Rochdale Online wins breach of copyright pay out

John Kay

Rochdale Online has been paid £1,200 plus costs following the commencement of a breach of copyright action against an organisation that used a photo on their website that had been taken from the Rochdale Online website without authorisation.

Initial attempts to resolve the breach out of court failed when the organisation attempted to absolve itself of responsibility by claiming not to know the copyright of the photo belonged to Rochdale Online; when it became clear that defence was untenable an offer of the "derisory sum" of £75 for the unauthorised use - less than Rochdale Online licenses photos for authorised use - was rejected.

A final attempt at resolution was rebuffed despite the warning that court action would be taken. Hence, legal papers were served and it was at this stage, prior to a court hearing, that the organisation in breach of copyright capitulated and paid £1,200 plus costs.

Director of Rochdale Online and company solicitor, John Kay, said: "We take breach of copyright very seriously. It costs us a great deal of money to gather news and take photos and it is unacceptable for individuals or organisations to think they can download and use our intellectual property without our permission and without payment."

"It is a myth that because a photo, for example, is online it is free to use."