Phone icon

How can we help you?

+49 (0) 221 / 97 31 43 - 0

Do you need legal advice? Then give us a call for a free, no-obligation initial assessment. Nationwide!

info@werner-ri.de

You are welcome to describe your legal concerns to us by e-mail. You will receive a non-binding and free initial assessment from us promptly.
You are here: Start / Legal News

Amazon is not liable for the content of the E-books that are sold in the Kindle on-line shop

The Higher Regional Court Munich (OLG Muenchen) overturned in a judgment of October 24, 2013 the applicant's appeal to prevent Amazon to sell a certain work due to copyright infringement. The decision made by the OLG is in line with what recently decided the BGH regarding the liability of review portals and online-forum.

The lawsuit has been initiated by Amazon who sold an e-book in which there was a part of the sketch of the comedian Karl Valentin. According to Karl Valentin's granddaughter this constituted a copyright infringement and she invited Amazon not to sell the work anymore. Amazon immediately decided to meet such demand, but denied to give a cease-and-desist declaration. The granddaughter then decided to take action against Amazon. Both the Regional Court Munich, as well as the Higher Regional Court, acting as court of appeal, denied that Amazon could be hold responsible for copyright infringement. We would reach another conclusion if Amazon continued to sell the e-book. But this is not the case. The OLG Munich decided that the granddaughter has the right to appeal to the German Supreme Court.