In international copyright and media law

I advise and represent companies and individuals in cross-border and international contractual matters, especially those related to the American and Anglo-American media industry. German and European clients are constantly coming into contact with international and U.S. issues, for example, because contractual partners or competitors are based abroad, or a work is produced or exploited there.
Many contracts in the media business today are written in English, even if the contracts are subject to German law. Knowledge of the English legal language and ultimately also of American copyright and media law is essential here, as many international contracts are designed according to American sample forms. For example, when drafting contracts in the English legal language, one should know the differences between a "grant of rights", a "transfer of rights", and an "assignment of copyright", consider the differences between "privacy" and "personality rights", know what is actually meant by "consideration", and how, for example, contracts are effectively concluded in the U.S.

I studied in the U.S. (Master of Laws/LL.M., with a focus on copyright law, business law, international trade law), wrote my thesis on a comparison between U.S. music copyright law and German music copyright law, and have also been admitted to the bar in New York since 1998 (Attorney at Law). However, my law firm does not represent clients before U.S. courts.

Typical areas of advice:

• Contracts in all media areas (e.g., music, film, publishing)
• Legal reviews and expert opinions
• Assertion and defense of claims
• Contract negotiations
• Protection and registration of copyrights with the U.S. Copyright Office
• International trademark protection

I would be glad to talk to you about your legal needs. Contact me here.