iStockphoto Adds Image Guarantees

iStockphoto announced that it will begin offering legal guarantees on every image, audio and video file it sells starting on September 16. Typically, users must purchase content from traditional stock image services instead of micropayment services to receive legal protection if an image they purchase violates a trademark or copyright.

The new protection means iStockphoto users that correctly use content that for some reason turns out to not be properly licensed will be covered for up to US$10,000 for legal costs and direct damages. The company is also offering coverage for up to $250,000 for an additional 100 iStock credit purchase.

Kelly Thompson, iStockphoto's Chief Operating Officer, commented "Our first line of defense has always been -- and continues to be -- our rigorous inspection process. The Legal Guarantee is simply an added layer of protection for our customers, many of whom are using microstock more than ever before."

iStockphoto is known for offering stock images, video and audio for low prices, or micropayments. Adding legal guarantees to its content library could let it compete even more with traditional stock image services that charge substantially more for their content.

Image pricing at iStockphoto starts at $1.