If Copytrack or another entity is accusing you of copyright infringement for an image you purchased on iStock, you can prove your license by providing the relevant documentation from your iStock account. In many cases, these claims from third-party enforcement companies like Copytrack are automated and sometimes mistaken.
What to do now
Do not panic or pay immediately. While you should take any legal threats seriously, do not be intimidated into paying before you have investigated the claim.
Gather proof of your license from iStock.
Log in to your iStock account and navigate to your purchase history or download history.
Find the record of the specific image in question, including the date of download and the image number. This is your proof of license.
Many stock photo sites keep these records for years.
Review the specific license terms. Verify that your usage of the image on your website or materials is consistent with the license you purchased. For example, a standard license has different uses than an extended license.
Respond to Copytrack with your evidence.
Use the case ID provided by Copytrack to access their online portal.
Upload the proof of your license, which should include the image number, the date of purchase, and proof that it came from your iStock account.
Clearly state that you have a valid license and provide the supporting documentation.
Why this happens
Automated systems: Copytrack often uses automated AI software to scan the internet for images that match those in its client database. The system is not perfect and can flag images that have been legally licensed from a stock provider.
Overlapping portfolios: An image created by a photographer may be sold legally on multiple platforms. The copyright owner could hire Copytrack to track usage based on one platform's sales, leading them to falsely flag your image, which was purchased legally on a different one.
Tactics of intimidation: Some reports suggest Copytrack's automated demands are intended to intimidate recipients into paying without investigation, hoping some will panic and settle quickly.
What to expect next
After you provide your proof of license, Copytrack should close the case. If they continue to press the issue or demand payment, consider consulting with an intellectual property attorney. However, in most cases where a valid license is demonstrated, these matters are resolved quickly.