Defense Letter Program

[joe-from-texas]

I am considering purchasing the Defense Letter Program. For those that have taken part, what happens next?

Does your case get dropped? Do I have to spend more money?

[Robert Krausankas (BuddhaPi)]

I wouldn't say you "case gets dropped", but your will be represented by a very good and well known IP attorney, Getty can no longer contact you, everything must go thru your attorney. They may offer a reduced settlement amount, which you can accept or turn down, or there is a chance they could file suit, the chances of this are very slim if you are dealing with 1 image, if you're dealing with 20 - 30 images, that's a completely different ball game.. For the most part folks just end up waiting out the 3 year statute of limitations.

[joe-from-texas]

Thanks for the info. It's for 2 images. And the first time they contacted me was in October 2010.  I ignored it, but then got a letter from Timothy McCormack.

Getty originally wanted $1500.00. Now Timothy wants over $2000.00.

The images were on a website created back in 2003. Getty said the images were part of the Taxi and Tony Stone collection. I am sure the company had these imaged bundled on some disk I used, but since I don't work there anymore, I have no proof.

[Robert Krausankas (BuddhaPi)]

We know Timmy well, he is Getty's favorite collection attorney.. what you need to realize is that this is a claim, not a debt, you haven't been found guilty of anything at this point. Being that your 2/3's thru the statute, you might be able to make it the rest of the way, while at the same time being a thorn in their side.. You could answer McCormack and demand proof of their claim ( which they will not supply) at which time you can re-reply to him that, if they do not supply proof you will consider the matter closed, and if they continue to contact you, you will submit complaints to the WA Attorney General, The WA Bar association, as well the AG of your home state..that "MAY" chill him out a bit, bottom line is you only need to stretch it out a little over 1 yr. I suggest you keep reading to get educated before making a decision...

[Moe Hacken]

joe-from-texas, the website in question was up in 2003? How long did it stay up? Are you saying they started making a claim in 2010 for a 7-year-old infringement? How did they find out, through Archive.org? I'm curious about the timing of their claim.

[adamteddys]

i can tell you from my experience only, as i had a smaller amount letter and did the program with oscar, i would recommend the letter if you do not have the time or patience to deal with the various correspondence with gettys collection agency etc, i can tell you that oscar and his staff were very helpful and professional,  i would recommend oscar and his letter program.