2nd Circ. Revives Photographer’s Case Against Shutterstock

By Editorial Team

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has revived aspects of a case brought by a landscape photographer against photo licensing database Shutterstock Inc. The court found that while there was no evidence showing Shutterstock intended to alter copyright management information, the company’s “right and ability to control” the infringing activity should be further litigated.

The case, which has been ongoing, involves a dispute between the photographer and Shutterstock over alleged copyright infringement. The photographer accused Shutterstock of infringing on their copyrighted images without authorization.

Despite Shutterstock’s argument that there was no evidence of intent to change copyright management information, the Second Circuit determined that the company’s level of control over the infringing activity warranted additional legal scrutiny.

The court’s decision to revive parts of the photographer’s case signifies a potential shift in the legal landscape surrounding copyright infringement cases involving online platforms and databases.

Legal experts suggest that this ruling could have broader implications for how online platforms are held accountable for copyright infringement, particularly in cases where the platform may not have directly altered copyright information but still exerted control over infringing activities.

The case is being closely monitored by legal professionals and industry stakeholders for its potential impact on copyright law and the responsibilities of online platforms in protecting intellectual property rights.