iStockphoto guarantees users protection from copyright disputes

Royalty-free image, audio and video content provider iStockphoto yesterday announced it will legally guarantee its customers protection from copyright disputes up to $10,000.

iStockphoto will not charge customers extra for the protection, although it is also offering the option to purchase coverage for legal fees and direct damages to a total of $250,000.

The pioneering guarantee, which is the first for a micro-payment royalty free site, also covers customers in trademark, moral right and other intellectual property disputes that arise over use of the site’s content.

iStockphoto promises that files purchased and used in accordance with the iStockphoto license will not breach any trademark, copyright or other intellectual property rights or rights of privacy.

“Our first line of defense has always been – and continues to be – our rigorous inspection process,” says iStockphoto chief operating officer Kelly Thompson. “The legal guarantee is simply an added layer of protection for our customers.”

iStockphoto, a subsidiary of Getty images, lists millions of safe, royalty-free photos, illustrations, video, audio and Flash files. It pays out approximately $1.2 million each week in artist royalties.