Department 1.1 - Legal Affairs Copyright

Copyright safeguards original works in literature, science, and art once they demonstrate a certain level of creativity.  

Protected works may include, for example, texts, photos, graphics, music, technical sketches, maps, databases, software or performances. Copyright automatically comes into effect when the work is created; in Germany, there is no need for copyright registration or marking with a © symbol. Copyright protection does not apply to ideas, concepts, or data. 

The authors possess the copyright and the rights to make use of their work.  With the former, the author gains the right to be recognized as the creator of the work, among other privileges. Exploitation rights include, for example, the right to publish, reproduce, store or edit a piece of work. Copyright protections expire 70 years after the death of the creator.

Permission from the author or rights owner is typically needed to use copyrighted materials, known as a license. Licenses are available for individual purchase or can be designated for an unspecified group of users, such as through a CC license. Both instances require strict compliance with license regulations, such as copyright, commercial or private use, and the extent of usage. Failing to do so would result in copyright infringement, even if you have obtained a license.

Provisions in the Copyright Act permit the use of copyrighted materials for research and education without explicit permission. Using copyrighted materials in digital course reserves or for scientific research is permissible to a certain extent even without the creator's consent, as stated by the law. Nevertheless, there isn't a broad exemption for research and education, meaning each instance needs to be verified for legal permission or the need for a license.

If you have any questions about copyright, please do not hesitate to contact the Legal Department. We will be happy to advise you - by phone, via email or in person.