Copyright

In short: Copyright (UrhG) protects works such as texts, images, music, films and software.

In more detail: Protection arises automatically upon creation and lasts in Germany until 70 years after the author’s death.

In Depth

Significance online

Copying and uploading protected works requires permission (file sharing, torrent). Quotations with source and private copies under conditions are allowed. Free licences such as Creative Commons and open source licences govern use.

Software

Computer programs are specially protected; decompilation is allowed only to a limited extent (§ 69e UrhG).

See also: File Sharing, Torrent, Open Source, Reverse Engineering