Fechner Legal has extensive experience in both amicable and judicial proceedings in copyright infringement cases. We know that effective legal protection for photographers and other creators is hard but possible. 

Our law firm has already settled thousands of international cases out-of-court for hundreds of photographers and obtained many successful judgments in European courts.

Below you will find a list of the successful verdicts in copyright infringement cases that have been achieved not only by us but also through our network of partners.

1. Copyright infringement cases - Austria

Sunset over town in Austria

Photo by: Nok Lek / Shutterstock

 

09.06.2015

Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany: International jurisdiction (Germany/Austria)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Austria
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

See the verdict

 

21.05.2015

Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany: International jurisdiction (Innsbruck, Austria)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Austria
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

See the verdict

 

13.01.2014

Injunction – International jurisdiction (Graz, Austria), fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Austria
Court: Local Court AG Charlottenburg, Germany
Damage won: Fine up to 250 000 euros

See the verdict

 

07.04.2015

Landgericht Berlin, Germany: Value in dispute: 6,000€, Fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Austria
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

See the verdict

 

2. Copyright infringement cases - Bulgaria

Bulgarian seaside town sunset

Photo by: ecstk22 / Shutterstock

 

04.01.2018

Appeal Court Sofia, Bulgaria – Damage won: 2556 euros

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence:  Bulgaria
Lawyer: Dimo Gospodinov
Court: Appeal Court Sofia, Bulgaria
Damage won: 2556 euros reimbursements

See the verdict

 

06.03.2019 

Appeal Court Sofia, Bulgaria  – Damage won: 2715 euros

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Bulgaria
Lawyer: Dimo Gospodinov
Court: Appeal Court Sofia, Bulgaria
Damage won: 2715 euros reimbursements

See the verdict

 

30.03.2018

Court Sofia – Damage won: 2670 euros

Photographer’s seat of residence:  Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Bulgaria
Lawyer: Dimo Gospodinov
Damage won: 2670 euros reimbursements

See the verdict

 

18.07.2018

Court Sofia – Damage won: 2952 euros

Photographer’s seat of residence:  Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence:  Bulgaria
Lawyer: Dimo Gospodinov
Court: Appeal Court Sofia, Bulgaria
Damage won: 2 952 euros reimbursements

See the verdict

 

3. Copyright infringement cases - Cyprus

Beatiful sunrise in Cyprus

Photo by: Evgeni Fabisuk / Shutterstock

 

11.11.2015

District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany: Order – International jurisdiction (Nicosia, Cyprus)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Cyprus
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany

See the verdict

 

4. Copyright infringement cases - France

Cosy Paris Cafe

Photo by: Catarina Belova / Shutterstock

 

20.05.2020

Opponent in France – damage 3.500 € plus interest

Defendant nationality: France
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Claimant nationality: German
Court: AG Charlottenburg, Germany
Damage won: 3.500 € plus interest since 23.01.2018 + 926 € legal fees plus interest since 06.03.2020. The Amtsgericht Berlin sentences the defendant based in France to pay the amounts 3.500 € plus interest since 23.01.2018 + 926 € legal fees plus interest since 06.03.2020 to the claimant based in Germany. The defendant violated the Cease and Desist claim, and did not cease to make the photograph in question publicly available, in particular on the Internet. The court granted 3.500 € as a reasonable penalty.

See the verdict

 

5. Copyright infringement cases - Germany

Photo by: VOJTa Herout / Shutterstock

 

14.01.2020

Local Court AG Charlottenburg, Germany: €1688 Reimbursements + All court fees

Claimant nationality: German
Defendant nationality: German
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Court: Local Court AG Charlottenburg, Germany
Damage won: 1688 euros reimbursements + all court fees

See the verdict

 

29.05.2018

Germany, 6517 euros reimbursements & injunction granted – opponent in Greece

Opponent’s seat of residence: Greece
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Damage won: 6517 euros reimbursements & injunction granted

See the verdict

 

05.07.2018

Amtsgericht Ahaus – 551 euros for legal fees + opponent covers court fees

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence:  Germany
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Court: Amtsgericht Ahaus
Damage won: 551 euros for legal fees plus opponent covers court fees

See the verdict

 

27.03.2018

Amtsgericht München, Germany: Verdict – Damages (1061,00€ )

