Our lawyers · German copyright lawyers
Behind die Urheberrechtler – horak. Rechtsanwälte · Fachanwälte · Patentanwälte is a team of lawyers (Rechtsanwälte), certified specialist lawyers (Fachanwälte) and German patent attorneys (Patentanwälte). If you are looking for a copyright lawyer in Germany, you will find people here who know German copyright law in theory and in practice – from rights clearance and contract drafting to enforcement in court.
Specialist lawyers for copyright and media law (Fachanwalt)
Most of our lawyers are certified specialists or have completed the specialist lawyer training (Fachanwaltslehrgang) in copyright and media law. Michael Horak and Julia Ziegeler are certified specialist lawyers for copyright and media law (Fachanwalt / Fachanwältin für Urheber- und Medienrecht).
The German title “Fachanwalt” is a regulated designation. Under the Specialist Lawyers Regulation (Fachanwaltsordnung, FAO), a lawyer must prove special theoretical knowledge and substantial practical experience in the field to the regional bar association and must complete annual continuing education. It is broadly comparable to a board certification in other jurisdictions.
Our team
Dipl.-Ing. Michael Horak, LL.M.
Lawyer (Rechtsanwalt) · Certified Specialist Lawyer for Intellectual Property Law (Fachanwalt für gewerblichen Rechtsschutz) · Certified Specialist Lawyer for Copyright and Media Law (Fachanwalt für Urheber- und Medienrecht) · Consulting Engineer (Beratender Ingenieur)
Advice and representation across copyright and media law, in particular licence and exploitation agreements and the out-of-court and court enforcement of copyright claims, including at the interface with technology and software.
Julia Ziegeler
Lawyer (Rechtsanwältin) · Certified Specialist Lawyer for Intellectual Property Law (Fachanwältin für gewerblichen Rechtsschutz) · Certified Specialist Lawyer for Copyright and Media Law (Fachanwältin für Urheber- und Medienrecht)
Advice and representation in copyright and media law, including rights of use, copyright contracts, cease-and-desist letters and injunction claims.
Anna Umberg, LL.M., M.A.
Lawyer (Rechtsanwältin) · Certified Specialist Lawyer for Intellectual Property Law (Fachanwältin für gewerblichen Rechtsschutz)
Advice on copyright and related rights in combination with trade mark and design protection, contract drafting and enforcement.
Dipl.-Phys. Andree Eckhard
German Patent Attorney (Patentanwalt) · European Trademark and Design Attorney
Support on technical and design-related IP issues alongside copyright, and representation before the DPMA, EUIPO, EPO and WIPO.
Katharina Gitmann-Kopilevich
Lawyer (Rechtsanwältin) · Certified Specialist Lawyer for Intellectual Property Law (Fachanwältin für gewerblichen Rechtsschutz)
Advice and representation on copyright claims and contracts in the context of intellectual property law.
Karoline Behrend
Lawyer (Rechtsanwältin) · Certified Specialist Lawyer for Public Procurement Law (Fachanwältin für Vergaberecht)
Advice on copyright questions and rights of use, including in connection with public contracting authorities.
Andreas Friedlein
Lawyer (Rechtsanwalt)
Advice and representation in copyright matters, from reviewing rights of use to enforcing claims.
Stefan Karfusehr
Lawyer (Rechtsanwalt)
Advice and representation in copyright matters, in particular contracts and infringements.
Robin Jannis Mai, LL.B.
Lawyer (Rechtsanwalt)
Advice and representation in copyright and media law, including music, publishing, photography, film and event law as well as artist contracts. With a bachelor’s degree in IT law and intellectual property law, he also focuses on IT law and the interface between copyright and technology.
Dr. Marie Wagner
German Patent Attorney (Patentanwältin)
Advice and representation on patents, utility models, designs and trade marks, and on copyright issues connected with industrial property rights. With a doctorate in chemistry, she brings a scientific and technical background to cases where copyright and technical IP rights overlap.
Who we advise
Our lawyers advise artists, musicians, composers, lyricists, authors, photographers, designers, actors and models as well as media, publishing, production and distribution companies, SMEs, corporate groups, institutions and public bodies. They act for clients in Germany and internationally and work with cooperation offices in Vienna, Zurich, London, Taiwan and Paris and a worldwide network. We also represent clients before the DPMA, EUIPO, EPO and WIPO.
Languages and memberships
We advise in German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese and Korean. Michael Horak is a member of, among others, the International Bar Association (IBA), the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), the Arbeitsgemeinschaft IT-Recht im DAV (davit, IT law working group of the German Bar Association), the Deutsche Vereinigung für gewerblichen Rechtsschutz und Urheberrecht e.V. (GRUR), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Recht und Informatik e.V. (DGRI), the Vereinigung von Fachleuten des gewerblichen Rechtsschutzes (VPP e.V.), MARQUES, the International Trademark Association (INTA), the European Communities Trade Mark Association (ECTA) and the Licensing Executives Society (LES).
See also our services, an introduction to German copyright law and our offices.
Frequently asked questions
What does “Fachanwalt” mean?
It is a title awarded by the German bar associations to lawyers who have proven special knowledge and practical experience in a field of law and who undergo annual further training.
Can I ask for a specific lawyer?
Yes. Let us know when you contact us and we will put you in touch.
Would you like to speak to one of our lawyers?
Call +49 511 35 73 56-0, email info@dieurheberrechtler.de or visit copylawyers.com.
Deutsche Fassung: Rechtsanwälte