• 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 Copyright

File sharing warning: How to react correctly

10. July 2024
in Copyright
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0 0
A A
0
f9d66e8b2bf7022d8591e13d3d0e83fe
Key Facts
  • Keep calm: A warning is not a court decision, but a request for a statement.
  • Do not sign prematurely: The declaration to cease and desist may have long-term legal consequences.
  • Do not make direct contact: Communicate only through a specialized lawyer to protect your position.
  • Do not accept settlement offers immediately: Analyze offers carefully and have them checked by a lawyer.
  • Seek legal assistance: A lawyer can protect your rights and significantly reduce claims.
  • Observe case law: Recent rulings can strengthen your defense and improve your chances.
  • Proceed strategically: Professional action can lead to a significant mitigation of the consequences of a warning.

Have you received a warning about file sharing from law firms such as Frommer Legal, Daniel Sebastian, Yussof Sarwari or RKA Rechtsanwälte? Stay calm and act in a considered manner. These warnings can have considerable financial and legal consequences if you do not respond appropriately. It is important to take the situation seriously, but not to panic. This article explains how you should behave in the event of a file sharing warning and which mistakes you must avoid at all costs. With the right approach, you can often reduce the claims or even ward them off completely.

Content Hide
1. Current case law on file sharing
2. The most important points at a glance
3. What you should do in the event of a file sharing warning
3.1. 1. keep calm
3.2. 2. do not sign prematurely
3.3. 3. do not make direct contact
3.4. 4. do not accept settlement offers immediately
3.5. 5. seek legal assistance
4. Conclusion

Current case law on file sharing

Case law on the subject of file sharing is constantly evolving. Some important recent rulings have partially improved the legal situation for those affected. In 2023, the Federal Court of Justice ruled that parents are not liable for adult children in file sharing if they have informed them of the illegality (case no. I ZR 120/22). The Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt ruled in 2022 that mere knowledge of a Wi-Fi password is not sufficient for perpetration of file sharing (case no. 11 U 95/21). In 2021, Munich Regional Court I clarified that there must be concrete evidence of the commission of a crime for liability as a perpetrator (case no. 37 O 15821/20). In 2024, the Federal Court of Justice ruled that the operator of a Tor exit node and open Wi-Fi access is no longer liable for infringements such as illegal file sharing (case no. I ZR 19/23). The Frankenthal Regional Court ruled in 2024 on the calculation of damages for file sharing of films (case no. 6 S 12/23). The Higher Regional Court of Cologne ruled in 2023 that the cap on the amount in dispute of 1,000 euros for copyright warnings is still permissible (case no. 6 U 123/22). The Munich District Court ruled in 2023 that connection owners are not liable if they can prove that third parties used the connection (case no. 142 C 65/23).

The most important points at a glance

  • Do not sign the enclosed cease-and-desist declaration prematurely
  • Do not contact the law firm issuing the warning directly
  • Do not accept any settlement offers without consulting a lawyer
  • Have the warning letter checked by a specialized lawyer
  • The claims can often be significantly reduced or defended against

What you should do in the event of a file sharing warning

 

1. keep calm

Don’t panic if you receive a warning letter. A warning letter is initially only an out-of-court request and not a court judgment. You have time to react appropriately and seek advice. Rash actions can worsen your position. Take the time to analyze the situation thoroughly and take the right steps. Bear in mind that many warnings are unjustified or exaggerated and that there are often ways of reducing or defending against the claims.

2. do not sign prematurely

Under no circumstances should you sign the enclosed cease-and-desist declaration without checking it. This can have far-reaching legal consequences and permanently restrict your rights. Once a cease-and-desist declaration has been issued, it is generally binding for life. Make sure you have the declaration checked by a specialist lawyer before you take any action. It is often possible to make a modified declaration that better protects your rights. Also bear in mind that by signing, you may be admitting to acts that you have not committed and could therefore incriminate yourself unnecessarily.

3. do not make direct contact

Do not contact the law firm issuing the warning yourself. Any statement could be interpreted as an admission of guilt and weaken your position in possible legal disputes. Have the communication run exclusively through a specialized lawyer. They know how to communicate with the other party without jeopardizing your rights. You should also avoid contacting them by telephone, as this often only serves to put you under pressure. Keep all documents carefully and document the entire process.

4. do not accept settlement offers immediately

Do not accept any settlement offers without consulting a lawyer. These are often not in your interests and can have long-term negative consequences. An experienced lawyer can evaluate the offers and negotiate better conditions if necessary. Bear in mind that the other party’s initial offers are often inflated and there is room for negotiation. Don’t let yourself be put under time pressure, but take the time for a thorough examination. In many cases, claims can be significantly reduced if a professional and strategic approach is taken.

