If a photography agency has allowed us to use their images in the past, can that set a precident?

Question

We are a company that has used the same photography and design agency many years to produce work for us. Although they own the copyright, they have allowed us to use these images for pretty much whatever we want, without additional charge. The agency now want to charge us for each usage.
Given the way the contract has been operated in the past, does that set any kind of precident or can we still be forced to pay?

Answer 1

The use of the photographs are subject to the stipulations in the contract. Thus, the agency can validly collect from you based on the agreed amount per contract.

Answer 2

Because of the informal agreements that were used previously, i doubt that they can be effective in any demand for retroactive payments. They are within their rights to want a new, and probably written contract for the future use of their products. If it does not suit you, then fire them and get another agency to take on the work. You decide what it is worth, but they seem to be tired of giving it away.