Laurent on Morel

‘Why did Getty Images continue to distribute and profit from photographs it knew didn’t belong to Lisandro Suero, in the first place, and later on, weren’t even authorised for distribution? So far, Getty Images has declined to comment on the case, arguing that the images came from Agence France Presse – via its distribution deal. Getty also tells BJP that it cannot comment as the case is still ongoing.

But that’s just not enough. Judge Pauley writes: “Morel’s allegations that AFP and Getty knew the images were his, disregarded his rights, and licensed his images to third parties are sufficient to plead knowledge and inducement of infringement.” In short, Getty Images knew it was doing something wrong and kept doing it anyway. Why?’