What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Texas
I run a small vacation home exchange web site which allows members to join for a small fee and list their homes for vacation home exchange usually for between 2 or 3 weeks.
Today I received a bill for $1300+ from Getty images claiming that an image one of my members added was in fact copyrighted by them. I publish a disclaimer on the website stating that I trust in the members' integrity, and there are dozens of websites similar to my own, allowing members to upload images illustrating their homes and surroundings. Surely they cannot expect us to verify the legality of every photograph our members upload. Can you advise?
Due to dwindling memberships, I have already told my webhosts not to renew my hosting contract with them when it expires in May. The business only made a few dollars last year and I certainly don't have $1300+ to give to Getty Images.
I run a small vacation home exchange web site which allows members to join for a small fee and list their homes for vacation home exchange usually for between 2 or 3 weeks.
Today I received a bill for $1300+ from Getty images claiming that an image one of my members added was in fact copyrighted by them. I publish a disclaimer on the website stating that I trust in the members' integrity, and there are dozens of websites similar to my own, allowing members to upload images illustrating their homes and surroundings. Surely they cannot expect us to verify the legality of every photograph our members upload. Can you advise?
Due to dwindling memberships, I have already told my webhosts not to renew my hosting contract with them when it expires in May. The business only made a few dollars last year and I certainly don't have $1300+ to give to Getty Images.