Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California

Infringement of image copyright

I've received one of these 'invoices' that Getty images have started doleing out to people who have unwittingly used images that are from their database, where they send you a snapshot of your using their image on your website and demand an extortionate fee (about $3000 per picture). Do they really have the right to charge this? Not only have I taken the pictures off the website involved, i've taken the whole website down as it would take two years for the website to turnover (let alone make) as much money as they are trying to charge! The notice was delivered to my work address in the name of the website (which is not a name associated with my company). I personally own the website in question, my company doesnt. Getty dont have my name or personal address and the company is about to move to new premises. Therefore its tempting to ignore the letter, close down the website and see if they let it go. On the other hand I dont like to have this kind of thing hanging over me, so I have considered offering them a compromise (perhaps a 1/3rd of what they are offering) but I'm put off of doing that because they say in their letter the price is non-negotiable. Any advice on the best course of action is much appreciated. Thanks.

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