Ink on paper – also in the future

We offer comprehensive legal consultancy services for publishers, throughout the whole chain of exploitation. From the preparation and negotiation of contracts with authors, editors, illustrators, photographers or translators, via the clarification of title and third-party rights up to all issues relating to personal rights – we assist trade publishers, specialised publishers and scientific publishers in the manufacture and marketing of their products. This also comprises licence negotiations with international agencies, negotiation of platform agreements in the e-book business, or support with regard to the exploitation of ancillary rights, such as literary purchase agreements or merchandising agreements.

In the event of disputes with authors or other publishers, we can show you constructive ways of reaching out-of-court solutions. We will, however, also enforce your rights before the courts should agreement not be possible.

In order to prepare your publishing house for the future, we offer strategic consultancy services for new business models regarding the digital exploitation of content, and will defend your rights against the increasing threats to this type of exploitation posed by internet piracy.

From our practical work:

  • Representation and consultancy services for a group of publishers during the negotiation of e- book and e-content agreements with various platforms. Clarification of the commercial consequences of the relevant business models and of conflicts of agreements.
  • Representation and consultancy services for the Random House group of publishers, up to the BGH (German federal court of justice) in numerous test cases regarding “adequate remuneration” and “further participation” (sections 32 and 32a of the UrhG – German copyright act).
  • Strategic project management of a class action lawsuit by the international publishing industry against the illegal e-book platform library.nu.
  • Consultancy services for a group of publishers regarding diversification into merchandising; negotiations with film producers and the agency regarding the joint exploitation of merchandising rights.

Your contacts:

Dr. Ursula Feindor-Schmidt, LL.M., feindor@lausen.com
Dr. Richard Hahn, hahn@lausen.com
Dr. Martin Schippan, schippan@lausen.com