• Areas of expertise
  • |
  • About me
  • |
  • Principles as a lawyer
  • Tel: 03322 5078053
  • |
  • info@itmedialaw.com
ITMediaLaw - Rechtsanwalt Marian Härtel
  • en English
  • de Deutsch
  • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
      • Ideal partner
      • About lawyer Marian Härtel
      • Video series – about me
      • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
      • Principles as a lawyer
      • Focus on start-ups
      • Nerd und Rechtsanwalt
      • Ideal partner
      • How can I help clients?
    • Über die Kanzlei
      • How clients benefit from my network of colleagues, partners and service providers
      • Quick and flexible access
      • Agile and lean law firm
      • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
      • Price overview
    • How can I help clients?
    • Sonstige Informationen
      • Einwilligungen widerrufen
      • Privatsphäre-Einstellungen ändern
      • Historie der Privatsphäre-Einstellungen
      • Privacy policy
    • Testimonials
    • Imprint
  • Leistungen
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
      • Support with the foundation
      • Games law consulting
      • Advice in e-commerce
      • Support and advice of agencies
      • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
      • Legal compliance and expert opinions
      • Streamers and influencers
      • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
      • Outsourcing – for companies or law firms
    • Arbeitsschwerpunkte
      • Games and esports law
        • Esports. What is it?
      • Corporate law
      • IT/IP Law
      • Consulting for influencers and streamers
        • Influencer & Streamer
      • Contract review and preparation
      • DLT and Blockchain consulting
        • Blockchain Overview
      • Investment advice
      • AI and SaaS
  • Artikel/News
    • Langartikel / Guides
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Law on the Internet
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Online retail
    • Data protection Law
    • Copyright
    • Competition law
    • Copyright
    • EU law
    • Law on the protection of minors
    • Labour law
    • Tax
    • Kanzlei News
    • Other
  • Videos/Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Podcast
      • ITMediaLaw Podcast
      • ITMediaLaw Kurz-Podcast
  • Knowledge base
  • Contact
Kurzberatung
  • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
      • Ideal partner
      • About lawyer Marian Härtel
      • Video series – about me
      • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
      • Principles as a lawyer
      • Focus on start-ups
      • Nerd und Rechtsanwalt
      • Ideal partner
      • How can I help clients?
    • Über die Kanzlei
      • How clients benefit from my network of colleagues, partners and service providers
      • Quick and flexible access
      • Agile and lean law firm
      • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
      • Price overview
    • How can I help clients?
    • Sonstige Informationen
      • Einwilligungen widerrufen
      • Privatsphäre-Einstellungen ändern
      • Historie der Privatsphäre-Einstellungen
      • Privacy policy
    • Testimonials
    • Imprint
  • Leistungen
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
      • Support with the foundation
      • Games law consulting
      • Advice in e-commerce
      • Support and advice of agencies
      • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
      • Legal compliance and expert opinions
      • Streamers and influencers
      • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
      • Outsourcing – for companies or law firms
    • Arbeitsschwerpunkte
      • Games and esports law
        • Esports. What is it?
      • Corporate law
      • IT/IP Law
      • Consulting for influencers and streamers
        • Influencer & Streamer
      • Contract review and preparation
      • DLT and Blockchain consulting
        • Blockchain Overview
      • Investment advice
      • AI and SaaS
  • Artikel/News
    • Langartikel / Guides
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Law on the Internet
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Online retail
    • Data protection Law
    • Copyright
    • Competition law
    • Copyright
    • EU law
    • Law on the protection of minors
    • Labour law
    • Tax
    • Kanzlei News
    • Other
  • Videos/Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Podcast
      • ITMediaLaw Podcast
      • ITMediaLaw Kurz-Podcast
  • Knowledge base
  • Contact
ITMediaLaw - Rechtsanwalt Marian Härtel
Home Law and computer games

Copyright & computer games: What rules really apply?

19. December 2022
in Law and computer games
Reading Time: 6 mins read
0 0
A A
0
keyboard g992cf7b48 1920
Key Facts
  • Copyright protects the intellectual property of computer games, including program code, graphics and sounds.
  • The term of protection is 70 years after the death of the author.
  • Reproduction is not permitted without the author's consent.
  • Some exceptions exist, for example for private or educational purposes.
  • Copyright infringements can lead to warnings and claims for damages.
  • Copyright law protects art and content contained in computer games.
  • Blockchain technology can help prevent copyright infringements and protect digital content.

