Copyright I received a Cease & Desist Letter - What now?

[Powka]

Hello to everybody,

I run an ultra-small news blog and I accidentally used a photographer's pic in one of the posts. I got a Cease and Desist letter from the photographer's attorney, pointing out the fact that that particular photo was copyrighted, so I immediately took down the pic, and wrote back to them stating so (I don't have any legal experience). My blog is small, nobody almost visits (less than 20-30 visits a day), and it's not monetized (non-commercial; I don't earn anything from it). It's also very new, launched just a month ago. They want $10,000 in damages.

To my knowledge, I thought the image was used in Fair Use because it was for News Website, which is what Fair Use is for.

What are my current options, and how should I proceed? I'm in California, LA.

If I should get an attorney immediately, how much would that cost?

Thanks! Your help is much appreciated!

 

[mightymoose]

You took the picture down.Forget about them. You don'teowe them a dime unless a court days otherwise. They are counting on you being intimidated into paying. Ignore, ignore, ignore.

 

[Betty3]

Agree, I wouldn't do anything at this time. They aren't likely to but if they do sue you, it doesn't mean they will win.