• 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

Why work with a lawyer as a streamer?

30. January 2020
in Other
Reading Time: 5 mins read
0 0
A A
0
youtube 3503481 960 720
Key Facts
  • Legal advice is important for YouTubers and streamers to avoid legal problems and secure revenue.
  • Business registration is usually necessary; there are many requirements with regard to social insurance and taxes.
  • In the area of competition law, clear obligations apply in order to avoid warnings and legal consequences.
  • Copyright law is critical, especially for computer games; rights holders can take legal action.
  • Sponsorship contracts should be carefully examined in order to avoid financial risks and issues of bogus self-employment.
  • Personal rights and data protection must be observed during live streams in order to avoid legal consequences.
  • The protection of minors must also be taken into account, especially when broadcasting computer games.

From last year’s experience, I would like to accumulate in this article ten tips that YouTubers and streamers on the Twitch platform should seek legal advice from experienced lawyers. This is strongly recommended to anyone who plans to make money with streaming. The scope and the need are of course variable.

Content Hide
1. Business registration and organisation:
2. Competition obligations
3. Copyright
4. Sponsorship contracts and the like
5. Dealing with marketing tools
6. Helpers/employees
7. Audio
8. Permits
9. Privacy
10. Minors
11. Summary:
11.1. Author: Marian Härtel

Business registration and organisation:

As a rule, streamers who want to use the YouTube or Twitch (but also all other streaming platforms), whether live or not, will be forced to sign up for a business. While filling out the one-page form is often still to be done with manageable effort, all other accompanying circumstances may be an annoying plague. Social security, the tax office or various commercial insurance companies are often to be considered. It is not uncommon for deadlines to run and one should have experience with working methods, forms and conditions for various applications and the like. A lot of it is safe to do with Google, but stumbling blocks lurk in many places. Liability, fines and other claims from third parties can be avoided quickly.

Competition obligations

Obligations arising from the UWG in the broadest sense include the imprint obligation, the obligation to indicate advertising or the handling of products, competitors or the platform as such. Numerous traps can lurk here, which sooner or later lead to warnings from competitors and in which not only high legal fees, but possibly also claims for damages threaten. A careful approach and consultation with the lawyer of the trust can not only spare trouble at an early stage, but at best can even show alternatives and at the same time radiate professionalism towards potential advertisers.

Copyright

A problem area in the streaming business that should not be underestimated is copyright. Often enough, videos are produced and uploaded, especially in the field of computer games or other digital products, which may, strictly speaking, affect the copyright of third parties. While the interest of rightholders in the advertising space often goes so far as to tolerate use, this tolerance can also have its limits. Poor evaluation of a movie, game, or other product could lead the respective rights holder to take action against the streamer on the basis of trademark or copyright law. There are ways and means of avoiding such risks, both legally and in the organisation of one’s own trade.

Some manufacturers, such as Nintendo, sometimes prohibit the use of their own products.

Sponsorship contracts and the like

The aim of many streamers is to live off their own activities. Not only should meaningful contracts be concluded with potential advertisers, but also the terms and conditions of the streaming portals should be respected. If, as a streamer, you are already large enough to join a network, there are many key points to be considered when negotiating the relevant contracts, which relate to duties and rights as well as the handling of other sponsors, which ultimately revenue as a streamer.

In addition, this type of contract may also concern issues of bogus self-employment, tax obligations and social security. Such questions have often been ignored and have led to great lamentations and often additional payments after a few years.

Affiliate providers, such as Amazon, are also known to apply often questionable interpretations of German law with regard to their own terms of use, which can then quickly lead to significant claims against these providers, which are at worst, even abroad.

Bad contracts can quickly cost a lot of money here. Lack of experience in negotiating such contracts often leads to being literally “ripped off”.

Dealing with marketing tools

The handling of marketing tools can affect numerous legal issues in competition law, but also with manufacturers. For example, there are legal norms to be observed in sweepstakes as well as for the use of various tools for the retention and rewarding of spectators on the Twitch platform. This starts with questions of responsibility and ends with those in the area of data protection. If you also run social media channels as a streamer, for example on Instagram or Twitter, there can be some impasses lurking here, which would be quickly done with a short consultation by a professional.

