QUESTION
They say an image on my website is a copyright violation...
Asked on Jul 22nd, 2015 on Intellectual Property - Florida
More details to this question:
I have an image on my website that was obtained through some free image database. I just received an email from Getty Images stating that the image belongs to them, and that simply removing the image will not suffice, they want me to pay for the retroactive time it has been on my site. Do they actually have a valid claim here?
1 ANSWER
Business & Commercial Law Attorney serving Tampa, FL
Partner at
AEGIS LAW, Formerly the Walk Law Firm
2 Awards
Yes, they may in fact have a legitimate claim. The artist is the owner of an image s/he created. It may have been assigned to Getty and Getty may have the right to enforce the copyright. Getty is very aggressive about going after businesses who use their photos. We have successfully represented businesses in defending their use. If your picture was taken by your photographer and you bought the rights, or you have a license agreement, or possibly your website developer has a license agreement, you may have a good defense. If not, sometimes we are able to help businesses negotiate a better solution with Getty.
Answered on Jul 23rd, 2015 at 12:25 PM
The answer provided is based upon limited information and, as a result, may not be correct or complete. It is not legal advice on which you can rely.