historical pictures.
Mary Evans Picture Library material has traditionally been used in an editorial context to illustrate news stories, magazine articles and the like, but today it is increasingly sought by creatives looking for different and stimulating imagery around which to base advertising campaigns or commercial design projects.
Why is Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd contacting me?
Your website was recognized by an internet service Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd uses to identify all online uses of images we represent. After notification by this service and upon review of our billing systems there is no record of a valid license for use of the image(s) identified online.
What if I didn’t know?
You may have employed a third party, former worker or intern to design and develop your company’s site. However, the liability of any infringement ultimately falls on the company (the end user) who hired that party, employee or intern. You may have been unaware this material was subject to license. The Copyright Act treats infringements as “no fault,” meaning anyone who copies, displays or publicly distributes a photograph infringes the copyright whether they were aware that the use was infringing or not.
What if I simply remove the image?
While we appreciate the effort of removing the material in question from your site, we still require compensation. Your company has benefited by using our imagery without permission from Mary Evans Picture Library Ltd or its represented contributors. As the unauthorized use has already occurred, payment for that benefit is necessary.
What if I need to speak further with somebody to discuss this matter?
Please either email us at lcs@maryevans.com or call +1 855 387 8725.