Earlier today, we reported Getty Images announcement of a partnership between Microsoft and Getty Images. On the outside, the connection makes complete sense. With this new deal, Microsoft can further bolster their Bing image portfolio across their newly expanded ecosystem, and Getty Images gets a bit more online recognition in online searches.
The companies’ new found development becomes even more enticing when we begin to think abstract. With HoloLens around the corner, Getty Images and Microsoft could have the potential to support virtual and augmented searches, netting license holders an expanded audience base.
Back in September of 2014, Getty filed a suit against Microsoft and Bing Images on the basis of copyright infringement. In the suit, Getty points to a widget used by Bing Images that was displaying copyrighted images without Getty’s consent. With Getty representing over 80 million digital images, this suit was a dangerous deal for Microsoft.
A day after the suit was filed, Microsoft sought to appease Getty’s claims by removing the widget but the case continued. Last November, the U.S. District Judge Denise Cote declined Microsoft’s appeal to have the case thrown out, we haven’t heard much of the case since.
Fast forward six months and both companies have done an about face on the issue. On Monday, the two companies decided to sack the case, and instead work together. On the heels of this news, Getty Images took to a press release to expand on the new partnership.
The details of how Microsoft and Getty came to this mutual decision are still a bit vague. However, this new approach to litigation Microsoft’s lawyers are taking is bearing fruit. Some of us are still scratching our heads over turnaround deal with Samsung.
