Zillow is almost certainly not granted an exclusive license. Listing photos are posted on many sites simultaneously.
For example, this is the first listing I clicked on in Zillow. Immediately found the same listing on Redfin with the same photo watermarked by a 3rd party.
I'm sure it's on various other MLS sites with photos as well. The real copyright holder is most likely the listing agent or possibly even the photographer, and chances are they have no desire to send C&D notices because "any publicity is good publicity."
mi100hael|8 years ago
For example, this is the first listing I clicked on in Zillow. Immediately found the same listing on Redfin with the same photo watermarked by a 3rd party.
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/240-Centre-St-New-York-NY...
https://www.redfin.com/NY/New-York/240-Centre-St-10013/home/...
I'm sure it's on various other MLS sites with photos as well. The real copyright holder is most likely the listing agent or possibly even the photographer, and chances are they have no desire to send C&D notices because "any publicity is good publicity."