Messages

136

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: How many have been sued for use of one pic?

« on: October 20, 2012, 04:11:59 PM »

@buddhapi:

The "dockets" are public record.  But, that's normally just a summary of procedures/decisions in the case.
The actual documents/evidence, etc are public record.  But, they're only available for a nominal fee in person or by fax.

@Greg Troy

My understanding is that the person involved is a real estate agent, and it was used on a website.
This is one of the few cases wherein the actual image infringed upon is mentioned online.
For some reason, MF went after a few real estate agents around the same time.

---

These types of lawsuits are NOT very productive in and of themselves.
However, I think that MF wanted to transmit a message they practice zero tolerance.

Here's one wherein they sued over three images:
http://cas-ncr-nter03.cas-satj.gc.ca/IndexingQueries/infp_moreInfo_e.php?T-1965-09

There's about 6 other cases in which they filed over 4 images.

It's not my intention to alarm readers of the forum; but, we always state the facts here.
In any case, such lawsuits are still very rare given the number of claims made by MF.

S.G.

137

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: How many have been sued for use of one pic?

« on: October 20, 2012, 12:15:50 PM »

Apparently, Masterfile, has sued over a single image in Canada.
Probably just to send a message.  These guys are vicious and desperate.

http://cas-ncr-nter03.cas-satj.gc.ca/IndexingQueries/infp_moreInfo_e.php?T-1469-10

They actually went after this poor chap pretty hard:

http://cas-ncr-nter03.cas-satj.gc.ca/IndexingQueries/infp_RE_info_e.php?court_no=T-1469-10

Getty hasn't sued anybody in Canada in years.  I don't see that changing.

http://cas-ncr-nter03.cas-satj.gc.ca/IndexingQueries/infp_RE_info_e.php?court_no=T-529-08

http://cas-ncr-nter03.cas-satj.gc.ca/IndexingQueries/infp_RE_info_e.php?court_no=T-2264-07

S.G.

138

Legal Controversies Forum / "SOPA" is back in virus form... demands 200 dollar payment for "infringement"...

« on: October 12, 2012, 01:18:41 AM »

"SOPA" is back in virus form... demands 200 dollar payment for "infringement"...

http://torrentfreak.com/sopa-is-back-as-a-ransomware-virus-121011/

'The SOPA virus is so-called ransomware, meaning that it holds computers hostage and only promises to free data after victims hand over cash.
In the U.S. and Canada people are instructed to pay with a MoneyPak prepaid voucher, and in other parts of the world they can use Western Union.
 
Those who don’t pay within three days are in trouble, the virus maker warns.
 
“WARNING!!!: If you don’t pay the fine within 72 HOURS at the amount of 200 USD, all your computer data will be erased.”'

S.G.

139

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Court victory against Getty Images Master Delegate in Israel

« on: October 11, 2012, 04:26:28 PM »

Yes... many readers of the forum will be pleased that Getty comes out looking quite badly in this too.

S.G.

140

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Court victory against Getty Images Master Delegate in Israel

« on: October 11, 2012, 02:40:23 PM »

Thanks a lot for the update!!  This is great news!!

I still confused about Marot and Getty.
Were Marot and Getty actually "connected"?  Or, was Marot simply saying that they had Getty behind them in order to scare people?

Thanks again; great work!!

S.G.

141

Righthaven Lawsuits Forum / Re: Righthaven CEO Gibson insists he’s owed back wages

« on: October 10, 2012, 11:06:36 PM »

Thanks for posting this.
I just have to say that this guy has some sort of problem.  Seriously.

S.G.

142

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: How many have been sued for use of one pic?

« on: October 10, 2012, 03:33:45 PM »

Yes, you could negotiate and settle at the last minute, if you needed to.
Getty filed a couple of lawsuits in Canada many years ago.
I don't think that we'll see that again in the near future, especially about one image.

S.G.