5. seek legal assistance

Have the warning letter checked by a lawyer specializing in file sharing. They can protect your rights and often reduce the claims. An experienced lawyer knows the latest court decisions and knows how best to defend your position. He can check the legality of the warning and raise objections if necessary. Investing in expert advice can pay off in the long term, as it often leads to a significant reduction in claims. In addition, a lawyer will give you confidence in dealing with the situation and can save you a lot of stress.

Conclusion

Considered action is required in the event of a file sharing warning. Do not sign anything prematurely and seek legal advice. With the right strategy, the consequences of a warning can often be significantly mitigated. Keep a cool head and seek advice from an expert. Case law in this area is constantly evolving, often in favor of the warned party. A specialized lawyer can help you benefit from these developments and protect your rights in the best possible way. With a flat fee, I can help you effectively with out-of-court communication and often achieve good results. Remember: A warning letter is not a final condemnation, but the beginning of a legal process in which you have a good chance of defending your position.

 

 

Tags: BeratungBghCase lawDeclaration of injunctionFilesharingFrankfurtFrankfurt Higher Regional CourtHaftungInvestmentJudgmentsolgSicherheitWarning

Beliebte Beträge

Erotic content on OnlyFans: Copyright and personality rights protection for creators

Erotic content on OnlyFans: Copyright and personality rights protection for creators
20. May 2025

OnlyFans has established itself as a platform on which content creators - often in the erotic sector - offer their...

Read moreDetails

Memes, remixes and reaction videos legal? – Copyright 2025: Parody and pastiche exception

Memes, remixes and reaction videos legal? – Copyright 2025: Parody and pastiche exception
9. May 2025

Memes, remix videos and reaction videos have become an integral part of online culture - but are such memes legal...

Read moreDetails

Legally compliant contract drafting for software development on no-code platforms

Legally compliant contract drafting for software development on no-code platforms
26. April 2025

No-code and low-code platforms enable start-ups and agencies to develop software and digital products quickly and without in-depth programming knowledge....

Read moreDetails

Open source in software development: legal principles and practice

Open source in software development: legal principles and practice
17. April 2025

Open source software has become an integral part of modern software development - whether in the development of computer games(game...

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

Unjustified IP warning: What to do with strikes on social media?

copyright
23. January 2025

Content creators on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube or Twitch are increasingly confronted with legal challenges that go far beyond...

Read moreDetails

Property rights to algorithms: Typical questions and legal answers

ECJ: Advocate General assesses sampling as copyright infringement
15. January 2025

Time and again, clients ask the question: "Who actually owns the rights to an algorithm?" This question is not only...

Read moreDetails

Influencer marketing contracts & content creator law

cc4cbb3206a631e8b56c3bdf22a57e6c
8. December 2024

When I founded JustGamers 25 years ago, "influencers" were still the gaming magazines that reported on new computer games in...

Read moreDetails

License agreements for software start-ups

License agreements for software start-ups: How to optimally protect your intellectual property
13. October 2024

For software start-ups, intellectual property is often the most valuable asset. The correct drafting of license agreements is therefore crucial...

Read moreDetails

5.0 60 reviews

  • 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 Philip Lucas ★★★★★ vor 9 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 Mikael Hällgren ★★★★★ a month ago
    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 Mosaic Mask Studio ★★★★★ 6 months ago
    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 Philipp Skaar ★★★★★ 9 months ago
    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

Lean office structures and quickly accessible
Lean office structures and quickly accessible
The everyday life of an IT lawyer - presented by my AI avatar
The everyday life of an IT lawyer – presented by my AI avatar
Legal pitfalls for influencers: what to bear in mind when making critical statements about companies
Legal pitfalls for influencers: what to bear in mind when making critical statements about companies
dsgvo 1

GDPR

25. June 2023

Introduction In today's digital world, the protection of personal data is crucial. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came...

Read moreDetails
SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity)

SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity)

16. October 2024
Material Adverse Change (MAC) Clause

Material Adverse Change (MAC) Clause

16. October 2024
lawyer is providing information about the client s 2022 10 06 05 57 37 utc

Requirements specification / specifications

26. June 2023
Loss deduction

Loss deduction

16. October 2024

Podcast Folgen

052c2ca5ca0421f0316b42073ce61791

Innovative business models – risk and opportunity at the same time

10. September 2024

In this exciting episode of our podcast, we take a deep dive into the world of innovative business models. Our...

3c671c5134443338a4e0c30412ac3270

“Digital law decoded” with lawyer Marian Härtel

26. September 2024

In this exciting 30-minute podcast, lawyer Marian Härtel decodes the complex world of digital law for the self-employed, start-ups and...

d5e1e6cad87cb839a9e23af79034bd94

AI in the legal system: Towards a digital future of justice

16. October 2024

In this fascinating podcast episode, we take a deep dive into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact...

8ffe8f2a4228de20d20238899b3d922e

Web3, blockchain and law – a critical review

26. September 2024

  In this insightful episode of the ITmedialaw podcast, we take an in-depth look at the intersection of Web3, blockchain...

  • 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? 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
  • 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