Copyright-Related Contracts in Germany

In Germany, copyright law is governed by the Urheberrechtsgesetz (UrhG), which provides protection for authors and related rights holders. Contracts concerning copyrights, usage rights, and neighboring rights play a crucial role in determining the exploitation and distribution of works. These contracts regulate the transfer of rights, remuneration, scope of usage, and obligations of both parties.

This overview will address the main types of contracts related to copyright (Urheberrecht), copyright usage (urheberrechtliche Nutzungen), and neighboring rights (Leistungsschutzrechte), illustrated with examples and relevant court decisions.

1. Copyright Contracts (Urheberverträge)

An Urhebervertrag (author’s contract) regulates the relationship between the author and the contracting party, typically a publisher, producer, or distributor. The author, as the original rights holder, retains moral rights (Urheberpersönlichkeitsrechte, §§ 12-14 UrhG) and can only grant usage rights.

1.1 Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive Rights (Einfache vs. Ausschließliche Nutzungsrechte, § 31 UrhG)

• Exclusive rights (Ausschließliche Nutzungsrechte): The licensee has the sole right to use the work in the specified way. Even the author may not use the work in the same way unless agreed otherwise.
• Non-exclusive rights (Einfache Nutzungsrechte): Multiple parties, including the author, may use the work simultaneously.

Example: Exclusive Publishing Agreement

An author enters into an exclusive contract with a publishing house for a novel. The publisher is granted the right to print and distribute the book but cannot prevent the author from adapting it into a film unless explicitly stated.

Relevant Court Decision: BGH, Urteil vom 27. März 2012 – I ZR 55/11 ("Mirlind")
The court ruled that in the absence of explicit provisions, an exclusive licensee may not grant sublicenses without the author’s consent.

1.2 Scope and Transfer of Rights (Zweckübertragungsregel, § 31 Abs. 5 UrhG)

If a contract does not clearly define the scope of transferred rights, the Zweckübertragungsregel (purpose transfer rule) applies. It ensures that only those rights necessary for fulfilling the contract’s purpose are granted.

Example: Software Development

A software developer writes code for a company. If the contract does not specify whether the company may modify and resell the software, the purpose transfer rule applies. The company receives only those rights necessary for using the software internally but may not sell it unless explicitly agreed.

Relevant Court Decision: BGH, Urteil vom 26. März 2009 – I ZR 153/06 ("Mambo No. 5")
The court reinforced that an unclear contract interpretation defaults to the minimal transfer of rights necessary for its intended use.

1.3 Fair Remuneration and Bestseller Clause (Angemessene Vergütung, § 32 UrhG & § 32a UrhG)

Authors are entitled to fair remuneration. If a work becomes disproportionately successful and the agreed remuneration is inadequate, the author can claim additional compensation.

Example: Scriptwriter’s Compensation

A screenwriter sells a script for a modest sum. The film becomes a blockbuster, generating millions. The writer can claim additional payment under § 32a UrhG (Bestseller Clause).

Relevant Court Decision: BGH, Urteil vom 22. September 2011 – I ZR 127/10 ("Talking to Addison")
The court granted a book author additional remuneration after the book’s adaptation into a successful film significantly exceeded the expected commercial success.

2. Copyright Usage Agreements (Nutzungsverträge)

Usage agreements regulate how third parties can exploit a copyrighted work.

2.1 Publishing Agreements (Verlagsvertrag, §§ 8 ff. VerlG & § 38 UrhG)

A publishing contract grants the publisher the right to reproduce and distribute a work. It must specify the format, duration, territory, and remuneration.

Example: E-Book Rights Dispute

An author grants a publisher rights for a printed book. Years later, the publisher releases an e-book without explicit contractual permission. If digital rights were not transferred, the publisher lacks the right to distribute the e-book.

Relevant Court Decision: BGH, Urteil vom 21. Oktober 2010 – I ZR 140/08 ("Elektronische Pressearchive")
The court ruled that if a publishing contract does not explicitly include digital rights, they remain with the author.

2.2 Licensing Agreements (Lizenzverträge, § 31 UrhG)

Licensing agreements determine how a copyrighted work can be used by third parties. They may be exclusive or non-exclusive and often include sublicensing provisions.

Example: Music Licensing for Advertising

A musician licenses a song to a company for a commercial. If the agreement does not specify exclusivity, the musician remains free to license the song to other advertisers.

Relevant Court Decision: OLG Hamburg, Urteil vom 15. Mai 2008 – 5 U 184/07 ("Musikrechte in der Werbung")
The court found that a broad licensing agreement does not automatically allow adaptations unless explicitly agreed upon.

2.3 Film and TV Production Agreements (Filmrechtevertrag, § 88 UrhG)

A contract for film production must define:

• Rights to the script and adaptation
• Distribution channels (theatrical, streaming, TV)
• Remuneration for the author

Example: Streaming Rights Dispute

A TV series was originally produced for broadcast TV. Later, it was distributed via a streaming service without additional author royalties. If streaming rights were not contractually assigned, the authors may claim compensation.

Relevant Court Decision: BGH, Urteil vom 20. Oktober 2022 – I ZR 67/21 ("Tatortrechte")
The court ruled that streaming rights must be separately licensed if they were not part of the original contract.

3. Neighboring Rights Contracts (Leistungsschutzrechte-Verträge, §§ 70-87g UrhG)

Neighboring rights protect performances, recordings, and broadcasting entities.

3.1 Performer Contracts (Künstlerverträge, § 73 UrhG)

Performers (actors, musicians) must explicitly assign recording and distribution rights in their contracts.

Example: Unauthorized Live Recordings

A musician’s concert is recorded and sold without contractual consent. The musician can demand compensation under § 77 UrhG.

Relevant Court Decision: BGH, Urteil vom 17. September 2015 – I ZR 228/14 ("Marianne Rosenberg")
The court ruled in favor of an artist whose live performances were distributed without proper licensing.

3.2 Broadcasting Agreements (Sendeverträge, §§ 87-87g UrhG)

Broadcasting companies require agreements with content creators for radio and TV transmissions.

Example: News Clip Licensing

A journalist provides footage to a TV station. If the contract lacks provisions for online distribution, the broadcaster may not upload it to its website.

Relevant Court Decision: BGH, Urteil vom 31. Mai 2012 – I ZR 73/10 ("Tagesschau-Archiv")
The court ruled that digital archives require separate licensing beyond the initial broadcast.

Conclusion

Germany’s copyright contracts must clearly define:

1. The type of granted rights (exclusive/non-exclusive).
2. The scope of use (medium, territory, duration).
3. Fair remuneration with possible additional payments.
4. Explicit inclusion of digital rights to avoid legal disputes.

Ambiguities often lead to litigation, reinforcing the importance of well-drafted agreements.