Helpers/employees

If you as a streamer are already big enough to consider whether you need employees or helpers, you don’t just have questions about the contracts with these people, how you deal with them (both in terms of social security law and taxes) or how to pay them. There may also be problems with co-authorship quickly. These questions could then quickly lead to consideration as to whether the professionalization of one’s own trade does not make it useful to set up a UG or even a limited liability company, which not only results in numerous options with sponsors and other partners, arrangements should also be made in the organisation.

In the meantime, there are providers and agencies for a wide range of services for many areas of streaming. This starts with “Manager” and ends with providers for thumbnails, graphic artists and the like. Contracts with these agencies or providers should be well reviewed and adjusted in case of doubt.

Audio

Even if the problem of music, and soundtracks is, of course, part of the broadest sense of the word about copyright, I dedicate a separate point to this. Especially with live streams, the problem can occur that music or a soundtrack is played in the background. While this can often be a copyright infringement, it is often more relevant that it may subsequently lead to higher fees for streaming providers, eliminate advertising costs altogether, or, in the worst case, even entire channels be deleted. Here it is absolutely necessary to pay careful attention to local legal bases and, of course, to the general terms and conditions of the portals. Of course, consulting with your own lawyer can never hurt.

Permits

Last year, a very specific German problem came to the fore with large streamers, namely the broadcasting licence. So far, only the Twitch channels have been threatened by a broadcasting license by major streamers – but recently, Letsplayer, with a few hundred viewers, has also been targeted by state media outlets.

Those who believed that the debate about a radio licence for live streaming channels had calmed down are thus subject to a profound error. Here we have to examine carefully how this duty can be circumvented in case of doubt and what is involved in letters from the state media institutions. In case of doubt, a circumstance can lead not only to fines, but to complete prohibitions of one’s own trade, including subsequent problems of being allowed to run further trades in the future.

Privacy

In the case of streamers who not only bring themselves or virtual products to the viewers’ computer screens, but publish things such as interviews, live streams of events and the like, questions arise of data protection and Personality rights. In these cases, careful planning or protection, including written consent, is urgently required. The disregard of these rights of third parties can quickly lead to sensitive fines or even paid warnings. The same applies, of course, to statements made about other streamers, other persons, political statements about parties and the like.

Minors

The protection of minors is also an issue that streamers of computer games should not neglect. This is especially true for computer games, which are very interesting in esports, such as CS: GO and Call of Duty. In case of doubt, not only could there be warnings from organisations that supervise the protection of minors, but also the threat of obligations, for example with regard to time limits.

Summary:

The warning possibilities are manifold and it is precisely the often lack of experience of streamers in dealing with things such as permits or taxes or with other legal norms that lead time and again to high claims for damages, legal annoyances or simply to the obstruction of one’s own trade and thus of earning opportunities. However, if you as a streamer do not want to “get upset” with legal bases and obligations or risk being treated unfairly by sponsors etc., consulting an experienced lawyer is a good idea. This optimally not only keeps trouble away from the provider, but also ensures that the positive effects for the own trade outweigh the positive effects.

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: AGBAgenturenAmazonBeratungCompetition lawComputerComputer gameCopyright infringementDamagesdigitalEsportEventsGamesGoogleHaftungImprint obligationInstagramKILawsuitLegal issuesLegal questionLizenzmarketingMinorsPortalPrivacySocial securitySponsorTestTrademarksTwitchTwitterUrheberrechtVerträgeWarningYouTubeYouTuber

Weitere spannende Blogposts

YouTuber/Influencer: Watch out for prank videos

YouTuber/Influencer: Watch out for prank videos
7. November 2022

I would like to use an event from Saturday as an opportunity to educate YouTubers/streamers/influencers about the legal dangers of...

Read moreDetails

Links to Amazon must be marked as advertising

speakers 453475 1280
7. November 2022

From the Berlin Regional Court there is a new round in the matter of labeling advertising on websites. Last year,...