Opponent’s seat of residence: Italy
Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Lawyer: Sebastian Deubelli
Damage won: 1566 euros reimbursements

See the verdict

 

30.10.2014

Berlin, Germany: International jurisdiction (Desenzano del Garda, Italy), Fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Italy
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Fine up to 250 000 euros

See the verdict

 

09.06.2015

Berlin, Germany: International jurisdiction (Germany/Austria)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Austria
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

See the verdict

 

18.02.2016

Berlin, Germany: Order – International jurisdiction (Leipzig, Germany)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Germany
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

See the verdict

 

29.07.2014

Berlin, Germany: Order – International jurisdiction (London, United Kingdom), Fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: UK
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Damage won: Fine up to 250 000 euros

See the verdict

 

06.09.2016

Berlin, Germany: Verdict – Contractual Penalty (5001,00€)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence:  Italia
Lawyer: Filipp Bickel
Court: Landgericht Berlin
Damage won: 5001 euros + 50 euros costs + interest of 8% over the basic interest rate

See the verdict

 

19.09.2017

Berlin, Germany: Verdict – Damages calculated in accordance with MFM, Value in Dispute 6,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: German
Opponent’s seat of residence: German
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Court: Amtsgericht Charlottenburg, Germany
Verdict: 540 euros damages + 551 euros legal fees + all costs

See the verdict

 

20.05.2020

Contractual Penalty – opponent from Netherlands, court in Germany

Claimant nationality: German
Defendant nationality: Netherlands
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Court: Landgericht Berlin
Damage won: 5.001 € plus interest since 20.08.2017 + 1.101,94 € legal fees plus interest since 05.03.2020 + 113,05 €
Summary: The Landgericht Berlin (District Court) sentences the defendant based in the Netherlands to pay the amounts 5.001 € plus interest since 20.08.2017 + 1.101,94 € legal fees plus interest since 05.03.2020 + 113,05 € documentation fees to the claimant based in Germany. The defendant violated the Cease and Desist claim, and did not cease to make the photograph in question publicly available, in particular on the Internet. The evidence to prove this was made by RightsPilot UG. Therefore, the court agreed that the claim was admissible and justified. The claimant had a contractually defined right to claim the contractual penalty, because the cease and desist declaration was violated, without there being a visible reason for excuse. Therefore, also the legal fees and the documentation fees needed to be reimbursed.

See the verdict

 

05.07.2018

Court AG Ahaus, Germany Verdict – Legal Fees reimbursement

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence:  Germany
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Court: Amtsgericht Ahaus
Damage won: 551 euros for legal fees & court fees

See the verdict

 

06.04.2018

Court Berlin, Germany: Legal Fees- Value in Dispute 12.000 Euro for 2 photos

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence:  Germany
Damage won: 926 euros reimbursement legal fees & court fees
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Court: Amtsgericht Charlottenburg, Berlin, Germany

See the verdict

 

16.04.2015

Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany: International jurisdiction (Gdańsk, Poland)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Poland
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

See the verdict

 

21.05.2015

Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany: International jurisdiction (Innsbruck, Austria)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Austria
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

See the verdict

 

21.04.2015

Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany: International jurisdiction (Modena, Italy)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Italy
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

See the verdict

 

12.02.2016

Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany: Order – International jurisdiction (Kirkel, Germany)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Germany
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

See the verdict

 

12.11.2015

Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany: Order – International jurisdiction (Split, Croatia)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Croatia
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

See the verdict

 

04.02.2015

Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany: Order, Fine up to 250,000€

Lawyer: Filipp Bickel
Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence:  Germany
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Damage won: Fine up to 250 000 euros

See the verdict

 

14.01.2020

Damage won: 8400 euros from UK opponent

Defendant nationality:British|
Claimant nationality:German
Lawyer:Robert Fechner
Court:District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Damage won: 8400 euros reimbursement

See the verdict

 

15.01.2014

AG Charlottenburg, Germany: Damages calculated in accordance with MFM, Value in Dispute 6,000€ per image

Local Court:AG Charlottenburg, Germany
Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Verdict: Damages calculated in accordance with MFM, Value in Dispute 6,000€ per image

See the verdict

 

11.11.2015

District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany: Order – International jurisdiction (Nicosia, Cyprus)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Cyprus
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany

See the verdict

 

18.04.2018

District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany: Verdict – Damages 1055 euros

