getty images demanding money...

anyone had a run in with getty images before?

got a client who we did a website for who has just been contacted by getty images saying the website contains a copyrighted image and they want $700 no ifs or buts...

i know i havent stepped out of line as we use only images provided by the client and/or istockphoto and refer responsibility back to the client

am kinda surprised this particular image has been picked up as the one in question is apparently in a collage of images and only been online perhaps 10 days and to be honest im not sure which it is in the collage!

the entire image has been taken down already and deleted off the site but reading elsewhere it appears that will make no difference and they will want their money and do whatever means to get including going to debt collectors or in certain cases court...

i havent seen the form of correspondence yet, whether it was an email or a proper registered letter... im wondering if its even a scam!

any input/experience with this appreciated!

cheers

jay

I have heard that they can be like a dog after a bone - they won't let it go until they get what they want.

How was the original demand sent - post, email, was it recorded mail - so many ways you can say you never got it (although as the image has been taken down I guess they know you have received something!)

I would contact them and push the point that it was a small image that was part of a collage, see if they will bring the $$ value down.

had a run in with them for my website. odd thing was. my website did not contain any image of theirs, i made every gif and jpg, also, the rest was just color CSS, so they can just... well try to screw you. ask them for their license.

thanks for the feedback guys, am speaking with my client today - will keep you posted...

quick update just spoke to my client on the phone

they are saying it was a legal letter with a C&D plus a demand for $810 within 10 days of the date of the letter, thing is it was sent on the 19th, literally the day after i posted the images - but its gone 10days but they only received it yesterday???

client is going to deal with it - but sounds kinda messed up as it appears to be an "innocent" error.... client had no idea it was from getty image - and up until they received that letter they didn't even know what or who getty image was!!!