• 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
    • Laws
    • Legal terms
    • Contract types
    • Clause types
    • Forms of financing
    • Legal means
    • Authorities
    • Company forms
    • Tax
    • Concepts
  • 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
    • Laws
    • Legal terms
    • Contract types
    • Clause types
    • Forms of financing
    • Legal means
    • Authorities
    • Company forms
    • Tax
    • Concepts
  • 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

Never, Never, Never Sign a Contract Without a Lawyer

8. October 2019
in Law and computer games
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0 0
A A
0
agreement 3476369 1280

I have been in the computer game industry for over 20 years and worked as a lawyer for over 12 years. Already because of my large network in industry, also internationally, and also the large number of publishing contracts, terms and conditions for online games and much more that I have seen during this time, I can say that the statement never to sign a contract without your own lawyer has looked over it, is simply extremely true.

Since you also get negative feedback, in the style of “Clearly, you just want to earn as a lawyer!”, you are always happy when other industry veterans hold the same opinion. For example, Ralf Adam, of Tiger Team Productions, whom most in the German industry are likely to know from numerous talks at events, recently gave a lecture at Devcom in Cologne entitled “10 surefire ways to screw up your studio” or “10 death-proof Ways to mess up your studio.” Point 2 under “Planning ahead” particularly pleases me:

screenshot 10

The entire presentation can be found here on Slideshare.

This presentation and statement was simply too good not to mention it here in the blog and at the same time to introduce the 10 points of Ralf Adam readers of the blog.

And I can also support this statement with all my heart, and not only for reasons of winning the mandate as ‘Mr. Obvious”. Rather, this is precisely a point that is overly underestimated, because in the last decade I have simply seen countless opportunities in publishing or cooperation agreements that can break a game developer’s neck. These include, for example, clauses that

  • result in a developer seeing hardly any money
  • massively advantage the publisher
  • make it virtually impossible to track claims worldwide
  • are ineffective under European copyright law
  • extreme problems with rightholders and social security institutions.
  • no security for the construction of the studio (keyword branding, successors, add-ons)
  • lead to extremely unfavourable tax situations
  • make the insolvency of your own studio very likely, including the founders and the management
  • competition law claim would result in

and much more.

It is true that often enough the publisher or partner does not even have a bad intention. And often enough contracts are also generally in order or in the context of expected sales or other circumstances economically justifiable. But then clients can also expect me not to make unnecessary changes that cost money unnecessarily.

So it is certainly worth a request. You can find more information about me and games law on this page.

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: AGBBlogCompetition lawComputerComputer gameEventsFeeGame developerInformationInsolvencyManagementPublishingSicherheitSocial securityUrheberrechtVerträge

Weitere spannende Blogposts

BGH on right of withdrawal and mattresses

No more free tissues at the pharmacy?
3. July 2019

The VIII Civil Senate of the Federal Court of Justice has ruled that a contract of sale concluded by a...

Read moreDetails

Everyday mask is not a medical device and may be sold online

More consumer protection when buying apps and software
7. November 2022

In a decision dated December 15, 2020 (Case No. I-4 W 116/20), the 4th Civil Senate of the Higher Regional...

Read moreDetails

The impact of the rulings of the OLG Celle and the LG Hannover on online coaching services

The impact of the rulings of the OLG Celle and the LG Hannover on online coaching services
2. June 2023

The Distance Learning Protection Act (FernUSG) and its application to entrepreneurs The Distance Learning Protection Act (FernUSG) was originally introduced...

Read moreDetails

Fortnite Fan article: Attention warning danger!

Online retailer: Notice of warranty of defects
30. November 2018

Currently, I can only warn against offering unauthorized fan items from Fortnite, the manufacturer Epic Games, such as the replica...

Read moreDetails

Creating podcasts: What to look out for legally

6a5c65390741e7fa10164e5a6d311e1e
29. August 2024

Podcasts are becoming increasingly popular and have become an integral part of the media landscape. They offer a great opportunity...

Read moreDetails

Fund Esports organizations with tokens and/or NFT?

Fund Esports organizations with tokens and/or NFT?
7. November 2022

Editorial work on the September issue of SpoPrax - Sportrecht und E-Sportrecht in der Praxis has been completed. I too...

Read moreDetails

Federal Constitutional Court on procedural equality of arms in competition law

Federal Constitutional Court: Right to Be Forgotten I
7. November 2022

In its decision, the 2nd Chamber of the First Senate of the Federal Constitutional Court did not accept for decision...

Read moreDetails

Cloudflare liable for copyright infringement

ECJ: Advocate General assesses sampling as copyright infringement
7. November 2022

In a decision from October last year, the Higher Regional Court of Cologne obliged the provider Cloudflare, which many website...

Read moreDetails

Artificial Intelligence and Copyright – A View Beyond Game Development

Artificial Intelligence and Copyright – A View Beyond Game Development
21. June 2023

Introduction In a previous article, "Artificial Intelligence and Copyright: Implications and Risks for Game Developers," I discussed the legal challenges...

Read moreDetails
Contractual regulations for no-code/low-code software development
Other

Contractual regulations for no-code/low-code software development

21. May 2025

No-code and low-code platforms enable rapid software development without extensive manual programming. Applications are increasingly being developed on the basis...

Read moreDetails
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
Goodbye hustle culture? Startup life between 24/7 grind and work-life balance

Goodbye hustle culture? Startup life between 24/7 grind and work-life balance

19. May 2025
Startup buzzwords 2025: Bullshit bingo in marketing German Introduction: Bullshit bingo in marketing German

Startup buzzwords 2025: Bullshit bingo in marketing German Introduction: Bullshit bingo in marketing German

18. May 2025
From the metaverse boom to AI euphoria – a tech lawyer in the hype cycle

From the metaverse boom to AI euphoria – a tech lawyer in the hype cycle

17. May 2025

Podcastfolge

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...

Read moreDetails
d5e1e6cad87cb839a9e23af79034bd94

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

16. October 2024
75df8eaa33cd7d3975a96b022c65c6e4

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

26. September 2024
8315f1ef298eb54dfeed2f5e55c8b9da 1

First test episode of the ITMediaLaw Podcast

26. August 2024
247f58c28882e230e982fa3a32d34dea

Digital sovereignty: Europe’s path to a self-determined digital future

8. December 2024

Video

My transparent billing

My transparent billing

10. February 2025

In this video, I talk a bit about transparent billing and how I communicate what it costs to work with...

Read moreDetails
Fascination between law and technology

Fascination between law and technology

10. February 2025
My two biggest challenges are?

My two biggest challenges are?

10. February 2025
What really makes me happy

What really makes me happy

10. February 2025
What I love about my job!

What I love about my job!

10. February 2025
  • 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
    • Laws
    • Legal terms
    • Contract types
    • Clause types
    • Forms of financing
    • Legal means
    • Authorities
    • Company forms
    • Tax
    • Concepts
  • 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