- Specialized in copyright law
- Advice at the highest level
- Years of experience in the defense and enforcement of copyright claims
Lawyer for
photo law
Lawyer Peter Weiler
Lawyer for
Legal protection of photographs
In principle, all photographs are legally protected as they are considered creative works and are therefore subject to copyright. Copyright grants photographers the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, publicly exhibit and exploit their photographs. These rights apply automatically from the moment the photograph is created.
Limitations to the protection of photographs
However, there are exceptions to this general principle. For example, if a photograph is considered to be in the public domain because its copyright has expired or the photographer has expressly made the photograph available to the public for free use, the photograph may be used without restrictions. Exceptions to copyright law may also apply if a photograph is part of a public discussion or is used as a quotation.
In addition, there are certain limitations to copyright within the scope of exceptions and limitations provided for by national copyright laws. In Germany, for example, quotations, parodies, caricatures and pastiches as well as private reproductions and the use of works within the scope of the right to quote or reporting are permitted, provided that certain conditions are met.
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What is meant by the term photo right?
Photo law refers to the legal framework that applies to the creation, use and distribution of photos. It covers various areas of law, such as copyright, personal rights and the right to one's own image.
How can I take action against a photo infringement?
If you believe that someone has used your photos without your permission, there are several steps you can take to take action against the photo infringement:
Contact the infringer: First of all, try to contact the infringer and make them aware of the infringement. There may have been a misunderstanding or the infringer may not have been aware that they were infringing your rights. Ask the infringer to remove the photo immediately and set a deadline for implementation.
Collect evidence: Document the infringement by taking screenshots or printouts of the use of the photo. Also make a note of when and where the photo was used and for what purpose.
Consult a lawyer: If the infringer is not willing to remove the photo or you are not in a position to take legal action yourself, you should consult a lawyer. A lawyer can help you review the case, calculate the damages and take steps to hold the infringer accountable.
Warning letter: A common procedure in such cases is the warning letter. The infringer is requested to refrain from the unlawful act and to submit a cease-and-desist declaration. Claims for damages are also asserted in the warning letter.
Lawsuit: If the infringer does not respond to the warning letter or does not meet the demands, you can file a lawsuit to enforce damages and, if necessary, an injunction.
It is important to act quickly to minimize the damage and protect your rights. A lawyer can help you choose the best possible course of action and handle the case professionally.
How can I prove that I am the author of the image?
There are various ways to prove that you are the author of the photograph.
- If the photographer is indicated on the photograph as the author (so-called copyright identification or copyright notice), there is a legal presumption that the photographer is the author of the photograph until proven otherwise. It is necessary that the civil name of the photographer is stated. Company names or domains of an online store are not sufficient.
- If the photographer can present high-resolution original files or a series of photo negatives from a photo shoot, there is prima facie evidence in his favor that he is the author of the photos. In this case, the party disputing authorship must substantiate the details of what speaks against the photographer's authorship. In practice, experience has shown that this is a very high hurdle.
Note: The evidence must only be provided in the event of a legal dispute. In the event of an out-of-court warning, the photographer is not obliged to provide corresponding evidence.
Welche Ansprüche bestehen bei Fotorechtsverletzungen?
Bei Fotorechtsverletzungen können verschiedene Ansprüche geltend gemacht werden, abhängig von der Art der Verletzung und den Umständen des Einzelfalls. Einige der möglichen Ansprüche sind:
Unterlassungsanspruch: Der betroffene Fotograf kann einen Unterlassungsanspruch gegen den Verletzer geltend machen, um sicherzustellen, dass das Bild nicht weiterhin ohne Erlaubnis verwendet wird.
Schadensersatzanspruch: Wenn der Verletzer das Bild ohne Erlaubnis verwendet hat, kann der Fotograf Schadensersatz fordern. Dies kann entweder auf Basis des tatsächlichen Schadens oder auf Basis einer fiktiven Lizenzgebühr berechnet werden, die der Verletzer hätte zahlen müssen, um das Bild legal zu verwenden.
Auskunftsanspruch: Der Fotograf kann einen Auskunftsanspruch gegen den Verletzer geltend machen, um Informationen über die Art und den Umfang der Verletzung zu erhalten.
Vernichtungsanspruch: Wenn das Bild ohne Erlaubnis verwendet wurde, kann der Fotograf auch einen Vernichtungsanspruch geltend machen, um sicherzustellen, dass das Bild nicht weiterverwendet wird.
Urheberpersönlichkeitsrechtsverletzung: Wenn das Bild ohne Einwilligung des Fotografen verändert oder verfälscht wurde, kann der Fotograf auch einen Anspruch auf Schutz seines Urheberpersönlichkeitsrechts geltend machen.
Es ist wichtig zu beachten, dass die Ansprüche in jedem Einzelfall unterschiedlich sein können und von verschiedenen Faktoren abhängen, wie z.B. der Art der Verletzung, der Dauer der Verwendung und dem Grad der Schädigung.
How are damages calculated in the event of a photo infringement?
Compensation for photo infringement can be calculated in different ways and depends on various factors, such as the extent of the infringement, the value of the photo, the type of use and the circumstances of the individual case. In general, however, there are two ways to calculate damages:
License fee: Damages are calculated on the basis of a reasonable license fee that the infringer would have had to pay in order to use the photo lawfully. The license fee depends on various factors, such as the intended use, size and value of the photo.
Skimming of profits: If the infringer has made a profit from the unauthorized use of the photo, damages can be calculated on the basis of this profit. The profit made by the infringer is taken as the basis and a reasonable share of this is demanded as compensation.
It is also possible for damages to be calculated on the basis of a lump sum determined by a court ruling or settlement between the parties. In any case, however, the compensation should be reasonable and cover the actual damage incurred.
Competence in photography law
We have been advising not only photographers but also users in the field of photography law for almost 15 years. In particular, we advise associations, institutions and companies that are active in public relations. In this context, we also offer lectures or webinars to train employees. Please feel free to contact us about this.
