Stock Shots

E-data takes on Getty and Corbis

E-data has filed lawsuits against Getty Images and Corbis, claiming both Seattle-based companies are infringing its patented download methods. Port Washington, U.S.-based E-data owns the Freeny patent - which covers the downloading and recording of information such as photographs and films from a computer onto a tangible object such as a tape or CD - and claims Getty and Corbis are in violation of its patents by enabling consumers across Europe to download photos. Getty and Corbis believe the intent of the litigation is for E-data to set a precedent and use the money it collects to fund future suits. In response to the claims, both image companies joined forces in August to post info pertinent to the legal cases on Getty's site. The URL links to summaries and third-party public documents they believe "cast serious doubts on the validity of E-data's patent claims." E-data recently reached settlements with Microsoft and Apple in Europe, and is "quite confident" in the scope of its patents. AA

www.gettyimages.com/EDataFacts

www.e-data.com

Nat Geo and ZDF extend link

U.S.-based National Geographic Film Library and Germany's ZDF Enterprises have extended their existing agreement, and will now represent each other's material in their respective markets. Since 2003, Nat Geo has had rights to ZDF Enterprises footage for distribution in the U.K. BC

www.natgeostock.com

www.zdf-enterprises.de

Media Bakery has more in the oven

Besides its spiffy new redesign, online stock shop Media Bakery has added five new collections: fStop, Thinkstock, PhotoAlto, Alaska Stock and Medio Images. BC

www.mediabakery.com

Framepool goes for slow hi-res

Munich's Framepool has added ultra high- speed hd footage to its collection. BC

www.framepool.com