The following list is intended to provide a brief overview of the main points of copyright in computer games. It should be noted that this is only general information and that legal advice should always be sought for specific questions.

Content Hide
1. A few key points can be noted, however:
2. Copyright in computer games
2.1. What is a computer game?
2.2. Who is the author of a computer game?
2.3. Scope of protection of copyright in computer games
3. Rights of use for computer games
3.1. Permissible and impermissible use of computer games
3.2. Art, computer games and copyright
3.3. Legal framework for the production of fan articles and cosplay costumes
4. New: Copyright and blockchain technology

A few key points can be noted, however:

  • Copyright protects the intellectual property of a work. In the case of a computer game, the work is usually the program as well as the graphics and sounds.
  • The term of copyright protection is 70 years after the death of the author. An author may reproduce, distribute and make his work publicly accessible.
  • The work may not be reproduced, distributed or made available to the public without the consent of the author.
  • However, there are some exceptions to copyright, e.g. for private purposes or for teaching.
  • Violations of copyright law may result in warnings and claims for damages.

Copyright in computer games

What is a computer game?

A computer game is an interactive digital entertainment software that invites players to interact in a live virtual environment through video games. The goal of the game is to achieve a certain result. It can be played individually or by several people. Computer games can also be considered electronic sports (i.e., esports, which are subject to further extensive legal issues) in which the player’s skill and dexterity are pitted against each other. There are many different types of computer games that have different rules and play styles. Some of the most common types are: Role-playing games, Strategy games, First-person shooter games and Racing games. Each of these games has its own specific features and rules, but they all have one thing in common: they are based on copyright.

Copyright protects an author’s intellectual creations from unauthorized use by third parties. Such intellectual creations include computer programs, software programs, and other types of digital media (including computer games). To ensure that no one infringes copyright, computer game developers must design their works to comply with applicable copyright laws. Developers must ensure that all elements of the game are protected by copyright – from program code to graphics and music. To this end, extensive license agreements are usually concluded with partners or freelancers who allow the developer to exploit the assets.

Who is the author of a computer game?

In Germany, a computer game is considered a work within the meaning of the German Copyright Act (UrhG). The author of a work is any natural person who has created the work alone or jointly with others. Thus, a computer game can be created by a single person as well as by several people at the same time. The question of who is the author of a computer game therefore depends on how the game was created. If a computer game was developed jointly by several persons, these persons are also joint authors of the game. Each of the parties may assert its rights to the Game and authorize or prohibit the use of the Game. In practice, it is often difficult to determine who exactly was involved in the development of a computer game. Especially when the game was developed by a large team and many different people worked on different aspects of the game. If developers have joined forces or formed a corporation together, the exploitation rights to these copyrights are usually held by the company.

Scope of protection of copyright in computer games

Copyright law provides comprehensive protection for the creators and developers of computer games. The scope of copyright protection for computer games generally includes both the content of the game and the graphics, animations, sounds, and other visual elements that make up the game. In addition, copyright may also cover the game mechanics themselves, i.e. the ways in which the player has to play. However, it depends on details and concrete content. This also then includes rules and guidelines that are programmed into the game. However, it is important to understand not only what is protected by copyright, but also what is not protected. For example, programs and systems that must be implemented for the game but are not part of the game itself (such as operating systems or graphics drivers) are not covered by the developers’ copyright. Also, certain types of information and code used in the game (e.g. algorithms) can only be protected to a limited extent. Furthermore, it is also possible that individual elements of the game may not fall under copyright protection.

Rights of use for computer games

Permissible and impermissible use of computer games

In terms of copyright and computer games, there are usually very clear rules that must be followed. As a general rule of thumb, remember that the developer of the game (and/or the publisher of the game through the use of exploitation rights) has the sole right to determine how the game is used. If you own a game, you can use it only for your personal use. This includes installing it on more than one computer or sharing the game with other people. However, it is usually not allowed to modify or change parts of the game. This often involves the use of cheat codes or modifications to the graphics. The sale of copies of the game is also not one of the permitted types of use and is illegal and may even be punishable by law.

In contrast, it is also possible to reuse certain types of computer games under special licensing conditions. Many developers now offer open source licenses that allow end users to modify and redistribute certain portions of the program code. In such cases, the developer still gets the copyright/exploitation rights to their code and can determine how it is used. However, users must adhere to certain guidelines – for example, they must be able to disclose change sources and have change suggestions submitted – in order to comply with the license terms. Sometimes it is also allowed to use certain components of a computer game to develop other projects – as long as this component is not protected by copyright. For example, you could integrate certain graphics or sound effects into another game or insert them into other projects. However, it is important to note that such actions can be done only after the permission of the original owner and you comply with all the guidelines that apply to the use of the component.