Photographer’s seat of residence:  Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence:  Germany
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Court: Landgericht Berlin
Damage won: 1055 euros

See the verdict

 

04.10.2018

European Enforcement: 1.566,25 euros reimbursement

Opponent’s seat of residence: Italy
Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Lawyer: Sebastian Deubelli
Court: Landgericht München, Germany
Damages won: 1.566,25 euros reimbursement

See the verdict

 

02.03.2018

European Enforcement: 7643 euros reimbursement from Italian opponent

Opponent’s seat of residence: Italy
Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Lawyer: Filipp Bickel
Court: Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Damage won: 7643 euros reimbursements

See the verdict

 

13.01.2014

Injunction – International jurisdiction (Graz, Austria), fine up to 250,000€

Photographer's seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Austria
Court: Local Court AG Charlottenburg, Germany
Damage won: Fine up to 250 000 euros

See the verdict

 

14.03.2016

Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Germany
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

See the verdict

 

05.02.2015

International jurisdiction (Cologne, Germany / Dubai, UAE), Fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Dubai, UAE
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Court of Appeal Kammergericht: Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Fine up to 250,000€

See the verdict

 

06.11.2014

International jurisdiction (Dublin, Ireland), Fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Ireland
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Damage won: Fine up to 250 000 euros

See the verdict

 

14.04.2015

Landgericht Berlin, Germany: International jurisdiction (Valletta, Malta)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Malta
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

See the verdict

 

20.10.2015

Landgericht Berlin, Germany: Order – International jurisdiction (Barcelona, Spain)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Spain
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

See the verdict

 

07.04.2015

Landgericht Berlin, Germany: Value in dispute: 6,000€, Fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Austria
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

See the verdict

 

01.07.2019

Landgericht Court Berlin, Germany: 6215,99 euros won (opponent from USA)

Opponent’s seat of residence:  USA
Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Court:  Landgericht Court Berlin, Germany
Damage won: 5001 euros for the contractual penalty, 1101,94 euros legal fees and 113,05 euros documentation costs reimbursements
Total: 6215,99 euros

See the verdict

 

20.01.2020

Local Court AG Charlottenburg, Germany – Defendant nationality: American

Defendant nationality:American
Claimant nationality:German
Lawyer:Robert Fechner
Court:Local Court AG Charlottenburg, Germany
Damage won: 2136 euros reimbursements + all court fees

See the verdict

 

20.05.2020

AG Charlottenburg, Germany, Opponent in France – damage 3.500 € plus interest

Defendant nationality: France
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Claimant nationality: German
Court: AG Charlottenburg, Germany
Damage won: 3.500 € plus interest since 23.01.2018 + 926 € legal fees plus interest since 06.03.2020. The Amtsgericht Berlin sentences the defendant based in France to pay the amounts 3.500 € plus interest since 23.01.2018 + 926 € legal fees plus interest since 06.03.2020 to the claimant based in Germany. The defendant violated the Cease and Desist claim, and did not cease to make the photograph in question publicly available, in particular on the Internet. The court granted 3.500 € as a reasonable penalty.

See the verdict

 

04.12.2014

Order – International jurisdiction (Faro, Portugal), Fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Portugal
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Damage won: Fine up to 250 000 euros

See the verdict

 

31.10.2014

Order – International jurisdiction (London, United Kingdom), Fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: UK
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Fine up to 250 000 euros

See the verdict

 

04.12.2014

Order – International jurisdiction (Poznań, Poland), Fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Poland
Damage won: Fine up to 250 000 euros
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany

See the verdict

 

24.11.2015

Order – International jurisdiction (Stuttgart, Germany)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Germany
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

See the verdict

 

04.12.2014

Order – International jurisdiction (Vigasio, Italy), Fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Italy
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Order – International jurisdiction (Vigasio, Italy), Fine up to 250,000€

See the verdict

 

17.03.2015

Value in dispute: 9,000€, Fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Germany
Court: Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Fine up to 250 euros

See the verdict

 

28.10.2019

Verdict – 10.000 Euro reimbursement + legal fees + documentation fees from opponent in UK

Opponent’s seat of residence:  United Kingdom
Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Court:  Landgericht Court Berlin, Germany
Damage won: 10.000 euros + legal fees + documentation fees. The Landgericht Berlin (District Court) sentences the defendant based in country1 to pay the amounts 10.002 € plus interest + 1.266,16 € legal fees plus interest + 142 € docu fees to the claimant based in country2. The defendant violated the Cease and Desist claim, and did not cease to make the photographs in question publicly available, in particular on the Internet. The evidence to prove this was made by RightsPilot UG. Therefore, the court agreed that the claim was admissible and justified. The claimant had a contractually defined right to claim two penalties, because the cease and desist declaration was violated twice, concerning two photographs, without there being a visible reason for excuse. Therefore, also the legal fees and the documentation fees needed to be reimbursed.

