My music video was shared on another website without my consent. What can I do about it?
May 19, 2023 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Johann Kock
Dear Media Law Attorney,
My name is Hildegard Voigt and I recently discovered that my music video was shared on another website without my consent. This has upset and unsettled me, as I do not want my work to be distributed without my permission.
I produced and published the music video myself, so I am concerned that my copyrights have been violated. I have already contacted the website that shared my video, but so far I have not received a satisfactory response.
I am wondering what legal steps I can take to address the unauthorized distribution of my music video. Are there options to have the video removed from the website and to claim damages? How can I ensure that my copyrights are better protected in the future?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with your assessment of this situation and suggest possible solutions. I am willing to take legal action to defend my rights as a creator, but I am unsure of the best course of action.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Hildegard Voigt
Dear Mrs. Voigt,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the unauthorized distribution of your music video on another website. As a media law attorney, I can understand your concerns and I will be happy to provide you with a detailed assessment of the situation as well as possible solutions.
First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that as the author of the music video, you have the sole rights to the work. This includes, among other things, the right to reproduction, distribution, and public performance. If your music video has been shared on another website without your permission, there is a clear violation of your copyright.
In this case, you have various legal options to address the unauthorized distribution of your music video. You should first contact the website that shared your video and demand the removal of the video. If the website does not respond to your request, you can take legal action.
One option is to issue a cease and desist letter, in which you demand the website operator to stop the unauthorized distribution and potentially claim damages. It is important that the cease and desist letter is drafted by a lawyer to be legally correct and effective.
Furthermore, you can request an injunction from the competent court to immediately remove the video. It is advisable to seek advice from an experienced lawyer to maximize your chances of success.
To better protect your copyright in the future, I recommend registering your music video with the German Patent and Trademark Office or another appropriate registry. This will make it easier for you to prove your authorship in case of a copyright infringement.
In summary, as the author of the music video, you have clear legal options to address the unauthorized distribution. It is important to act quickly and seek professional legal support to effectively defend your rights.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available for any further questions.
Best regards,
Johann Kock
Media Law Attorney
