• Mehr als 3 Millionen Wörter Inhalt
  • |
  • info@itmedialaw.com
  • |
  • Tel: 03322 5078053
Rechtsanwalt Marian Härtel - ITMediaLaw

No products in the cart.

  • en English
  • de Deutsch
  • Informationen
    • Ideal partner
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • Quick and flexible access
    • Principles as a lawyer
    • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
      • Focus on start-ups
      • Investment advice
      • Corporate law
      • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
      • AI and SaaS
      • Streamers and influencers
      • Games and esports law
      • IT/IP Law
      • Law firm for GMBH,UG, GbR
      • Law firm for IT/IP and media law
    • The everyday life of an IT lawyer
    • How can I help clients?
    • Testimonials
    • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
    • Agile and lean law firm
    • Price overview
    • Various information
      • Terms
      • Privacy policy
      • Imprint
  • Services
    • Support and advice of agencies
    • Contract review and preparation
    • Games law consulting
    • Consulting for influencers and streamers
    • Advice in e-commerce
    • DLT and Blockchain consulting
    • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
    • Legal compliance and expert opinions
    • Outsourcing – for companies or law firms
    • Booking as speaker
  • News
    • Gloss / Opinion
    • Law on the Internet
    • Online retail
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Data protection Law
    • Copyright
    • Labour law
    • Competition law
    • Corporate
    • EU law
    • Law on the protection of minors
    • Tax
    • Other
    • Internally
  • Podcast
    • ITMediaLaw Podcast
  • Knowledge base
  • Videos
    • Information videos – about Marian Härtel
    • Videos – about me (Couch)
    • Blogpost – individual videos
    • Videos on services
    • Shorts
    • Podcast format
    • Third-party videos
    • Other videos
  • Contact
Kurzberatung
  • Informationen
    • Ideal partner
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • Quick and flexible access
    • Principles as a lawyer
    • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
      • Focus on start-ups
      • Investment advice
      • Corporate law
      • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
      • AI and SaaS
      • Streamers and influencers
      • Games and esports law
      • IT/IP Law
      • Law firm for GMBH,UG, GbR
      • Law firm for IT/IP and media law
    • The everyday life of an IT lawyer
    • How can I help clients?
    • Testimonials
    • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
    • Agile and lean law firm
    • Price overview
    • Various information
      • Terms
      • Privacy policy
      • Imprint
  • Services
    • Support and advice of agencies
    • Contract review and preparation
    • Games law consulting
    • Consulting for influencers and streamers
    • Advice in e-commerce
    • DLT and Blockchain consulting
    • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
    • Legal compliance and expert opinions
    • Outsourcing – for companies or law firms
    • Booking as speaker
  • News
    • Gloss / Opinion
    • Law on the Internet
    • Online retail
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Data protection Law
    • Copyright
    • Labour law
    • Competition law
    • Corporate
    • EU law
    • Law on the protection of minors
    • Tax
    • Other
    • Internally
  • Podcast
    • ITMediaLaw Podcast
  • Knowledge base
  • Videos
    • Information videos – about Marian Härtel
    • Videos – about me (Couch)
    • Blogpost – individual videos
    • Videos on services
    • Shorts
    • Podcast format
    • Third-party videos
    • Other videos
  • Contact
Rechtsanwalt Marian Härtel - ITMediaLaw

A comprehensive guide to the imprint requirement for streamers

5. November 2018
in Competition law
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0 0
A A
0
youtube 3327676 640

In recent weeks, I have received numerous inquiries regarding the imprint requirement for Twitch streamers and YouTubers. Therefore, I decided to write a comprehensive guide on the subject. This article should come as no surprise to experienced entrepreneurs, as it does not contain any complicated legal concepts. Nevertheless, it could be helpful for many streamers who have not yet dealt with this issue.

Do I need an imprint as a streamer?

The short and concise answer in most cases is: Yes!

But why is that? To answer this question, we need to take a closer look at the legal basis and related circumstances.

Anyone who operates a telemedium, as is the case with Twitch or YouTube, must adhere to the rules set out in the Telemedia Act (TMG), the Interstate Broadcasting Treaty (RStV) and other laws such as the Interstate Treaty on the Protection of Minors in the Media (JMStV).

