Subscription platforms and paid content: Patreon, Steady, Fan platforms legally secure

Exclusive content, clear rules

Subscription platforms allow creators to sell content directly to paying supporters. Depending on the content, different obligations apply: Content that can affect the development of children and young people is necessary for youth protection measures, and a closed user group with age verification is necessary for pornographic content. In addition, creators must regulate their rights to the content and how to deal with leaks.

We advise on platform selection and contracts, check youth protection concepts, take action against leaks and dissemination and support tax issues directly in the law firm.

Typical situations in which we help

• You start a membership with exclusive content.
• Your content will be distributed on Leak pages.
• The platform is holding back payouts.
• You are wondering which youth protection obligations apply.
• They want to sell content together with other creators.

Legal basis at a glance

Platform contracts

The Platform Terms and Conditions regulate commission, payout, blocks and rights to content. It is important whether the platform may continue to use content after termination.

Youth protection

Depending on the content, age labeling, technical means or a closed user group are required. The Commission for Youth Media Protection examines age verification systems.

Leaks

The unauthorized distribution violates copyright and personal rights. Deletion and omission can be enforced against hosters, search engines and distributors.

Control

Revenue is operating income. In the case of foreign platforms, the sales tax must be checked carefully.

That’s how we go

1. 1

   Initial assessment

   You briefly describe the facts to us and send documents such as a contract, cease-and-desist letter or screenshots. We will tell you promptly where you stand and what the next steps will cost.

2. 2

   Secure evidence and deadlines

   We document posts, stories and chat history in court and record all deadlines. Content disappears quickly, especially with social media.

3. 3

   Set strategy

   Together we decide whether negotiation, defense, cease-and-desist letter or contract drafting is the right way. It is always about your reach and your business relationships.

4. 4

   Implement and enforce

   We negotiate, formulate, answer and, if necessary, go to court, also in an urgent procedure. You will regularly be informed of what is happening.

Regarding the costs: Before every step we tell you what it costs. Depending on the case, we charge a flat-rate fee or by hourly rate according to the Lawyers’ Remuneration Act (RVG). If the opponent is obliged to reimburse, for example in the case of a justified cease-and-desist letter, we will claim these costs for you. More on this on our page Fee.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Underestimate youth protection obligations.
• Accept leaks instead of following them.
• Produce common content without agreement.
• Do not tax foreign platform income correctly.