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The conflicting priorities of media law
Press and copyright law are the two areas of media law that we are committed to representing.

Companies and individuals from the creative and artistic environment operate under the conflicting priorities of media law – in which corresponding conflicts have to be overcome.

Our experience shows that expert legal advice and a good communication strategy are essential success factors in the media industry. This ensures that conflicts can be avoided from the outset.

Contact
+49 (0) 40 357 662 0

Mark Nowak
nowak@hanselaw.de

Dr. Oliver Gießler
giessler@hanselaw.de

Press Law

Communication not conflict
The presentation of people and companies in the media has become essential. But reporting on a person or a company can be both beneficial and ruinous.

Nevertheless, it is advisable to avoid a purely legal view. Being in constant confrontation and threatening to take legal action burns bridges. If you want to survive in today's market, you need the press. Therefore, communication – and not conflict – is our credo. First of all, we always recommend a moderate approach, explore alternatives to legal proceedings and strive for a cooperative solution.

Only if there is no other way, we also obtain interim injunctions, counterstatements and assert claims for financial compensation in court. This applies to verbal and text contributions, but also to reporting in sound and images. Whether you are a public broadcaster, private television station or tabloid newspaper – we have the right strategy for you and take into account the particularities of the media. This applies in particular to online media, whose fast-moving nature requires individual approaches.

Dealing with the press
We advise our clients in advance on how to deal with the media. General conditions for home stories, interviews and critical research can be bindingly negotiated with representatives of the press. Also, when it comes to answering submitted question lists, for example in the context of reporting on suspects. Conflicts that arise can only be managed competently if the mindset and strategy of the media and their protagonists are known. We view conflict situations on a meta-level and help our clients avoid typical mistakes. The legal route through court is not always the correct and most successful one. We identify opportunities and risks – and develop necessary communication strategies even during a crisis.

Trust and legal certainty in journalism
In addition, we advise publishers, journalists, authors and filmmakers regarding issues of press and media law. Problems and misunderstandings can be also be avoided in advance on the research side. Targeted communication and binding rules create trust and legal certainty.

Contact
+49 (0) 40 357 662 0

Mark Nowak
nowak@hanselaw.de

Copyright

Exploiting works
Whether you are a photographer, film composer or book author – all creative people have to deal with the changed state of copyright law. The internet and its fast momentum demand quick reactions. Anyone wishing to exploit their works or successfully market intellectual property on behalf of third parties depends on sound contracts, realistic risk assessments and competent legal advice in court.

Economically and legally sound advice
We take an objective position and represent the interests of users and creatives. A work's economic side is of particular importance to us. Nevertheless, we also take creative concerns into account. Whether visual artists, film production companies or communities of heirs who want to preserve and exploit the life's work of a relative: they all need legally and economically sound support. We help to identify opportunities and embed an exploitation system in modern structures.

The big picture
We not only consider the creation of works and the resulting exploitation and prohibition rights, but also provide an overview of all essential copyright issues. Those who want to earn money with their creativity are dependent on partners. We guide a path through the jungle of collecting societies such as GEMA, GVL, VG-Wort and IFPI. We can also advise anyone wishing to realise projects and acquire the rights for them. A view of the bigger picture is also important for all those who wish to conduct events such as presentations or concerts, use music and film for advertising purposes or make comprehensive use of their work.

The agreement in sight
Legal disputes concerning copyright law are special: specialised chambers of the regional courts have varying views on ever new questions. Only a prudent and experienced solicitor can use their particularities and correctly interpret the signals given by the court. When it comes to temporary legal protection, it is all the more important to think strategically and not get carried away as a party.

We support our clients in such proceedings and explain where the risks lie – and when it makes more sense to retreat than to go down fighting. Finally, we know how important it is to always entertain the possibility of a quick and comprehensive agreement.

Contact
+49 (0) 40 357 662 0

Mark Nowak
nowak@hanselaw.de

Dr. Oliver Gießler
giessler@hanselaw.de

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