How can I protect my intellectual property on the internet?
April 13, 2024 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Edith Fischer
Dear Attorney,
I am reaching out to you as an artist and author, as I have major concerns about the protection of my intellectual property on the internet. In recent months, I have noticed an increase in unauthorized online distribution of my works. This unauthorized use not only causes financial losses, but also significant personal inconvenience.
My works are my life's work and I want to ensure that they are adequately protected. I have already tried to take action against the unauthorized use of my works, but it has proven to be difficult and time-consuming. I am worried that my intellectual property will continue to be unlawfully used, and therefore I would like to know from you what specific steps I can take to effectively protect my intellectual property on the internet.
I have conducted some research already, but I am unsure about which measures are truly effective. I would like to know what legal options are available to me to address the unauthorized use of my works on the internet. Are there any specific laws or contracts that I can use to protect my intellectual property?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with concrete recommendations on how to effectively protect my intellectual property on the internet. I want to ensure that my works are only used with my consent, and I look forward to your assistance in securing my intellectual property.
Sincerely,
Andrea Altmann
Dear Mrs. Altmann,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the protection of your intellectual property on the internet. As a media law attorney, I understand your concerns and will do my best to assist you in securing your works.
First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that intellectual property is protected by copyright law. This means that as the author of your works, you automatically have the exclusive right to decide on the use, reproduction, and distribution of your works. If someone distributes your works on the internet without your permission, they are infringing on your copyright.
To address the unauthorized use of your works on the internet, I recommend the following steps:
1. Documentation: Gather evidence of the unauthorized use of your works, such as screenshots of the relevant websites or links to the illegal copies.
2. Cease and desist letter: In most cases, it is advisable to first send a cease and desist letter to those who are using your works without authorization. In the letter, you demand the immediate cessation of the use of your works and, if necessary, compensation.
3. Judicial enforcement: If the cease and desist letter does not lead to the desired outcome, you can file an injunction or lawsuit against the unauthorized use of your works. An attorney can help you enforce your rights in court.
In addition, there are also technical measures to protect your intellectual property on the internet, such as watermarks or digital rights management systems.
It is important to note that the internet is not a lawless space, and there are laws that protect your intellectual property. In Germany, the Copyright Act (UrhG) regulates the rights of authors and protects their works from unauthorized use.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available to assist you in securing your intellectual property on the internet.
Sincerely,
Edith Fischer
Media Law Attorney
