Getty Images has set up a new educational website that can provide users with information on image licensing.Called Stockphotorights.com, the website aims to ‘unravel the complexities, expose the pitfalls and provide image buyers with the knowledge they need to license an image with confidence.’
Stockphotorights has been set up by Getty Images on behalf of the photographic industry, with the support of BAPLA (British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies) and PACA (Picture Archive Agency of America).
“Getty Images has identified that there is a lack of online resources for people to get clarification and understanding on image use. With these factors in mind, it is easy to see how the knowledge gap has widened for the image buying community,” said the company.
According to a survey carried out by Redshift Research, more than one-third (39 per cent) of the image users surveyed admitted to regularly exposing themselves to potential risk by using images copied directly from image search engines, and nearly one quarter (22 per cent) said they source imagery for commercial use directly from photo-sharing websites.
In addition, almost half of the respondents (48 per cent) said they did not fully understand legal protection or indemnification, while almost 45 per cent of respondents were unaware that you can still face a legal claim relating to an image you used, even if you license it.
Finally, the survey found that 18 per cent reported paying for legal protection when licensing an image. Even among respondents who understood that certain image licenses include legal protection, 26 per cent said they have considered themselves at risk by sourcing an image which doesn’t include it.
Simon Cliffe, Executive Director from BAPLA said: “BAPLA is delighted to see this resource being made available for anyone who may wish to license and use imagery. At a time when the use of online visual content is being discussed at the highest level, with the Digital Economy Bill currently addressing this very area, we are pleased to see an accessible forum and destination for anyone looking to understand how to use imagery.”
Cathy Aron, Executive Director from PACA said: “PACA welcomes the launch of Stockphotorights.com. This new resource can help to fill the knowledge gap and provide a place to go for those seeking information regarding image licensing.
