Copyright Infringement Note Template for Germany

The Copyright Infringement Notice is a crucial legal document used when unauthorized use of copyrighted material is discovered under German jurisdiction. This document serves as the initial formal step in addressing copyright violations, combining elements required under the German Copyright Act (Urheberrechtsgesetz) with practical demands for resolution. The notice must be precisely drafted to include specific details about the protected work, nature of the infringement, and required remedial actions. It typically precedes any court proceedings and can be used to demonstrate the rights holder's diligence in protecting their intellectual property. The Copyright Infringement Notice is particularly important in Germany, where a formal warning notice (Abmahnung) is a standard practice before initiating legal proceedings, and proper documentation of the infringement and communication with the alleged infringer is crucial for any subsequent legal action.

1. Rights Holder Information: Complete details of the copyright owner, including name, address, and contact information

2. Identification of Protected Work: Clear description of the copyrighted work, including registration details if applicable, and proof of ownership

3. Description of Infringement: Detailed description of the specific copyright infringement, including when and where it occurred

4. Legal Basis: Citation of relevant sections of the Urheberrechtsgesetz (UrhG) and other applicable laws

5. Cease and Desist Demand: Clear demand to immediately stop the infringing activity

6. Required Actions: Specific list of actions the recipient must take to remedy the infringement

7. Deadline: Clear specification of the deadline for compliance (typically 7-14 days under German practice)

8. Legal Consequences: Statement of legal actions that will be taken if the recipient fails to comply