iStock cracks down on original images

iStockphoto legally guarantees all image, video and audio files in its five million-plus collection.

The stock photography site now offers micropayment royalty-free image, video and audio provider to legally guarantee all files in its collection. iStock promises that files purchased and used in accordance with the iStock license, will not breach any trademark, copyright or other intellectual property rights or rights of privacy. iStock customers can also purchase an extension of the Legal Guarantee for 100 iStock credits, increasing iStock?s coverage for legal fees and direct damages up to a combined total of $250,000.

According to Kelly Thompson, chief operating officer of iStockphoto. “Our first line of defence has always been – and continues to be – our rigorous inspection process,” she said. “The Legal Guarantee is simply an added layer of protection for our customers, many of whom are using microstock more than ever before.”

Now each file accepted into iStockphoto’s collection has undergone examination. iStock’s team of inspectors also work to ensure submissions follow the appropriate legal and ethical guidelines.

“There are certainly millions of images available on the Web, but most are not cleared for commercial usage,” Thompson said. “Creative Commons images can be perfect for some projects, but there are little to no formal inspections on those files, so iStock offers a much safer and suitable alternative when using multimedia.”