REHKATSCH ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Our Areas of Expertise –
So You Can Be Legally Secure
Trademark Law
Competition Law
Music Law
→ Music Law
→ Artist Contract with a Label
→ Band Acquisition Agreement
→ GEMA / GVL
Film rights
Influencer Law
Social Media Law
Media Law
Copyright
Freedom of the press
Photo credit
Design rights
Sports Law
Cease-and-desist letters
Labor Law
→ Labor Law
Start Ups
Copyright
Media Law
Trademark Law
Freedom of the press
Competition Law
Music Law
→ Music Law
→ Label Contract
→ Artist Contract
→ Band Acquisition Agreement
→ GEMA / GVL
Influencer Law
Social Media Law
Photo Law
Film rights
Design Law
Fashion Law
Event Law
Sports Law
AI Law
Cease-and-desist letters
Labor Law
→ Labor Law
Start Ups
→ Start Ups
What do these areas of law cover?
Copyright
The field of copyright law protects intellectual property rights in creative works such as literature, music, art, film, and software. It grants the author the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, or adapt their work. Its purpose is to protect the creative work of authors, artists, and inventors.
Media Law
Media law deals with the legal aspects of communication and the media industry. It covers topics such as freedom of the press, broadcasting regulation, freedom of speech, data protection, and the legal framework for media companies, journalists, bloggers, and platform operators. Media law also covers the right to one’s own image, protection against violations of personal rights, right of reply, editorial duties of care, and liability for online and social media content. We provide practical, strategic advice backed by experience in media law.
Freedom of the press
Press law is a branch of media law that specifically concerns the regulation of the press. It covers issues such as freedom of the press, journalistic responsibility, protection of sources, privacy rights, and the publication of information.
Trademark Law
Trademark law focuses on the protection of trademarks and other distinctive signs used to identify goods or services. It grants owners the exclusive right to use their trademarks and to prohibit third parties from using similar trademarks without their consent.
Competition Law
The Unfair Competition Act (UWG) is a branch of law that deals with the rules and regulations governing fair and honest competition in the business world. Its purpose is to prevent unfair business practices and conduct and to ensure the protection of consumers, competitors, and the market in general.
Music Law
The field of music law affects everyone who creates, publishes, or exploits music. Whether it involves artist/label deals, GEMA, sampling, management contracts, or copyright infringement—we provide legally sound advice to artists, producers, labels, and publishers at every stage. We assist you from the initial idea through to exploitation—and consistently represent your interests both in and out of court, throughout Germany and internationally.
Film rights
The field of film law covers all legal issues related to the development, production, and exploitation of audiovisual content. Whether it involves screenplay contracts, casting or acting contracts, clearing rights for music and imagery, funding, international co-productions, or questions regarding advertising and product placement—we provide comprehensive advice to producers, directors, and platforms. We’re also here to support you with licensing for theaters, media libraries, streaming services, or festivals—with industry experience and clear legal language.
Influencer Law
Whether it’s collaborations with brands, product placements, licensing agreements, or disclosure requirements—influencers, creators, and agencies operate in a legally sensitive environment every day. The field of influencer law encompasses the drafting and review of contracts, terms of service, and collaborations; issues related to advertising and its clear disclosure; the protection of one’s own name and brand identity; and the legally compliant use of music, images, and videos. Liability issues regarding interactions with followers, platform rules, and protection against cease-and-desist letters or unauthorized content use also play a central role. We advise you with industry expertise, foresight, and practical solutions for TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and other platforms.
Social Media Law
Social media is not a legal vacuum. The field of social media law deals with the legal framework governing online presence and communication on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. It covers the legally compliant creation of content, legal notice requirements, data protection, and compliance with advertising regulations. Issues related to copyright, personality rights, terms of use, account suspensions, and dealing with hate speech or false claims are also central topics. We advise creators, companies, and agencies on all challenges arising at the intersection of reach, responsibility, and regulation.
