Copyright
DPMA and Copyright
The DPMA is in charge of
The
is also integrated in the organisation of the DPMA.
General information on copyright
Contrary to industrial property rights, copyright arises with the creation of the work. There are no formal requirements to be met. A registration in an official register is neither required nor possible in order to obtain copyright protection.
Works protected by copyright must be individual intellectual creations. The author has moral rights, such as the recognition of his authorship and protection from distortion of his work, and economic exploitation rights.
The author enjoys copyright protection from the time of creation of the work; protection ends 70 years after his death. Upon expiry of the term of protection, the work is free for general use and can be freely exploited. It is not necessary to obtain the authorisation of the author's successors in title.
© 2013 Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt | Last updated 13/05/13