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Geißler Legal - Specialized Lawyer for Compliance & International Commercial Law
Media law lawyer in Cologne
Compliance-focused legal advice for your business activities - personal, cross-border, cost-efficient.
Media law - what is it all about?
Media law is a dynamic and diverse area of law that covers the legal framework for traditional and digital media. It includes topics such as copyright and intellectual property as well as legal issues relating to social media or online marketing for online stores for B2C and B2B markets for e-commerce managers and marketing departments. Especially in times of digitalization, it is crucial to offer legally compliant solutions for companies, creatives and private individuals. n.
You can quickly lose track in the German jungle of paragraphs. As a lawyer for media law, I clarify your rights and obligations for you, draft contracts preventively and defend you against competitors, market participants and adversaries who behave unfairly. This also includes criminal competition law. I also represent your interests in cases of suspected defamation, slander, libel, coercion or character assassination. So that you can keep an overview - and concentrate on your progress.
Expression of opinion and the consequences of violations
The media are used to disseminate opinions and facts. However, freedom of opinion also has its limits. In addition to abusive criticism and insults, true statements of fact may also be inadmissible. This must be weighed up against the interests of the person concerned, such as their right to privacy. For example, the severity of the damage and the truth or falsity of the statement must be taken into account. If unlawful statements are disseminated via the media, civil law claims can be considered. They can be directed at the omission of the statement and dissemination or the counterstatement or correction/revocation. In connection with this, claims for damages can also be asserted. This is the case, for example, if hate speech leads to a loss of sales. However, immaterial damages such as the violation of personal honor also lead to sensitive claims for damages.
Whether the opinion was untrue, whether the right of personality was violated, must generally be proven by the person concerned. Under certain circumstances, however, the burden of proof can be reversed.
Thanks to modern communication and digitalization, hate speech, agitation and lies are quickly spreading. Are the victims of such methods? Are you being sued because of a post? As lawyers for media law in [city], we specialize in defending your rights on the internet.
Customer testimonials
Client satisfaction is the top priority for Geißler Legal
I have been a media entrepreneur for over 20 years and am based in Bonn with activities throughout Europe and overseas. I always have a wide range of topics, which I also want to cover legally. Author contracts, NDA's, social media, publications, events at home and abroad etc pp. I rely on Mr. Geißler, he grasps the legal issues quickly, precise in his wording, very broad knowledge...so far everything has been in the green, I can only recommend the lawyer in any case!
Andreas Jürgens | ftn.news
Copyright - the protection of intellectual property
The creator of a work is its author. Copyright protects the creative activity and its commercial exploitability. Pure ideas are not protected by copyright. Rather, the author must create an original work. If several people are involved in the creation process, they can all jointly hold the copyright. Authorship cannot be transferred. However, the exploitation rights can be sold. If someone exploits a copyrighted work without the right of exploitation, the author can claim damages and injunctive relief. On the Internet in particular, this can lead to sensitive claims for damages if, for example, a link refers to a use that does not infringe copyright.
Authors are often at a loss when their works end up online. Even as an unsuspecting "perpetrator", you can quickly commit copyright infringement in the digital world. As lawyers for copyright and media law, we explain what you need to consider legally. We protect your copyright.
Procedure for cease-and-desist letters - cease-and-desist declaration - damages
Whether for violations of the imprint obligation under the German Telemedia Act (TMG) or a photo posted online without a license - violations of media law are quickly followed by a warning from a lawyer. Warning letters are an out-of-court means of exerting pressure and are therefore faster and more cost-effective than court proceedings. This involves the cessation of further infringements and claims for damages.
Because warnings often involve a lot of money, it is important that they are legally sound. Seek legal advice if you have received a warning letter or want to issue a warning letter yourself. We advise, check and draft warning letters for infringements of media law.
Make an inquiry now
We will be happy to advise you comprehensively and personally on your concerns.
Many years of practical experience at your side
Media are everyday companions. It is therefore important that you are legally compliant. As lawyers for copyright and media law, we know which rights and obligations apply in media law. From influencers, editors, artists and musicians to companies and private individuals - with our many years of practical experience, we can advise and represent you in all aspects of media law. Use our free initial assessment to describe the facts of your case.
If you are our client, we will work on your individual case immediately. It goes without saying that we will work with you in confidence and will be happy to handle all correspondence with the other party, the court and other parties involved. Together we will try to implement your wishes and needs within the framework of the legal possibilities. Our maxim is to settle disputes out of court, for example by issuing a warning letter. If necessary, we will enforce your rights in court.
Media law regulates the use of the media. In principle, everyone is free to use the media to express their opinion or obtain information. However, expressing opinions, sharing photos or downloading music can also infringe the copyrights and personal rights of others.
Media law is a cross-section of various areas of law, including copyright law, telecommunications law, press law and broadcasting law. Various federal laws, but also laws of the federal states, European standards and various regulations must be observed.
Internet law is not a separate area of law, but describes all laws that come into contact with the Internet. These can be civil law regulations in dealing with exploitation rights, for example, but also regulations on the obligation to provide a legal notice.
You may only post what you own the rights to. The author or artist has the copyright to a self-created photo, music or text and may also publish it. Some works are made available for public use by the authors under certain conditions and may be posted.
According to the German Basic Law (GG), the press enjoys freedom of the press. This includes all printed matter suitable and intended for dissemination. The press may obtain, process and publish information without hindrance. However, due consideration must be given to the personal rights of others.
Copyright is a comprehensive right of the author to the use and exploitation of his work. It cannot be transferred. However, the author can sell the exploitation rights to the work. According to the Copyright Act (UrhG), it expires 70 years after the death of the author.
If copyright has been infringed by unlawful use, exploitation or distribution, the author can claim injunctive relief. In addition, a claim for damages is conceivable in order to compensate for the commercial loss.
If someone violates copyright or personal rights, claims for injunctive relief and damages as well as a claim for revocation or correction may be considered. It is also possible to take action against an infringement by issuing warnings.
A private individual can also take action against a copyright infringement, violation of their personal rights or a violation of the imprint obligation. They can do this by means such as a warning letter or legal action.
If a photo of you has been published, you can first contact the operator platform and report the photo. In addition, you can issue a warning to the person with reference to the infringement of your copyright or personal rights and initiate legal proceedings for injunctive relief.
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