matthew_johnson10

<p>Hi Matt,<br>

Im afraid this is something that Getty "can do" as its part of their user agreement.<br>

Checkout this discussion when they first implemented this:<br>

http://www.microstockgroup.com/general-stock-discussion/photos-from-gettyimages-direct-to-thinkstock-ouch/<br>

Checkout more recent Getty adventures with their deal with google:<br>

http://sheilasmartphotography.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/gettygoogle-deal.html<br>

Regarding the "numbers game" i hate to say it doesnt stack up from my perspective. Here is a good example of how it doesnt stack up (coincidentally by comparing Getty direct and Thinkstock):<br>

http://blog.johnlund.com/2013/02/getty-sales-and-numbers-for-thought.html<br>

Its Gettys way or the highway i think.</p>

<p>Matt Johnson<br>

<p>I think your on the right track with a tactful response in this case.<br>

From a purely business perspective, If they are existing clients an you choose to pursue them for compensation the loss of future income from will probably hurt more than income you can generate through pursuing infringements.<br>

In other cases, especially where you dont have a business relationship with the person infringing on your images, its probably worth looking at re compensation options.<br>

An option to manage this would be to track where your entire image collection is showing up online.<br>

Matt Johnson</p>