Important note
This page is practical information for organizing an image review. It is not legal advice. ImgCompliance is not affiliated with Getty Images and cannot access your Getty Images or iStock purchase history.
First, identify the exact image
- Save the letter, screenshot, image reference, and any claim number.
- Record the page URL where the image appears or appeared.
- Check whether the image also appears in old blog posts, landing pages, PDFs, or social previews.
- Preserve a copy of relevant site records before making changes.
Then look for license evidence
Search company email, agency handoff folders, stock-platform accounts, project management tools, invoices, and brand asset folders. If an agency supplied the image, ask for the specific license record and permitted usage, not just a general assurance.
Common sources of confusion
- An image may come from Getty Images directly, iStock, or a design file supplied by another party.
- A license for one client, website, or campaign may not cover every later use.
- A stock-platform match does not prove you lack a license; it means the record needs review.
- Old redesigns often copy images forward without copying license documentation.
How ImgCompliance fits into the process
Run a scan to see whether the named image is the only risk signal or whether the site contains other stock-platform matches. The report gives you page locations, risk levels, matched-source context, and recommended actions for internal review.
When to involve an attorney
If the letter includes a settlement demand, deadline, lawsuit threat, or you are unsure how to respond, speak with a qualified attorney. For general background, the U.S. Copyright Office explains copyright basics, and Title 17 describes remedies for infringement. Those resources are not a substitute for advice about your facts.
Related resources
For a site-wide process, use the website image copyright audit guide. To see the report structure, open the sample report.