The Graphic Design Forum has had a little bit of discussion about the Getty / Google deal.  That discussion has since turned into questions about what happens to usage rights for RM files if they get deactivated.  It looks like there are some open questions that someone knowledgeable in this area might be able to address.  Here's the thread (posts #10 & #12 have the questions):

http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82573

I don't do any work with RM -- buying or selling.  I just saw the open question over there and thought someone from this forum might know the answer and be willing to help direct them to a knowledgeable answer.

I think Cypher's asking if anyone here has experience with their RM images being moved and might know.  I kind of doubt a live chat agent will be able to give specific details on that or even know of the issue.

That's an interesting question.  I would think that if an image has sold as RM even once, Getty would have to wait until the time period for that deal has passed before "demoting" the image since the designers already paid for specific rights.   I wonder if the images they are deciding need to be RF are the ones that have never been licensed while listed as RM?  Then again it's Getty so....

I will say that my interactions directly with Getty's version of contributor relations has been MUCH more helpful and professional than with iStock.  Unfortunately (fortunately?) my contract with them has nothing to do with RM images so I probably wouldn't get an answer.

If I was a designer purchasing RM I'd want to be really sure before working with Getty now that these files can move around.

9lives has it right; that is what I was asking.  My hope is that someone here with experience in this area could help answer the questions the designers are asking.

MichaelJayFoto, what you say makes sense.  One wrinkle that I found interesting in the questions being asked is the idea of an image being renewed once after it has been deactivated.  I didn't know this was possible (but again, I do not do any RM work).  That just seems like it would have some very interesting implications.