General information about internet law

No, absolutely not, unless you have the consent of the person who created the text (author)! Every text that is written is the so-called "intellectual property" of the person who wrote it. This "intellectual property" does not have to be registered, i.e. every text is protected against theft, even if it is not listed separately.

First of all: No. By the way, Google images are also protected by copyright.

Exception(s):

• you have the consent of the person (author) who created the image or of the people who are depicted in the image

• you use a self-made image / photo

• you use so called "Free Pics" which are allowed to be used according to the explicit mention on the web page

First of all: No. This is expressly forbidden, since artists like Britney Spears earn their (albeit sometimes lavish) living with this music, the illegal distribution of music via the Internet can be called theft. By doing so, you are doing great harm to all parties involved, such as the artist, record company, etc. of the music industry.

Exception(s):

• you use GEMA-FREE music (Gema=Gesellschaft für musikalische Aufführungs- und mechanische Vervielfältigungsrechte)

• Music of which you are the author, i.e. you own the necessary rights, e.g. in the case of music that you have created yourself or music that the author has allowed you to use freely.

Tip: self-created music, should be checked by GEMA for security reasons, to avoid a lawsuit because of a possible match of another song (even unknowingly).

First of all: No. Publishing song lyrics on your own website is strictly prohibited. In case of disregard, various music companies can write expensive warnings.

Exception(s):

• you have the consent of the person (author) who created the song lyrics

• you use self-created lyrics

• you use lyrics that you are allowed to use according to the explicit mention on the website

First of all: Yes.

Exception(s):

• you use music videos, because they are also prohibited. They are already illegally uploaded at youtube.com, myvideo.de etc.

• you use "foreign" videos for which you do not have the necessary rights, e.g. by permission of the author

You can offer downloads, sure, but not illegal copies of programs that you would otherwise have to buy in a store. That would be just like walking into a store and stealing the programs.

It is allowed to distribute e.g. freeware or shareware but not paid programs. So it is not allowed to provide downloads via direct link, but only to link to the page of the download provider.

First of all: No.

Exception(s):

• you earn money with / via / through your website, e.g. through advertising or other paid services

• you offer products via / on your website

• you offer downloads on your website

• you describe something "foreign" (not created by yourself) on your website etc.

• if the website has "editorial content", such as a forum, blog, online diary, shoutbox or news such as the stock market, weather or news

• Owner of the website (first and last name)

• Address (street, postal code and city)

• Contact details (e.g. phone, e-mail address) etc.

You can find more information about the imprint in the category "General questions" under the point "Do I need an imprint on my homepage?"

*The content of this article is a personal opinion and not legal advice and can not replace legal advice in individual cases.