See the verdict

 

17.07.2014

Verdict – Damages calculated in accordance with MFM, Value in Dispute 6,000€ per image

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Portugal
Lawyer: Filipp Bickel
Court: Amtsgericht Charlottenburg, Germany
Damage won: 1140 euros damages + 290 euros costs + 853 euros legal fees reimbursement

See the verdict

 

6. Copyright infringement cases - Greece

Blue hour at Santorini, Greece

Photo by: Neirfy / Shutterstock

 

08.11.2018

Berlin Germany: 6517 euros reimbursements from a Greek opponent

Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Photographer’s seat of residence:  Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence:  Greece
Court: Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Damage won: 6517 euros reimbursements

See the verdict

 

29.05.2018

6517 euros reimbursements & injunction granted – opponent in Greece

Opponent’s seat of residence: Greece
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Damage won: 6517 euros reimbursements & injunction granted

See the verdict

 

7. Copyright infringement cases - Ireland

Ancient Old Castle in Ireland during golden hour

Photo by: Adam Machowiak / Shutterstock

 

06.11.2014

International jurisdiction (Dublin, Ireland), Fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Ireland
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Damage won: Fine up to 250 000 euros

See the verdict

 

8. Copyright infringement cases - Italy

Amalfi, Italy morning view

Photo by: Shutterstock / proslgn

 

06.09.2016

Berlin, Germany: Verdict – Contractual Penalty (5001,00€)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence:  Italia
Lawyer: Filipp Bickel
Court: Landgericht Berlin
Damage won: 5001 euros + 50 euros costs + interest of 8% over the basic interest rate

See the verdict

 

21.04.2015

Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany: International jurisdiction (Modena, Italy)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Italy
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

See the verdict

 

26.05.2016

District Court Corte d’Appello Milan – Damage won: 1920 euros

Photographer’s seat of residence:Germany|
Opponent’s seat of residence: Italy
Lawyer: Luca Ghedina
Court: Corte D’Appello, Milan
Damage won: 1920 euros damages + 1006 euros legal fees and costs reimbursements

See the verdict

 

04.10.2018

European Enforcement: 1.566,25 euros reimbursement

Opponent’s seat of residence: Italy
Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Lawyer: Sebastian Deubelli
Court: Landgericht München, Germany
European Enforcement: 1.566,25 euros reimbursement

See the verdict

 

02.03.2018

European Enforcement: 7643 euros reimbursement from Italian opponent

Opponent’s seat of residence: Italy
Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Lawyer: Filipp Bickel|
Court: Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Damage won: 7643 euros reimbursements

See the verdict

 

04.12.2014

Order – International jurisdiction (Vigasio, Italy), Fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Italy
District Court LandgerichtBerlin, Germany
Order: International jurisdiction (Vigasio, Italy), Fine up to 250,000€

See the verdict

 

9. Copyright infringement cases - Malta

Valletta, Malta skyline in blue hour late sunset

Photo by: Karina Movsesyan / Shutterstock

 

14.04.2015

Landgericht Berlin, Germany: International jurisdiction (Valletta, Malta)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Malta
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

See the verdict

 

10. Copyright infringement cases - Netherlands

Sunset over Netherlands landscape rural view of Zaanse Schans

Photo by: Simone Gramegna / Shutterstock

 

20.05.2020

Contractual Penalty – opponent from Netherlands, court in Germany

Claimant nationality: German
Defendant nationality: Netherlands
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Court: Landgericht Berlin
Damage won: 5.001 € plus interest since 20.08.2017 + 1.101,94 € legal fees plus interest since 05.03.2020 + 113,05 €
Summary:The Landgericht Berlin (District Court) sentences the defendant based in the Netherlands to pay the amounts 5.001 € plus interest since 20.08.2017 + 1.101,94 € legal fees plus interest since 05.03.2020 + 113,05 € documentation fees to the claimant based in Germany. The defendant violated the Cease and Desist claim, and did not cease to make the photograph in question publicly available, in particular on the Internet. The evidence to prove this was made by RightsPilot UG. Therefore, the court agreed that the claim was admissible and justified. The claimant had a contractually defined right to claim the contractual penalty, because the cease and desist declaration was violated, without there being a visible reason for excuse. Therefore, also the legal fees and the documentation fees needed to be reimbursed.

