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,” asserts 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. Currently, SAA Executive Director Betsy Reid chairs the PLUS committee that has, in consultation with various organizations and stakeholders, developed a series of standardized license packages. Getty Images, a PLUS Sustaining Member, has contributed their “rights ready” media combinations to the proposed group of packages.
The PLUS packages present an option for image licensors to offer customers a simplified rights-based license based on three simple choices: use package, duration (1, 3, 5 and 10 years) and territory (local, national, multi-national and worldwide). This short list of licensing options keeps the process simple, and enables pricing tiers that can meet the needs (and budgets) of both a large international buyer and a small local business.
“With the introduction of PLUS packs,” asserts Reid, “the industry will have a standardized option to offer customers a simplified rights based license that meets their 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.
As a member of PLUS—The Picture Licensing Universal System—SAA actively supports the work of this industry-wide coalition to facilitate image licensing through the development and universal adoption of licensing standards. http://www.useplus.com
