Copyright issue - asked to pay $500

[rimbozz]

hey friends!
I got a notice from company in Vietnam saying I used an image front their website and now asking to pay 500 dollars usd for using it even when I have deleted the image .
(my company is Vietnam based too)

They were quite rude in mail and kind of threatening that will will escalate if not done in one week.

What do I do about it?

 

[mirrorer]

Where do you live?

If you live in the same country, check local laws. If the law exists but is not really enforced (like the us), ignore and block them

 

[insom]

It may be just spam. They take photos from website like pexels and make website with domain name by using that author info. Reverse search that image and see where else it is used. Just ignore the email as you have already removed the image. Search ''photo copyright spam'' for more details

 

[Sidsaini445]

They might have put trackers in email, so don't open such emails next time and ignore. Nothing will happen.

 

[XrumerGeek]

Ignore, ignore, ignore.

 

[rimbozz]

It may be just spam. They take photos from website like pexels and make website with domain name by using that author info. Reverse search that image and see where else it is used. Just ignore the email as you have already removed the image. Search ''photo copyright spam'' for more details

I also thought so but I checked their website and it's originally from there.
so doesn't feel like spam but more like "this company traffic is rising, let's get quick money".

But also I agree it's my fault too for not using royalty free images so blame is on me too.

I also want to ask if by default the image is copyrighted to them or they have to manually register it ?

because when I search on google images their image doesn't have the "licenceable" option like it shows for Shutterstock and others

Ignore, ignore, ignore.

can they sue my company I work for?

 

[XrumerGeek]

can they sue my company I work for?

If they start legal proceedings, you have time to respond at no cost.

Before this, just forget about it.

 

[satoshinakamoto]

can they sue my company I work for?

No, don’t worry

 

[satoshinakamoto]

1. Review the claim: Check if you actually used their image and if you have proof of deletion.
2. Check rights: Confirm if you had permission or fair use.
3. Respond politely: Ask for proof of ownership and a detailed invoice.
4. Consult a lawyer: Especially one familiar with Vietnamese law.
5. Avoid direct payment until verified.
6. Keep all communication in writing.

ChatGPT

 

[Usersuri]

hey friends!
I got a notice from company in Vietnam saying I used an image front their website and now asking to pay 500 dollars usd for using it even when I have deleted the image .
(my company is Vietnam based too)

They were quite rude in mail and kind of threatening that will will escalate if not done in one week.

What do I do about it?

You can just ignore it. They can't do anything to you.

 

[Deleted member 1603965]

In most cases, best thing to do is to ignore such people. Unless they are super legit of course.

 

[pedroford]

Typical bulk spam, just ignore it, and don’t click in anything they sent you

 

[cie25]

Just ignore it. Threatening to take legal action if they don’t get $500? Haha… the cost of actually going through legal channels would probably be way more than that. I think they’re just trying to extort your money.

 

[rimbozz]

Just ignore it. Threatening to take legal action if they don’t get $500? Haha… the cost of actually going through legal channels would probably be way more than that. I think they’re just trying to extort your money.

they are actually legit since the mail is from actual travel blogger there.

Now I know it's wrong that I used their pic without permission but it feels wrong to get threatening mail even without listening to us.

I took down the picture and we didn't respond.
But my company is worried it could wreak havoc to their reputation even if they just talk bad about them on social media.

Unfortunately, that page is archived on wayback machine so if the blogger is tech savvy enough, they can use that as proof even after we removed the picture!

What would you do in this case?

 

[rimbozz]

In most cases, best thing to do is to ignore such people. Unless they are super legit of course.

yeah the blogger is legit I checked. I am worried if we admit to using the image and pay him, he will just ask for more later

 

[Ralphoton]

Honestly, this feels more like a scare tactic than a real legal threat. You already removed the image, so I’d double check with a reverse image search and maybe get quick advice from a local lawyer if you’re worried.

 

[k2h2]

Ignore it. They will not do anything.

 

[rimbozz]

Ignore it. They will not do anything.

yes for now we ignored. I am pretty sure they will send mail again so will see.
Actually I am not that worried but the company is worried about their reputation