The exception to the rule

The only exception is for those who run a purely private Twitch channel. However, this is rarely the case, as Twitch and YouTube, at least above a certain size, generate revenue from various sources, such as subscriptions, donations, advertising fees and the like. This income is sufficient in most cases (99.99% to be exact) to be considered a commercial activity.

It is a common misconception that you must be able to make a living from your business or that you must make a profit to be considered a business. Both are definitely wrong. In addition, the imprint obligation applies not only to companies, but also to individuals.

It is already sufficient that someone could potentially generate revenue, regardless of whether revenue is actually currently being generated. This point can rarely be refuted.

According to § 5 TMG, service providers must provide the following information:

  1. The name and address at which they are established, in addition, in the case of legal entities, the legal form, the authorized representative and, if information is provided on the capital of the company, the share or nominal capital and, if not all contributions to be made in cash have been paid in, the total amount of outstanding contributions,
  2. information that enables rapid electronic contact and direct communication with them, including the address of the electronic mail,
  3. If the service is offered or provided as part of an activity that requires official authorization, information on the responsible supervisory authority,
  4. The commercial register, register of associations, register of partnerships or register of cooperatives in which they are registered and the corresponding register number, […]
  5. In cases where they have a VAT identification number pursuant to Section 27a of the Value Added Tax Act or a business identification number pursuant to Section 139c of the Tax Code, the indication of this number.

The Broadcasting State Treaty

Similar requirements arise from Section 55 of the Interstate Broadcasting Treaty. This additionally stipulates that for streams that are of an editorial nature (such as gaming streams that rate or test games), a responsible person must also be named with the name and address.

The lack of an imprint can lead to a warning letter with costs from a competing streamer, against which you can hardly object. Therefore I strongly advise to create an imprint, even if you are not sure if it is necessary.

The issue of commerciality raises numerous other questions, from tax issues to business registration. I will cover these topics in other articles in the coming weeks and months.

Marian Härtel
Author: Marian Härtel

Marian Härtel ist Rechtsanwalt und Fachanwalt für IT-Recht mit einer über 25-jährigen Erfahrung als Unternehmer und Berater in den Bereichen Games, E-Sport, Blockchain, SaaS und Künstliche Intelligenz. Seine Beratungsschwerpunkte umfassen neben dem IT-Recht insbesondere das Urheberrecht, Medienrecht sowie Wettbewerbsrecht. Er betreut schwerpunktmäßig Start-ups, Agenturen und Influencer, die er in strategischen Fragen, komplexen Vertragsangelegenheiten sowie bei Investitionsprojekten begleitet. Dabei zeichnet sich seine Beratung durch einen interdisziplinären Ansatz aus, der juristische Expertise und langjährige unternehmerische Erfahrung miteinander verbindet. Ziel seiner Tätigkeit ist stets, Mandanten praxisorientierte Lösungen anzubieten und rechtlich fundierte Unterstützung bei der Umsetzung innovativer Geschäftsmodelle zu gewährleisten.

Tags: Commercial registerGamingImprint obligationInformationLawsTelemediaTestTwitchVatWarningYouTubeYouTuber

Weitere spannende Blogposts

Choice of law by general terms and conditions not surprising per se

Choice of law by general terms and conditions not surprising per se
14. December 2018

Yesterday, the Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt ruled that a choice of law by means of general terms and conditions...

Read moreDetails

Q&A on self-employment/start-up issues *Update*.

Q&A on self-employment/start-up issues *Update*.
7. November 2022

*Since I'm unfortunately still down with "man flu" today, the Q&A will have to go to   Monday 10 February...

Read moreDetails

Game accounts in online games: What legal nature?

Game accounts in online games: What legal nature?
7. November 2022

While embedding my new YouTube channel here on the site, I came across an approximately 2-year-old video that I created...

Read moreDetails

70 Years of the Basic Law – What an Achievement

70 Years of the Basic Law – What an Achievement
7. November 2022

We have just celebrated 70 years of the Basic Law. An incomparable success story and the basis for the fact...

Read moreDetails

New concept of material defects and computer games – what do you have to consider from 2022?

judge plays videogames in his spare time
7. November 2022

In a somewhat longer blog article, I just reported information about the new material defect concept for digital content, which...

Read moreDetails

Chess, Bridge, Esport?