Read moreDetails

When is the contract concluded in the online store or with SaaS services

2b14342543cc4e965f96a23212cffb88
26. June 2024

The time of the conclusion of the contract in online stores and for SaaS services is for providers of largehe...

Read moreDetails

Attention: Every craftsman/service provider should know this ECJ ruling!

Lego brick still protected as a design patent
22. May 2023

Important changes in consumer law: ECJ ruling on the right of withdrawal Reminder to all: last Saturday I published a...

Read moreDetails

Privacy/Ex-employee and the use of a catch-all email

Privacy/Ex-employee and the use of a catch-all email
24. July 2019

An underappreciated problem Time and again, I see that clients of mine who are struggling with staff turnover or have...

Read moreDetails

Copyright and club logos – A ruling with implications e.g. esport clubs

ECJ: Advocate General assesses sampling as copyright infringement
14. July 2023

What is it all about? A recent ruling by the Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt am Main (OLG) could have...

Read moreDetails

Withholding tax and Google Ads

HOT/Important: Google Ads tax liability trap
7. November 2022

On Saturday I reported in detail on the issue of withholding tax on Google Ads / Adwords. Although I was...

Read moreDetails

Data protection: UK soon to be an insecure third country?

LG Munich: Data protection consent on dating platform
7. November 2022

Brexit is likely to keep lawyers, authorities and courts busy for a long time to come. Just recently in this...

Read moreDetails

Commercial use of Discord: A legal guide

What about liability with a Discord server?
18. October 2023

Introduction Discord has become a popular platform for gamers, communities, and most recently professional teams since its inception in 2015....

Read moreDetails
Eigentum an Software – Wem gehört eigentlich der Code?
Copyright

Eigentum an Software – Wem gehört eigentlich der Code?

14. July 2025

Während ich an meinem eigenen WordPress-Plugin code, taucht immer wieder eine Frage auf: Gehört mir diese Software wirklich? Im Alltagsverständnis...

Read moreDetails
Startup ohne Entwickler?

Startup ohne Entwickler?

8. July 2025
Keine stillschweigende AGB-Änderung – Schweigen gilt nicht als Zustimnung

Keine stillschweigende AGB-Änderung – Schweigen gilt nicht als Zustimnung

7. July 2025
So langsam nimmt der Shop Form an

So langsam nimmt der Shop Form an

3. July 2025
Dark Patterns: UX-Tricks im Visier von Gesetzgeber und Gerichten

Dark Patterns: UX-Tricks im Visier von Gesetzgeber und Gerichten

2. July 2025

Podcastfolge

Web3, Blockchain und Recht – Eine kritische Bestandsaufnahme

Web3, Blockchain und Recht – Eine kritische Bestandsaufnahme

25. September 2024

  In dieser aufschlussreichen Episode des ITmedialaw-Podcasts wird ein tiefgehender Blick auf die Schnittstelle von Web3, Blockchain-Technologie und Recht geworfen....

Read moreDetails
Rechtskette beim Spieleentwickler

Rechtskette beim Spieleentwickler

19. April 2025
Influencer und Gaming: Rechtliche Herausforderungen in der digitalen Unterhaltungswelt

Influencer und Gaming: Rechtliche Herausforderungen in der digitalen Unterhaltungswelt

25. September 2024
“Digitales Recht Entschlüsselt” mit Rechtsanwalt Marian Härtel

“Digitales Recht Entschlüsselt” mit Rechtsanwalt Marian Härtel

25. September 2024
7c0b449a651fe0b81e5eec2e23515012 2

Urheberrecht im Digitalen Zeitalter

22. December 2024

Video

Mein transparente Abrechnung

Mein transparente Abrechnung

10. February 2025

In diesem Video rede ich ein wenig über transparente Abrechnung und wie ich kommuniziere, was es kostet, wenn man mit...

Read moreDetails
Faszination zwischen und Recht und Technologie

Faszination zwischen und Recht und Technologie

10. February 2025
Meine zwei größten Herausforderungen sind?

Meine zwei größten Herausforderungen sind?

10. February 2025
Was mich wirklich freut

Was mich wirklich freut

10. February 2025
Was ich an meinem Job liebe!

Was ich an meinem Job liebe!

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