Art, computer games and copyright

In recent years, copyright law has changed significantly in connection with the development of computer games and other digital products. It is now generally accepted that the art and content contained in a computer game is protected by copyright. This means that those who participated in the development of the game have rights. Some of the most important rights are the right to recognition for their work, and the right to distribute and exploit their works. In addition, copyright protects not only the original authors of computer games, but also all other participants in the development of the game. This includes the graphic designers, programmers and possibly testers. They are all entitled to an appropriate fee for their work. Copyright law also protects the smooth running of the sale of digital products such as games or software.

Legal framework for the production of fan articles and cosplay costumes

It is a sad fact that many fans of video games and other entertainment media who are enthusiastic about creating fan merchandise and cosplay costumes are not always aware of the legal framework. There are some rules and guidelines to follow when creating such costumes and articles. For example, it is not allowed to produce fake merchandise or use content directly related to the computer game. It is also not allowed to use the name of the video game or any other brand. Instead, fans will have to create their own design and customize their costumes so that they are seen as an homage to the game rather than an actual game product. It is also important to note that posting such costumes and articles on social media may violate the terms of service of the respective service. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to check these conditions before publishing. Although it can be difficult for fans to determine what is legal and what is not; especially when creating fan merchandise and cosplay costumes – it is definitely worth reading the relevant case law to make sure you are doing everything right. In the event of a dispute with the rights holder, it is best to seek professional help early on. This way, fans can enjoy their hobby without worrying about legal consequences.

New: Copyright and blockchain technology

Blockchain technology is increasingly on the rise and is seen as a revolutionary technology that could also give many copyright issues a new look. When blockchain technology is used, the authenticity and integrity of digital content is better secured, making it easier to prevent copyright infringement. This means that content such as computer games can be better protected from copyright infringement via blockchain technology. There are several ways to improve copyright rules for computer games using blockchain technology. For example, game developers can be enabled to integrate their games with the blockchain. This can ensure that only authorized copies of the game can be downloaded and played, making it harder to distribute illegal copies. In addition, blockchain technology also allows developers to provide better protection against reverse engineering and modification of their game content, ensuring better protection against copyright infringement. Blockchain technology also allows developers to embed digital watermarks in their game files, ensuring that every copy of the game can be tracked. Overall, it is obvious that blockchain technology can be very useful for improving the copyright situation of computer games. By using this technology, developers can obtain effective methods of preventing piracy while ensuring the protection of their game content. The use of blockchain technology is therefore a very interesting way for companies to give their gaming content stronger protection against copyright infringement.

Tags: BeratungBlockchainCase lawComputerComputer gameComputer programCopyright infringementCorporationDamagesDevelopmentdigitalEsportExploitation lawFreelancerGame developerGamesInformationLawsLegal issuesLegal questionLizenzNatural personSoftwareTestUrheberrechtWarning

Beliebte Beträge

Contractual framework conditions and models for live service games (games as a service)

Contractual framework conditions and models for live service games (games as a service)
13. April 2025

The games industry is increasingly moving towards live service games or "Games as a Service" (GaaS). Unlike traditional video games,...

Read moreDetails

Chain of rights in game development: Who ultimately holds the rights to the game?

rechtekette im game development wer haelt am ende die rechte am spiel
19. April 2025

In game development, intellectual property is the most valuable asset. Every aspect of a video game - from the source...

Read moreDetails

Contracts with voice actors, streamers and test players – legal guidelines in games law

Contracts with voice actors, streamers and test players – legal guidelines in games law
10. April 2025

The development and marketing of modern video games is hardly conceivable without cooperation with external partners. Whether voice actors, streamers...

Read moreDetails

Modding and user-generated content: legal, economic and strategic aspects

Modding and user-generated content: legal, economic and strategic aspects
22. April 2025

Mods - video game modifications created by players - are an integral part of gaming culture. Whether new levels, improved...

Read moreDetails

Game jams and open collaborations: Who owns the prototype?

Game jams and open collaborations: Who owns the prototype?
9. April 2025

Game jams are short-term development competitions in which creative minds work together to create game prototypes in just a few...

Read moreDetails

Contracts with co-development studios: IP splitting, rights allocation and risk allocation

Contracts with co-development studios: IP splitting, rights allocation and risk allocation
23. April 2025

International collaboration in software and game development offers great opportunities - from shared expertise to faster product creation. However, co-development...