Chess, Bridge, Esport?
19. March 2019

Much is already being said, written and even more demanded by the ESBD about the discussion about esport and the...

Read moreDetails

Differential taxation and price indications Regulation

Online shops: Attention to advertising with EIA
11. March 2019

In tax law, lawyers can usually argue even more than is not otherwise the case in civil and industrial property...

Read moreDetails

Soon no Twitch, Steam, Discord, Twitter for under 16s?

Soon no Twitch, Steam, Discord, Twitter for under 16s?
7. November 2022

Will young people under 16 in Germany soon no longer be able to use Twitch, YouTube, Discord, Steam, Twitter and...

Read moreDetails

Esport and the concept of sport – let it stay

Esport and the concept of sport - let it stay
21. February 2019

Yesterday the hearing took place in the sports committee of the Bundestag and with a few exceptions no one really...

Read moreDetails

Memorandum / Articles of Association

24. June 2023

Introduction The term "partnership agreement" and "articles of association" refer to legal documents that are essential for the formation and...

Read moreDetails
Warum eine Geschäftsordnung für Geschäftsführer in einer GmbH sinnvoll sein kann

Business Angel

25. June 2023
Leistungsschutzrecht

Leistungsschutzrecht

28. June 2023

Buy-out-Verträge

10. November 2024
fef58753 0e7b 493e 806b 4e8636913fce 202010382

Cybersquatting

29. March 2025

Podcast Folgen

fcb134a2b3cfec5d256cf9742ecef1cd

The unconventional lawyer: a nerd in the service of the law

26. September 2024

In this captivating episode of the podcast "The Unconventional Lawyer", we delve into the world of a lawyer who is...

da884f9e2769f2f96d6b74255be62c27

The role of the IT lawyer

5. September 2024

In this exciting podcast episode, we delve into the fascinating world of IT start-ups and find out why an experienced...

238a909c26a0302cbd4792cbd18e4922

Global challenges for start-ups – A legal guide

10. October 2024

This informative podcast offers a comprehensive insight into the legal challenges faced by start-ups when expanding internationally. The experienced lawyer...

75df8eaa33cd7d3975a96b022c65c6e4

Life as an IT lawyer, work-life balance, family and my career

26. September 2024

In this captivating episode of my IT Medialaw podcast, I, Marian Härtel, share my personal journey as a passionate IT...

  • Privacy policy
  • Imprint
  • Contact
  • About lawyer Marian Härtel
Marian Härtel, Rathenaustr. 58a, 14612 Falkensee, info@itmedialaw.com

Marian Härtel - Rechtsanwalt für IT-Recht, Medienrecht und Startups, mit einem Fokus auf innovative Geschäftsmodelle, Games, KI und Finanzierungsberatung.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
  • Informationen
    • Ideal partner
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • Quick and flexible access
    • Principles as a lawyer
    • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
      • Focus on start-ups
      • Investment advice
      • Corporate law
      • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
      • AI and SaaS
      • Streamers and influencers
      • Games and esports law
      • IT/IP Law
      • Law firm for GMBH,UG, GbR
      • Law firm for IT/IP and media law
    • The everyday life of an IT lawyer
    • How can I help clients?
    • Testimonials
    • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
    • Agile and lean law firm
    • Price overview
    • Various information
      • Terms
      • Privacy policy
      • Imprint
  • Services
    • Support and advice of agencies
    • Contract review and preparation
    • Games law consulting
    • Consulting for influencers and streamers
    • Advice in e-commerce
    • DLT and Blockchain consulting
    • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
    • Legal compliance and expert opinions
    • Outsourcing – for companies or law firms
    • Booking as speaker
  • News
    • Gloss / Opinion
    • Law on the Internet
    • Online retail
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Data protection Law
    • Copyright
    • Labour law
    • Competition law
    • Corporate
    • EU law
    • Law on the protection of minors
    • Tax
    • Other
    • Internally
  • Podcast
    • ITMediaLaw Podcast
  • Knowledge base
  • Videos
    • Information videos – about Marian Härtel
    • Videos – about me (Couch)
    • Blogpost – individual videos
    • Videos on services
    • Shorts
    • Podcast format
    • Third-party videos
    • Other videos
  • Contact
  • en English
  • de Deutsch
Kostenlose Kurzberatung