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Messages - mreams

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1
If you're Canadian, it would have to be filed in a Canadian court.
Also, Canadian laws would apply.

From what I understand, Canadian law doesn't allow for collection agencies to pursue legal demands for which no court judgement as been made (that is, "non-debts").
So, NCS/Getty broke Canadian law.  At the very least, this would create a legal problem for them if they were to pursue this.

In any case, Getty hasn't sued anybody in Canada in years, let alone for one image.
Personally, I wouldn't get into it with the collection agency unless they really harass you.
It's better to say as little as possible.  But, you may point out to them that what they are doing breaks Canadian laws.
That will promptly end it.

S.G.

Ahhh Ok ...understand it now, well explained.

Thanks

2
tell them this is a claim not a debt, they are required to send it back to Getty, tell them if they contact you again you will report them for misbehaving and not following the laws regarding the fair debt collection act ( or whatever it is called), they have no standing...then prepare to get a letter from ass hat seattle attorney Timothy B. McCormack....easy peasy..

In their letter they did say it was "the settlement of an image infringement claim."   So do you mean because they are a debt collection agency they have no business getting involved?

I looked up Timothy B. McCormack the lawyer.  Just wondering why that part would be easy peasy.

Thanks for the input.

"collection agencies" can only collect debts...this is clearly not a debt...so yes you are correct, they have no business being involved...this was/is the easy/peasy part...they have to abide by federal guidelines or risk being reported and fined...

Timmy is just a collection attorney...he can't sue you unless they allow him to, and they have never filed suit over 1 image and in the very few cases they have filed Timothy B McCormack was NEVER the attorney...says alot of Timmy right there...he's a friggin clerk, drinking from the kool-aid keg...

I can reply to the collection agency regarding what we mentioned.  But do you think it is really worth it since they really have no power or authority anyway?  Eventually won't they just go away?  On the other hand maybe if I do reply they might think about taking on these type of cases.  (Most likely not since I am pretty sure they don't care)  But it would make me feel good to let them know I can not be bullied and that they are wrong.

Most likely I will write up a thoughtful reply to the collection agency telling them to buzz off.  If it ever did go to court I wonder would it be filed in a US court or a Canadian court?  I still have my ace in the hole tech crunch video of the CEO saying they would never ask for money until the user of the image was making a profit from it.

3
They're using a company in Florida to chase a Canadian because it's illegal for collection agencies in Canada to pursue people for something that's not a debt.

Now that Getty's messed up and done something that's illegal, they've basically screwed themselves. lol

S.G.

How has Getty messed up and done something illegal?

4
This is kind of interesting, a FL company chasing a Canadian for Getty.  Isn't Timmy a lot closer geographically?  Or does he not chase cases where "innocent infringement" might be involved outside of the U.S.?

If he doesn't wouldn't they just get someone who does?  Has anyone ever heard of a Canadian getting sued over 1 image?

5
tell them this is a claim not a debt, they are required to send it back to Getty, tell them if they contact you again you will report them for misbehaving and not following the laws regarding the fair debt collection act ( or whatever it is called), they have no standing...then prepare to get a letter from ass hat seattle attorney Timothy B. McCormack....easy peasy..

In their letter they did say it was "the settlement of an image infringement claim."   So do you mean because they are a debt collection agency they have no business getting involved?

I looked up Timothy B. McCormack the lawyer.  Just wondering why that part would be easy peasy.

Thanks for the input.

6
Of course this would happen.  2 days ago I posted an update that nothing has happened in months.  Today I got the following email:

Our file no XXXXXX
Re: Getty Images/Company Name
Settlement Offer:$1050.00
 
 
 
Please be advised that NCS has been retained by Getty Images with regard to the settlement of an image infringement claim in the above referenced matter. In that regard, we have been assigned this file, and have attached hereto copies of the letter previously sent by our client together with copies of the unauthorized images and the capture of said images on your website. Our client has attempted to resolve this claim by communicating with your company directly, but has been unable to do so. Our goal is to resolve this claim on an amicable basis, without having to resort to further action in this regard. We do have some flexibility with the amount claimed if this is resolved immediately. Alternatively, if we cannot settle this imminently, we would be obligated to refer the file back to our client for further action including the potential initiation of suit.  It would be preferable to settle this matter upon terms agreeable to both parties, and to avoid the time and expense of potential protracted litigation. We trust that we can resolve this amicably, and we look forward to hearing from in this regard upon receipt of this email.
 