Read moreDetails

Legal risks associated with long development times and discontinuation of crowd-funded games

Legal risks associated with long development times and discontinuation of crowd-funded games
11. April 2025

Crowdfunding has established itself as a financing model in the games industry. Developers collect money from supporters to pre-finance the...

Read moreDetails

AI-controlled NPCs and procedurally generated content – Copyright and contract design

AI-controlled NPCs and procedurally generated content – Copyright and contract design
24. April 2025

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in video games - for example through AI-controlled NPCs (non-player characters) and procedurally generated...

Read moreDetails

Pay-to-win or pay-to-lose? Monetization in gaming between business and consumer deception

Pay-to-win or pay-to-lose? Monetization in gaming between business and consumer deception
5. April 2025

The computer games industry has experienced unprecedented economic growth in recent years. In Germany alone, over 5.5 billion euros were...

Read moreDetails

5.0 60 reviews

  • Avatar Mikael Hällgren ★★★★★ vor einem Monat
    I got fantastic support from Marian Härtel. He managed to get my wrongfully suspended Instagram account restored. He was … Mehr incredibly helpful the whole way until the positive outcome. Highly recommended!
  • Avatar Lennart Korte ★★★★★ vor 2 Monaten
    Ich kann Herrn Härtel als Anwalt absolut weiterempfehlen! Sein Service ist erstklassig – schnelle Antwortzeiten, effiziente … Mehr Arbeit und dabei sehr kostengünstig, was für Startups besonders wichtig ist. Er hat für mein Startup einen Vertrag erstellt, und ich bin von seiner professionellen und zuverlässigen Arbeit überzeugt. Klare Empfehlung!
  • Avatar R.H. ★★★★★ vor 3 Monaten
    Ich kann Hr. Härtel nur empfehlen! Er hat mich bei einem Betrugsversuch einer Krypto Börse rechtlich vertreten. Ich bin sehr … Mehr zufrieden mit seiner engagierten Arbeit gewesen. Ich wurde von Anfang an kompetent, fair und absolut transparent beraten. Trotz eines zähen Verfahrens und einer großen Börse als Gegner, habe ich mich immer sicher und zuversichtlich gefühlt. Auch die Schnelligkeit und die sehr gute Erreichbarkeit möchte ich an der Stelle hoch loben und nochmal meinen herzlichsten Dank aussprechen! Daumen hoch mit 10 Sternen!
  • Avatar P! Galerie ★★★★★ vor 4 Monaten
    Herr Härtel hat uns äusserst kompetent in einen lästigen Fall mit META betreut. Er war effizient, beharrlich, aber auch mit … Mehr uns geduldig. Menschlich top, bis wir am Ende Dank ihm erfolgreich zum Ziel gekommen sind. Können wir wärmstens empfehlen. Und nochmals danke. P.H.
  • Avatar Mosaic Mask Studio ★★★★★ vor 5 Monaten
    Die Kanzlei ist immer ein verlässlicher Partner bei der Sichtung und Bearbeitung von Verträgen in der IT Branche. Es ist … Mehr stets ein professioneller Austausch auf Augenhöhe.
    Die Ergebnisse sind auf hohem Niveau und haben die interessen unsers Unternehmens immer bestmöglich wiedergespiegelt.
    Vielen Dank für die sehr gute Zusammenarbeit.
  • Avatar Philip Lucas ★★★★★ vor 8 Monaten
    Wir haben Herrn Härtel für unser Unternehmen konsultiert und sind äußerst zufrieden mit seiner Arbeit. Von Anfang an hat … Mehr er einen überaus kompetenten Eindruck gemacht und sich als ein sehr angenehmer Gesprächspartner erwiesen. Seine fachliche Expertise und seine verständliche und zugängliche Art im Umgang mit komplexen Themen haben uns überzeugt. Wir freuen uns auf eine langfristige und erfolgreiche Zusammenarbeit!
  • Avatar Doris H. ★★★★★ vor 10 Monaten
    Herr Härtel hat uns bezüglich eines Telefonvertrags beraten und vertreten. Wir waren mit seinem Service sehr zufrieden. Er … Mehr hat stets schnell auf unsere E-mails und Anrufe reagiert und den Sachverhalt einfach und verständlich erklärt. Wir würden Herrn Härtel jederzeit wieder beauftragen.Vielen Dank für die hervorragende Unterstützung
  • Avatar Philipp Skaar ★★★★★ vor 8 Monaten
    Als kleines inhabergeführtes Hotel sehen wir uns ab und dann (bei sonst weit über dem Durchschnitt liegenden Bewertungen) … Mehr der Herausforderung von aus der Anonymität heraus agierenden "Netz-Querulanten" gegenüber gestellt. Herr Härtel versteht es außerordentlich spür- und feinsinnig, derartige - oftmals auf Rufschädigung ausgerichtete - Bewertungen bereits im Keim, also außergerichtlich, zu ersticken und somit unseren Betrieb vor weiteren Folgeschäden zu bewahren. Seine Umsetzungsgeschwindigkeit ist beeindruckend, seine bisherige Erfolgsquote = 100%.Ergo: Unsere erste Adresse zur Abwehr von geschäftsschädigenden Angriffen aus dem Web.
  • ●
  • ●
  • ●
  • ●

