Understanding Media Licensing

 

Under current copyright laws, the copyright of any photography remains with the photographer unless specifically agreed upon. IGM Real Estate retains all rights to photos taken of properties. We license the use of the images to the listing agent of the property at the time the photo is taken. The license of use is extended to the agent who paid for the license. The license grants the use of all photos and related media by the agent in any medium (print and web) for the duration of your listing agreement(s).

 

Photographs taken by IGM Real Estate are not to be used for any purpose other than the marketing of the property listing. Agents must obtain permission from IGM Real Estate to use the image for any other medium (marketing of agent's services, calendars, etc).

 

An agent cannot transfer or sell the license to use the photographs or related media to another party. If the home owner pays us for the license, they can transfer the images to different agents for the purpose of marketing their home.

 

IGM Real Estate RePurchase Program

 

We realize that the real estate profession is a competitive business, and we do not want to damage relationships between agents and us as service providers. Since IGM Real Estate retains the rights to the photography and related media, we initiated the RePurchase Program. This program allows all parties to win in the transfer of photography licenses from one party to another. This saves time for the new listing agent, reduces the hassle for the home owner and provides some reimbursement credit for the original listing agent.

 

For another party to purchase the license of existing photos from IGM Real Estate, they will pay a fee of 80% of the initial purchase for the photos and services. It is all the photos or none; no partial sales. IGM Real Estate retains 50% of the RePurchase amount and 50% is applied as a credit for future services to the original listing agent.

 

Opt Out – If the current agent possessing the license desires opt out of the RePurchase Program (not allow others to RePurchase the photographs), they can pay an Opt Out fee of 75% of the initial photography cost or $150, whichever is greater. The Opt Out purchase must be purchased prior to the cancellation of the listing. IGM Real Estate still maintains ownership rights to the photography.