See the verdict

 

07.02.2018

Court Gergerland Arnhem – Damage won: 1359,81

Photographer’s seat of residence: German
Opponent’s seat of residence: Dutch
Lawyer: Kitty van Boven
Court: Court Gergerland Arnhem, Netherlands
Damage won: 1359,81 euros reimbursements

See the verdict

 

31.08.2016

Court in Midden – Damage won: 3372,56 euros

Photographer’s seat of residence:  United States
Opponent’s seat of residence: Netherlands
Lawyer: Kitty van Bowen
Court: Midden, Netherlands
Damage won:3372,56 euros damages + 3051,83 Euro costs reimbursed

See the verdict

 

11.01.2017

Court Zeeland West Brabant – Damage won: 540 euros + all legal costs

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Netherlands
Lawyer: Kitty van Boven
Court: Court West Brabant, Netherlands
Damage won: 540 euros + all legal costs

See the verdict

 

27.10.2016

District Court in Den Bosch – Damage won: 2906 euros

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Netherlands
Lawyer: Kitty van Boven
Court: District Court, Den Bosch, Netherlands
Damage won: 2906 euros reimbursements

See the verdict

 

23.01.2015

District Court Rechtbank Amsterdam – Damage won: 1396 euros

Photographer’s seat of residence: American
Opponent’s seat of residence: Netherlands
Lawyer: Kitty van Boven
Court: Midden, Netherlands
Damage won: 1395 euros ((3x MFM recommendation) + all costs

See the verdict

 

09.12.2014

District Court Rechtbank Den Haag – Damage won: 1882,50 euros

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Netherlands
Court: Den Haag, Netherlands
Damage won: 1883 euros (3 x MF recommendation) + all costs

See the verdict

 

11. Copyright infringement cases - Poland

Gdynia view from the drone

Photo by: Patryk Kosmider / Shutterstock

 

16.04.2015

Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany: International jurisdiction (Gdańsk, Poland)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Poland
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

See the verdict

 

11.09.2019

District Court Kraków – Damage won: 1085 euros

Photographer’s seat of residence:  Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Poland
Court: District Court Kraków, Poland
Damage won: 1085 euros reimbursements + legal fees + documentation fees

See the verdict

 

04.09.2015

District Court Warsaw – Damage won: 582 euros

Photographer’s seat of residence:  Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Poland
Court: District Court Warsaw, Poland
Damage won: 582 + legal costs

See the verdict

 

09.12.2019

District Court Wrocław – Damage won: 413 euros

Photographer’s seat of residence:  Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Poland
Court: District Court Wrocław, Poland
Damage won: 413 euros

See the verdict

 

31.03.2015

International jurisdiction (Warsaw, Poland), Fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Poland
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Fine up to 250 000 euros

See the verdict

 

04.12.2014

Order – International jurisdiction (Poznań, Poland), Fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Poland 
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Damage won: Fine up to 250 000 euros

See the verdict

 

12. Copyright infringement cases - Portugal

Sunny day view of the bridge in Porto, Portugal

Photo by: Rafael Bischof / Shutterstock

 

04.12.2014

Order – International jurisdiction (Faro, Portugal), Fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Portugal
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Damage won: Fine up to 250 000 euros

See the verdict

 

17.07.2014

Verdict – Damages calculated in accordance with MFM, Value in Dispute 6,000€ per image

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Portugal
Lawyer: Filipp Bickel
Court: Amtsgericht Charlottenburg, Germany
Damage won: 1140 euros damages + 290 euros costs + 853 euros legal fees reimbursement

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13. Copyright infringement cases - Romania

View of the dracula castle in Romania

Photo by: Emily Marie Wilson / Shutterstock

 

30.10.2017

Berlin, Germany: Contractual Penalty (5001,00€ plus interest)

Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Romania
Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Verdict: 5001 Euro for the Contractual Penalty + all costs

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14. Copyright infringement cases - Spain

Alhambra castle at sunset

Photo by: SCStock / Shutterstock

 

20.10.2015

Landgericht Berlin, Germany: Order – International jurisdiction (Barcelona, Spain)

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Spain
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Injunction and Jurisdiction of the Court in Berlin

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15. Copyright infringement cases - United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Evening view of the Dubai busy streets

Photo by: Rasto SK / Shutterstock

 

05.02.2015

International jurisdiction (Cologne, Germany / Dubai, UAE), Fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: Dubai, UAE
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Court of Appeal Kammergericht: Berlin, Germany

See the verdict

 

16. Copyright infringement cases - United Kingdom (UK)

Intense sunset over London, Shard in the centre

Photo by: Sven Hansche / Shutterstock

 

29.07.2014

Berlin, Germany: Order – International jurisdiction (London, United Kingdom), Fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: UK
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Damage won: Fine up to 250 000 euros

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14.01.2020

Damage won: 8400 euros from UK opponent

Defendant nationality: British
Claimant nationality: German
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Damage won: 8400 euros reimbursement

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31.10.2014

Order – International jurisdiction (London, United Kingdom), Fine up to 250,000€

Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Opponent’s seat of residence: UK
Court: District Court Landgericht Berlin, Germany
Verdict: Fine up to 250 000 euros

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28.10.2019

Verdict – 10.000 Euro reimbursement + legal fees + documentation fees from opponent in UK

Opponent’s seat of residence:  United Kingdom
Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Court:  Landgericht Court Berlin, Germany
Damage won: 10.000 euros + legal fees + documentation fees. The Landgericht Berlin (District Court) sentences the defendant based in country1 to pay the amounts 10.002 € plus interest + 1.266,16 € legal fees plus interest + 142 € docu fees to the claimant based in country2. The defendant violated the Cease and Desist claim, and did not cease to make the photographs in question publicly available, in particular on the Internet. The evidence to prove this was made by RightsPilot UG. Therefore, the court agreed that the claim was admissible and justified. The claimant had a contractually defined right to claim two penalties, because the cease and desist declaration was violated twice, concerning two photographs, without there being a visible reason for excuse. Therefore, also the legal fees and the documentation fees needed to be reimbursed.

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17. Copyright infringement cases - United States of America (USA) 

Skyline of New York on a foggy morning

Photo by: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

 

24.03.2020

Injuntion against a stock agency

Claimant nationality: Swiss
Defendant nationality: U.S.
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Court: Landgericht Berlin

See the verdict
Case description:

  • A major stock agency offered numerous video clips of our client for the sale.

  • The client had never uploaded those photographs to this stock agency. Moreover, his prices for photos are much higher than what this agency offered, so this event caused major damage to him.

  • those video clips even were sold, which caused illegal licenses.

  • Our client contacted the agency asking to take those clips down.

  • Agency did not comply completely – PhotoClaim could detect that 37 videos were still online. Therefore evidence was secured.

  • PhotoClaim’s lawyer also contacted the agency to take those clips down.

  • Despite that, the agency did not take down mentioned videos from its website, nor signed a Declaration to Cease and Desist.

  • Robert Fechner filed an injunction in Berlin court.

  • The court confirmed that the agency is liable to take all those clips down with due diligence and announced a possible penalty of 250.000€ if the order would be not respected.

 

02.07.2019

Landgericht Court Berlin, Germany: 6215,99 euros won (opponent from USA)

Opponent’s seat of residence:  USA
Photographer’s seat of residence: Germany
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Court:  Landgericht Court Berlin, Germany
Damage won: 5001 euros for the contractual penalty, 1101,94 euros legal fees and 113,05 euros documentation costs reimbursements
Total: 6215,99 euros

See the verdict

 

20.01.2020

Local Court AG Charlottenburg, Germany – Defendant nationality: American

Defendant nationality: American
Claimant nationality: German
Lawyer: Robert Fechner
Court: Local Court AG Charlottenburg, Germany
Damage won: 2136 euros reimbursements + all court fees

See the verdict

 

 

Main photo/graphics by: Naumova Marina / Shutterstock 

The long list of successful verdicts proves it is possible to effectively enforce photographers' copyrights.