Video-Galerie

Influencer advertising in transition: from hidden promotion to transparent partnership
Influencer advertising in transition: from hidden promotion to transparent partnership
OnlyFans management: legal pitfalls and solutions
OnlyFans management: legal pitfalls and solutions
The ITMedialaw Podcast
The ITMedialaw Podcast
Customer protection clause

Customer protection clause

16. October 2024

A customer protection clause is a contractual agreement that prohibits one party from poaching the other party's customers or entering...

Read moreDetails
Sale of investment

Sale of investment

16. October 2024
European Cooperative Society (SCE)

European Cooperative Society (SCE)

16. October 2024
Airdrop

Airdrop

30. June 2023
Term Sheet

Term Sheet

16. October 2024

Podcast Folgen

Rechtliche Herausforderungen und Chancen durch KI-Influencer und virtuelle Mitarbeitende

Rechtliche Herausforderungen und Chancen durch KI-Influencer und virtuelle Mitarbeitende

19. April 2025

In dieser Episode wird die rechtliche Einordnung von virtuellen Mitarbeitenden und KI-Influencern im Marketing untersucht. Der Fokus liegt auf den...

Die Romantisierung des Prinzips ‘Fail Fast’ in Startups – Wann wird Scheitern zur Täuschung gegenüber Beteiligten?

Die Romantisierung des Prinzips ‘Fail Fast’ in Startups – Wann wird Scheitern zur Täuschung gegenüber Beteiligten?

20. April 2025

In diese Episode wird die komplexe Beziehung zwischen dem 'Fail Fast'-Prinzip und den Verantwortlichkeiten der Gründer gegenüber Investoren und Mitarbeitern...

8315f1ef298eb54dfeed2f5e55c8b9da 1

Erste Testfolge des ITMediaLaw Podcast

26. August 2024

Erste TestfolgeLiebe Leserinnen und Leser,ich freue mich, heute den ersten Testlauf unseres brandneuen IT Media Law Podcasts zu präsentieren! In diesem Podcast...

Die Rolle des IT-Rechtsanwalts

Die Rolle des IT-Rechtsanwalts

5. September 2024

In dieser spannenden Podcast-Episode tauchen wir ein in die faszinierende Welt der IT-Startups und erfahren, warum ein erfahrener Rechtsanwalt für...

  • Home
  • Imprint
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms
  • Agile and lean law firm
  • Ideal partner
  • Contact
  • Videos
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?

Retrieve your password

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

Log In
  • Contact
  • Leistungen
    • Support with the foundation
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
    • Consulting for influencers and streamers
    • Advice in e-commerce
    • DLT and Blockchain consulting
    • Games law consulting
    • Support and advice of agencies
    • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
    • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
    • Investment advice
    • Booking as speaker
    • Legal compliance and expert opinions
    • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
    • Contract review and preparation
  • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • Agile and lean law firm
    • Focus on start-ups
    • Principles as a lawyer
    • The everyday life of an IT lawyer
    • How can I help clients?
    • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
    • Focus on start-ups
    • How can I help clients?
    • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
    • Testimonials
    • Imprint
  • Videos
    • Video series – about me
    • Information videos – about Marian Härtel
    • Videos on services
    • Blogpost – individual videos
    • Shorts
    • Third-party videos
    • Podcast format
    • Other videos
  • Knowledge base
  • Podcast
  • Blogposts
    • Lange Artikel / Ausführungen
    • Law on the Internet
    • Online retail
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Data protection Law
    • Labour law
    • EU law
    • Corporate
    • Competition law
    • Copyright
    • Tax
    • Internally
    • Other
  • en English
  • de Deutsch
Kostenlose Kurzberatung