What legal steps are necessary in case of unauthorized use of my photos on the internet?
September 23, 2023 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Friedhelm Krebs
Dear lawyer,
My name is Roberta Völker and I am a hobby photographer. Recently, I have discovered that my photos have been used on the internet without my permission. These are images that I have published on various platforms such as Instagram or my own website. They have now been used by another person or company on their website or social media profiles.
I am very concerned about this unauthorized use of my images, as I invest a lot of time and effort into my photography and the copyright of my works is very important to me. I want to ensure that my rights are protected and the person or company that has used my photos is held accountable.
Therefore, I would like to know from you what legal steps I can take in this situation. What options do I have to address the unauthorized use of my photos? Are there specific laws that protect my rights as a photographer and can help me put an end to this infringement?
I appreciate your help and advice so that I can defend my rights as a photographer. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Roberta Völker
Dear Mrs. Völker,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the unauthorized use of your photos on the internet. As a hobby photographer, you have the right to protect your works from unauthorized use, and it is important that you take action to enforce your rights.
In such a situation, there are various legal steps available to you. First of all, you should contact the person or company that has used your photos without permission. Often, the responsible parties are not aware that they have violated copyright law. In a friendly letter, you can request them to remove the images and possibly pay appropriate compensation for their use.
If the person or company in question does not respond to your request or refuses to remove the photos, you can take legal action. German copyright law protects your rights as a photographer and gives you the right to take action against the unauthorized use of your images. For example, you can obtain a cease and desist letter from a lawyer, in which the other party is instructed to cease the infringement and possibly pay a sum of damages.
Furthermore, you can also apply for a preliminary injunction to immediately stop the unauthorized use of your photos. It is advisable to consult a specialized copyright lawyer who can help you enforce your rights.
It is important that you gather all evidence of the unauthorized use of your photos, such as screenshots of the relevant websites or social media profiles. The more evidence you have, the better you can enforce your claims in court.
I hope that my information is helpful to you and supports you in your situation. If you have any further questions or need legal advice, I am at your disposal.
Sincerely,
Friedhelm Krebs
