Stock Artists Alliance Press Release

Stock Artists Alliance Actively Engages in Developing the Next Generation of Rights Based Licensing

Through dialogue with Getty Images and participation in industry initiatives, the trade organization of stock photographers is an active proponent of new approaches to stock licensing that balance the needs of customers with the interests of photographers. Stock Artists Alliance is pleased to announce that Getty Images revised their “rights ready” model in response to concerns voiced by SAA and photographers about the unlimited license term originally proposed by the company. The “rights ready” model-launched earlier this week in the new Riser collection-now has a ten-year term limit.  While SAA had urged Getty to cap licenses at five years or less, this revision has addressed the organization’s chief concern about tying up images for an indefinite future.

According to SAA President David Sanger, “establishing a finite term for ‘rights ready’ licenses better balances the need for photographers to protect the long-term value of their imagery with the needs of photo buyers for ease and flexibility in rights-based licensing.”

Founded in 2002, SAA has emerged as an outspoken advocate for stock photographers seeking to maintain the value of their intellectual property in a rapidly changing business environment. SAA stresses the need for the stock photography industry to be innovative in developing stock licensing models that meet the needs of all participants - photographers, distributors and photo buyers.

“SAA’s challenge to the stock industry is to think beyond the present models,” says Sanger. “For example, rights based licensing does not need to be overly complicated or inflexible, whereas royalty free licensing doesn’t need to give users so much more than they actually need or pay for. The aim is to balance the rights granted, the needs of the photo buyers and the fees paid in a fair and equitable manner.”

Simplified licensing models will also pave the way for industry standardization. As a member of PLUS-The Picture Licensing Universal System, SAA actively supports the work of the industry-wide Coalition to create and develop industry standards for image licensing.  http://www.useplus.org

Currently, SAA Executive Director Betsy Reid chairs a PLUS committee that has, in consultation with various organizations and stakeholders, developed a series of universal license packages for use in image licensing. The packages include simplified options for duration and region. Once approved by PLUS Coalition members later this year, PLUS License Packs will be released as an international image licensing standard.

“The new PLUS Packs,” asserts Reid, “will simplify rights based licensing to meet customers’ needs, while preserving the ability for photographers and distributors to manage rights and ensure royalty compliance. It’s a win-win for everyone in the licensing process.”

About SAA
SAA is a global trade organization dedicated to the interests of stock photographers worldwide.  http://www.stockartistsalliance.org