 
Our client understands that a third-party designer, employee or intern may have been contracted to design and develop your company’s website. However, if no licenses for use of the images from our client exist, the liability of any infringement ultimately falls on the company displaying the imagery, which is considered the end user. If this situation applies to your company, please contact the third-party to inquire if there are any licenses from our client for the specific use of the images in question. If this is the case, please contact us as soon as possible to provide the invoice number or sales order number information and we will research accordingly. If a third party who supplied the images is willing to settle on your behalf, that third party may contact us to settle this matter. If the third party is unable or unwilling to settle on your behalf, we will continue to pursue your company as the end user of the image. Any pursuit by you of reimbursement from the third party would be between you and the third party, separate from our claim against you.
 
 
 
While we appreciate the removal of the represented images from your website, removal of the images alone does not settle the matter. Since your company has already infringed the copyright by using the image without a valid license, the photographers are entitled to compensation for the use of their work. Therefore, our client will continue to pursue settlement of the demand. We are seeking payment for the unlicensed use of the images.
 
 
 
This is an effort to effect a settlement and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
 
 
Sincerely,
 
 

Darlene Connor
Recovery Specialist
NCS IP Solutions LLC
393 Interstate Blvd.
PO Box 50276
Sarasota, FL 34232
T - 941-371-9900x220
F - 941-371-9901
 
 
THIS IS AN EFFORT TO EFFECT A SETTLEMENT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.


Any advice anyone?

7
Today is Jan 20th 2013.

Just thought I would give an update.  Remember I live in Canada so that may make a difference in my situation.  My first letter was received about 10 months ago, then a second letter came 2 months later.  I have never contacted them or replied in any way.  As of today I have not had any calls, emails, or other letters sent to me.  I think they gave up because it was only 1 image in question.

Matt

8
Updatye ...May 23rd 2012 .....

Still have not anything yet.


9
I just checked with a different browser, Chrome and the video is still there.  My IE is always flaking out. 

I was thinking if I was in the US I might be more prone to send a reply.  But I think since I live in Canada is is that much harder for them.  If I do get another letter I will update this thread and may decide to respond then.

10
Update .... I have not received another letter or call from Getty.  It is now over 1 month past their so called deadline. I will not contact them and I have decided the bastards will have to take me to court if they want anything.  They will have to prove they own the images.  But I have a smoking gun.  I have the now removed video off the tech crunch site of the Getty CEO saying if you do not have any revenue and use their images that is ok.

11
There are way to many what ifs.  In the future I will check my images against the Getty database and check them with reverse image lookup sites, I might even take the odd picture myself.

I guess if you want to be 100% safe do nothing, never post anything on any website, and never leave home or get out of bed.  Of course I am being sarcastic but you can't let fear of a small chance something will happen stop you stop you from doing what you want.

12
Do NOT depend solely on TinEye, it's not a slam dunk that it will find all images, and also don't forget Getty is not the only trolling company either.. Bottom line is if you have ANY images on your site of which you do not have a receipt for, or you did not create the image yourself, someone somewhere owns that / those images and you are still exposed to getting other or more letters.

You are correct.  I actuall used another site as well to check.  I had 1 image from some other Getty like site, I removed that one as well.  After looking at the images that are listed in these companies you get a good feel if you think it is an image that would be on Getty or a Getty like sight.  But I always check now. 

13
Like most people I am a pretty busy person.  When I actually had the time (April 5th, 1 week past the Getty deadline for a response) to check the rest of website. I took all my images and uploaded them up to a reverse image lookup site: http://www.tineye.com/ (This is a great site to check your images)  I found I had a total of 4 images that were in the Getty database,  Yikes!  Of course I took them all down and replaced them.

I actually never got around to reply to Getty.  There is a phone number on my website, but it is just a voice mail, no messages yet.  I have not received another letter yet either.  I think at this point I will do nothing unless I get another letter. 

Matt

14
I'm doing some homework on any patterns as to when Getty and others send out letters, I've been noticing a trend, where the forums seem to get quiet, and then all of a sudden get busy again.. I can't help but think that Getty tends to send out letters on a monthly basis all in one shot. If anywould would like to volunteer when their letters were dated it would help in my research, I f a pattern emerges I'll have a look at how hawaiian art network operates as well..it might just be me, but in talking with Matt recently, we discussed the fact that it's usually quiet right before the storm.. This would lend credibility to the fact that you can't use the date of the letter as date of the infringement discovery.....Poor mail mail must hate to pick up Getty's mail on the dates in questions...if it pans out

Like Pea my letter was also dated March 15th 2012.


15
SoylentGreen


You do make a good point.  But the fact is they have a screenshot of the image on my site.  So I am guilty, no way around it.  I appreciate your input and might just offer a settlement "admitting no guilt or wrongdoing, but offering a settlement to close the matter". as you suggest with no apology etc.  Then if they deny put my steps above into action.

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