Photo credit
The field of photography law deals with the legal classification and protection of photographic works. It focuses on copyright issues, the use of images on the internet, licensing agreements, the personality rights of individuals depicted in photographs, and the legally compliant publication of images in print and online media. We advise on model releases, cease-and-desist letters regarding unlicensed use, usage rights with photo agencies, and commercial exploitation via stock platforms. In addition, topics such as AI-generated images, legal issues surrounding corporate photography, image rights in the context of social media campaigns, and editorial contracts are becoming increasingly important. We represent photographers, agencies, companies, and editorial teams in enforcing and safeguarding their image rights—both nationally and internationally.
Design rights
The field of modeling law concerns the legal protection and enforcement of rights related to modeling contracts, image use, and personality rights. The focus is on drafting contracts between models, agencies, and clients; issues regarding the use of visual material; model releases; fee and buyout agreements; and defending against unauthorized publications or the unauthorized reuse of photos. Data protection issues, social media exploitation, international contracts, and collaborations with platforms or fashion companies also require legal clarity. We represent models, agencies, and companies in the legally sound drafting, negotiation, and enforcement of their rights—both nationally and internationally.
Sports Law
The field of sports law encompasses all legal issues related to the practice, organization, and marketing of sports. We advise professional athletes, clubs, agencies, event organizers, and sponsors—from contract drafting to enforcement in court. This includes player and coach contracts, including transfer agreements, termination clauses, and bonus provisions, as well as issues related to labor law and bogus self-employment. We draft and review sponsorship and advertising contracts, taking into account media, tax, and trademark law considerations. Our advisory services also cover agent law, including commission arrangements and international transfer regulations. In the digital sphere, we assist athletes and clubs in the legally compliant use of social media and influencer collaborations, as well as in protecting against content that damages their reputation. Furthermore, we secure trademark rights for club logos, jerseys, and personal characteristics, and represent clients in disciplinary proceedings and disputes under association law—both nationally and internationally.
Fashion Law
The field of fashion law encompasses the legal protection and commercial exploitation of creative works in the fashion industry. We advise designers, labels, agencies, and retailers on the development, marketing, and protection of their collections—both nationally and internationally. Design Protection & Copyright: Protection against imitation through registration, contract drafting, and legal enforcement—including in cases of plagiarism allegations or copyright disputes. Trademark Law & Branding: We handle trademark registrations, licensing, and defense against infringements—essential for brand recognition and brand building. Contracts & Production: We draft legally sound contracts with manufacturers, agencies, or distribution partners—transparent, practical, and risk-aware. E-commerce & Social Media: We review online stores, platform usage, and influencer collaborations for legal risks—including advertising disclosures and terms of service.
Event Law
The field of event law covers the legal planning, execution, and follow-up of events—both online and offline. We advise agencies, event organizers, artists, and companies on contract drafting, liability, GEMA/GVL, trademark and personality rights, as well as issues related to security, advertising, and permits. From stage productions to influencer events: We ensure legal clarity regarding collaborations, ticket sales, sponsorship, and media law compliance.
AI Law
The field of AI law addresses legal issues surrounding the use of artificial intelligence—particularly in creative, media, and business contexts. We advise companies, agencies, creatives, and developers on copyright risks, licensing issues, data protection, contract drafting, and regulatory requirements at the national and European levels. Whether it involves AI-generated images, text, or music; liability issues; transparency obligations; or the handling of personal data: We provide legal clarity regarding the development and use of AI—in a practical, forward-looking, and innovation-friendly manner.
Cease-and-desist letters and preliminary injunctions
The legal field of cease-and-desist letters and preliminary injunctions generally focuses on preventing a specific conduct or situation. Typical areas of application include competition law, copyright law, trademark law, privacy rights, and social media. We review cease-and-desist letters, defend against unjustified claims for injunctions, or enforce them on behalf of our clients—quickly, effectively, and with court experience. We also represent you in summary proceedings nationwide.
Labor Law
Labor law governs the relationship between employers and employees. It covers topics such as employment contracts, working conditions, terminations, wages and benefits, working hours, occupational safety and health, and labor disputes. The goal is to create fair conditions for employees and to balance the interests of employers and employees. In the film industry, most employees are permanent staff with employment contracts.
Startups
In the startup sector, the key is to establish the right legal foundations from the very beginning. This includes clear contracts, trademark and IP protection, and legally sound digital business models. Mistakes made at this stage can lead to significant problems later on—but they can be avoided if addressed early on.