Several photographers have asked to publicly note SuperStock’s recent actions, which are greatly appreciated by its photographers.
In February 2009, SuperStock acquired a U.K. company that had been marketing SuperStock work for many years. In reviewing the prior owner’s policies, the company found that for some photographers—but not all—the U.K. SuperStock office charged a 50% royalty before the remainder was sent to the U.S., where that amount was split with the photographers. This is not an unusual practice in the stock industry, and it was perfectly legal under the contracts photographers signed.
However, SuperStock decided that “just because we can do something, it does not mean it is right.” The company felt the practice was unfair to photographers. As of January 1, 2010, SuperStock discontinued the practice.
Since then, all sales made through the U.K. office have been treated in exactly the same manner as if the sale were made through the U.S. office. In each case, the photographer’s royalty has been calculated on the gross amount of the sale, not the amount received by the U.S. office. In addition, SuperStock has recently refunded all additional royalties that were charged by the U.K. office going back to February 2009, when SuperStock acquired that office.
It is refreshing to find a stock agency that goes beyond what they are required to do in an effort to treat contributors fairly.