CALGARY—Yesterday, Calgary-based iStockphoto became the first micropayment and royalty-free image, video and audio provider to guarantee all of its files at no cost to clients. The iStock Legal Guarantee, says iStockphoto chief operating officer Kelly Thompson, gives customers piece of mind that they will not break any trademark, copyright or other intellectual property rights or rights of property.

The guarantee is available for free for the first $10,000 of legal fees and direct damages. After that, Thompson says customers can purchase an extension for 100 iStock credits, which will guarantee them coverage for up to $250,000. “We have found over the years that there are larger businesses that will not buy images unless they are legally guaranteed,” he says. “Their lawyers won’t let them. This is a way to expand our customer base and at the same time for people who wouldn’t normally worry about it, give them a bit more peace of mind about buying the image.” Contact: istockphoto.com