Copyright in the digital age

In the age of digitalization, start-ups face particular challenges in the area of copyright law. Rapid technological development and increasing networking have fundamentally changed the creation, distribution and use of intellectual property. It is essential for start-ups to know and observe the legal framework in order to avoid costly legal disputes and effectively protect their own intellectual property. This article highlights the most important aspects of copyright law that start-ups need to consider in the digital environment.

Basics of copyright law for start-ups

Copyright law protects intellectual creations of literature, science and art in accordance with Section 2 UrhG. In the digital context, this includes in particular computer programs, databases, web designs, texts, images, videos and musical works. Protection arises automatically with the creation of the work, without the need for registration. It is important for start-ups to understand that they can act as both authors and users of copyrighted works.

As authors, startups enjoy extensive rights to their creations. These include, in particular, the right to be named (Section 13 UrhG), the right of publication (Section 12 UrhG) and the exclusive exploitation rights (Sections 15 et seq. UrhG). These rights enable the startup to control the commercial use of its works and to monetize them if necessary.

As users, startups must ensure that they have the necessary rights to use third-party works. This can be done by acquiring licenses or by using works under free licenses (e.g. Creative Commons). The unauthorized use of copyrighted works can lead to injunctive relief and claims for damages, which can threaten the existence of a young company.

Special challenges in the digital environment

In the digital age, specific copyright challenges arise for start-ups:

1. user-generated content: Many digital business models are based on user-generated content. Startups must ensure that their users do not infringe the copyrights of third parties and implement appropriate terms of use.

2. linking and framing: The integration of third-party content through linking or framing can raise copyright issues. The ECJ ruling in case C-160/15 (GS Media) has set important guidelines here that startups must observe.

3. artificial intelligence: The use of AI to generate content raises complex copyright issues, in particular with regard to the protectability of AI-generated works and the use of copyrighted works to train AI systems.

4. international context: In the global digital market, startups must take into account the different copyright regulations in different countries.

Practical measures for protection and compliance

Startups should take the following measures to minimize copyright risks and protect their own intellectual property:

1. documentation of the creation of the work: Careful documentation of the creation process of your own works makes it easier to enforce copyrights in the event of a dispute.

2. contract design: Clear contractual provisions with employees, freelancers and business partners regarding the transfer of usage rights are essential. In the case of employment contracts, Section 69b UrhG must be observed, which regulates the rights to computer programs created by employees in the course of their work.

3. license management: Systematic license management ensures that the necessary rights are available for all third-party works used.

4 Imprint and rights information: Correct labeling of your own works and a legally compliant imprint on the website are important protective measures.

5. technical protection measures: The use of digital watermarks or other technical protection measures can make the unauthorized use of your own works more difficult.

6. monitoring and law enforcement: Regular monitoring of the use of your own works on the Internet and the consistent prosecution of infringements are important in order to preserve the value of intellectual property.

7. employee training: Regular training on copyright law can raise employee awareness and prevent infringements.

8. legal advice: In the case of complex copyright issues, legal advice should be sought at an early stage in order to minimize risks and make the most of opportunities.

Copyright law in the digital age presents start-ups with a variety of challenges, but also offers opportunities for value creation and differentiation in the market. A proactive and informed approach to copyright issues can make a significant contribution to a company’s success. In view of the complexity and constant development of copyright law in the digital context, it is advisable for start-ups to keep up to date with the latest developments and to seek expert legal support if necessary.

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.