It seems that Amazon.com was unaware of the problem before Corbis attacked. Amazon.com allows third party sellers to use its e-commerce platform for sales of new and used goods to consumers. It has reportedly identified and removed the offending images since the lawsuit was filed on Monday.
But this is not enough for Corbis, which wants maximum statutory damages of up to $150,000 for each infringement. Its argument is that Amazon.com carries responsibility for its third party sellers by playing a central role in the sales process, unlike on-line auction service eBay, which previously escaped liability for unwittingly selling unlawful goods due to its nature as a mere conduit.
"Amazon," charges the complaint, "has failed to effectively supervise and control the infringing conduct of the supplier defendants".