https://finlegal.io/expertise/intellectual-property-litigation-funding

"As with many cases that utilise third-party funding, intellectual property infringement can be incredibly expensive and the litigation can be lengthy. This makes IP litigation funding imperative for many clients. "

And

https://thelawadvisory.com/what-is-litigation-funding/

"The cost of obtaining justice via the courts might be prohibitive.

The hourly rate for a top-tier litigation partner may range from $1000 to $1700. There are no limits to the amount of money that may be spent on processing and evaluating electronic discovery in huge cases. Other than these, there are travel, expert, deposition, and court fees."

Quote from: Uncle Pete on October 17, 2022, 14:51

The hourly rate for a top-tier litigation partner may range from $1000 to $1700. There are no limits to the amount of money that may be spent on processing and evaluating electronic discovery in huge cases. Other than these, there are travel, expert, deposition, and court fees."[/i]

That is a lot of 10 cent sales. So basically we just need to accept this?

I don't accept the things that are wrong, I'd like to do something, but it appears that unless someone can come up with a grant or funding (where the funding person gets a part of the settlement), and then the lawyers get a cut... but charge $1,000 an hour to take the case to trial, it seems pretty unlikely that a group of Microstock artists will ever be able to get any justice?

I still think that at some point, one of the ambulance chasers will see enough in a Class Action Suit to possibly make some changes to the infringement and how the agencies hide behind DMCA and ignore complaints.

Accept isn't the way I see it, but maybe I'm just choosing words and it's the same. I say it's facing a reality, and situation, which we can't fight at this time. Maybe something will change?

I'm just looking at why we can't make that change on our own. There's always hope that some representatives will see the farce that the laws are, and how artists are not protected, and maybe do something to make them functional and give us the ability to fight back.