143

P2P/BitTorrent Lawsuits Forum / "It’s Time To Debunk The Myth That Copyright Is Needed To Make Money"

« on: October 09, 2012, 02:52:58 PM »

"It’s Time To Debunk The Myth That Copyright Is Needed To Make Money"

"We have created since we learned to put red paint on the inside of cave walls, not because of the possibility of making money, but because of who we are, because of how we are wired.
(Usually, people who are into life for the money don’t go into artistry in the first place. They go to law school or medical school."

http://torrentfreak.com/its-time-to-debunk-the-myth-that-copyright-is-needed-to-make-money-or-that-it-even-makes-money-121007/

S.G.

144

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Masterfile's Copyright Registration Method Held Invalid by California Court

« on: October 09, 2012, 12:04:56 PM »

Good info from Buddhapi!!

Wolff's assertion that "this judge has a reputation for being anti-plaintiff and dismissing cases" seems a bit childish.

The stock photo industry trolls are demanding very high settlements en-masse.
I don't think that the public, the justice system, and content owners would be well served by a copyright system such as that which the trolls desire.
Such a system would be too informal and simplistic to properly answer legal questions regarding standing and ownership.

When defendants are sued for many thousands, and sometimes millions of dollars, statements made by the trolls to the effect of "the photos are in there somewhere" and "we don't need signed contracts" are simply not acceptable.

S.G.

145

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Masterfile's Copyright Registration Method Held Invalid by California Court

« on: October 08, 2012, 11:11:42 PM »

Great find!  A lot is riding on this case for Masterfile, and their industry.
I wonder if their strategy will be different, or are they simply hoping for a different judge with a different opinion?
I guess that many observers were expecting this.  Masterfile was holding off on pursuing other cases, it seemed.

Very nice to see that Bekka's still here!!

S.G.

146

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Getty Images Extortion Office Building Photos

« on: October 08, 2012, 05:51:48 PM »

Is this the same place?



S.G.

147

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Copyright Infringement Letter from a Getty contributor

« on: October 06, 2012, 11:31:26 PM »

I have to agree with Jerry.

Again, don't respond.  It really amazes me that people are still giving advice telling people to write back.
Do not contact the (actual) photographer if you've infringed.  Doing so can cost you if he/she finds out who you are.

Additionally, do not answer any spam or trolling emails.  If they feel a "nibble on their fishing line", they'll be after you immediately.

Keep in mind that even innocent people have paid tens of thousands of dollars to defend themselves, even when they were innocent.
Look at the Righthaven cases.  If these trolls don't know who you are, or can't contact you other than email, I wouldn't say a word.

S.G.

148

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Copyright Infringement Letter from a Getty contributor

« on: October 06, 2012, 11:27:03 AM »

Scraggy mentioned, "Why don't you send the real photographer an e-mail ( don't reply, but open a new e-mail instead ) , and ask her if she is responsible for sending such e-mails."
I don't recommend this course of action.  Don't write to some photographer and admit that you've infringed.

Furthermore, as Buddhapi mentioned, email isn't a form of official notice.  It could have gone into your spam box, and you never saw it as far as anyone knows.  You have plausible denial.
Lay low for now.

It's interesting that the alleged infringer "sounds" like a brit or canadian to me, but states US copyright law to a person from the Philippines. lol.

S.G.

149

Righthaven Lawsuits Forum / Re: Missing Righthaven attorney surfaces, airs grievances about company

« on: October 05, 2012, 11:09:07 PM »

Wow... Righthaven's a lot like a case of halitosis that just won't go away.

I'm quite sure that all of those involved were acutely aware of what they were getting into.
Look at the jaw-dropping damages claimed against mere bloggers over newspaper articles.
People were going to be outraged.

I don't feel sorry for those involved.
Sorry to hear about Mangano's mother, but what's that got to do with Righthaven?

S.G.

150

Getty Images Letter Forum / Re: Lisa Willmer, Senior Director, Corporate Counsel at Getty Images

« on: October 04, 2012, 06:23:18 PM »

Lisa Willmer looks looks better in her Getty Images burka, with most of her face covered.



S.G.