We purchased an image from a local company who copied this image from a disc in a set of image discs they had in their shop. They invoiced us, and sent us a copy of the invoice with the license restrictions.
This image was used on a website and 7 years later, a letter arrived demanding $875.00 for an alleged copyright infringement. They sent the letter to the client who owned the website. The client, ask us to remove the picture until they could straighten out this mistake on Getty Images' part.
The client furnished Getty Images with the original receipt for the image, yet Getty Images not only still demanded money, they up'd the ante to $2,100.00 and placed it in their lawyers hands and the threat of legal action. So on behalf of this client, I spoke to the legal firm, whom I must say was very kind and reasonable and surprised that there was a receipt for the purchase of this image from the other company. I guess Getty Images just sort of forgot to send the copy of that receipt to the law firm along with their other made up bull crap.
The nice attorney at the firm understood the dilemma and said they would present this to Getty Images and try to get the fee reduced to the original demand. I asked if, under the circumstances since the picture was bought elsewhere, if they could get Getty Images to let it go, but their outlook was not too encouraging. Heck they're only a multi-million dollar company (yes part of the 1%) why not step on one of the 99 percenters?
I suggest not to use Getty Images services or products. Try Fotolia.com they are honest and don't bother you.
I'm reporting Getty Images to every business rating service I can, as well as the Attorney General's office in New York city. There are thousands of people being inappropriately threatened by this evil company.
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