Oscar Helping Canadians - Still Unclear

[STELL]

Hi,

To Oscar and Michael: thank you very much for making all this information available to the public.

After pouring over the forum for several hours I'm still unclear on whether I can retain Oscar's services.  I am Canadian and some posts outright stated that Oscar can not help Canadians.  Other posts said he could if it was the US branch of Getty that was sending the Unauthorized Use Notification.  Other posts mentioned that it depends on what Copyright Act (US or Canadian) is mentioned in the notification. 

My case: it was the US branch in Seattle, WA that sent the letter and they stated "...the use of an image without a valid license constitutes copyright infringement under the Canadian Copyright Act, The United States Copyright Act of 1976, and equivalent laws in other jurisdictions..."  I am asked to pay $1130 for 1 image.

I believe this means I can retain Oscar's services, but would appreciate confirmation.

The second part of this post is in regards to the expected outcome.  I understand that there are confidentiality agreements signed once Getty and the defendant reach a settlement, so there is limited information available, but I'm wondering what percentage of cases end with no further contact from Getty (ie. watch and wait for the 3 year statute of limitations) compared to what percentage of cases settle with Oscar's help.  If anyone has input on this, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.

As a new small business owner still swimming in student debt, I have to be cautious of where I spend my money.  I am fully capable of writing the letters myself, but I would much rather pay Oscar $200 and be done with the stress and not have Getty contact me again.  However, if a great percentage of Oscar's cases end in settlement, then it may be prudent for me to save my money to pay for part of the settlement.  So - any input on Oscar's success rate and what percentage result in Getty dropping the case permanently would be appreciated. 

Thank you very much,
Sacha

[bernicem77]

I believe that since your letter came from Getty USA you can hire Oscar. I am canadian and my letter came from Getty USA. I hired Oscar and have been pleased with the outcome.

[Robert Krausankas (BuddhaPi)]

Oscar to date has handled well over 800 letters, very few if any of those paid anything above the cost of the letter, there may have been a few in the beginning that opted to "settle"..I might be the best 200.00 you ever spend if you don't have the desire to deal with them.

[STELL]

Thank you for your replies - that was exactly the information I was hoping to hear.

Sacha