When the big influencer deal package becomes a legal stumbling block
For many influencers, it sounds like a dream: A Hamburg beauty startup wants to work with micro-influencer “Lalaluxe” from Saxony. 5 reels, 10 stories, exclusive product shots – all for a nice fee. the contract? “Just formality,” they say.
But just three weeks later, nothing is fantastic: the startup has secondly used the video material on TikTok & YouTube, re-cut the stories – and Lara feels used. Your demand will be dismissed. No receipt of payment. No support.
The saving call
Unsettled, Lara googles for help. The law firm Horak has lawyers A location in Leipzig – Not 50 km away from your place of residence. On the same day she goes there with her boyfriend.
There, a lawyer from the law firm explains the case to her calmly and clearly – and recognizes immediately: Here is a Clear violation of copyright and contractual agreements before.
What had gone wrong?
The contract contained unclear regulations on Purpose of the content. The startup had tacitly secured “comprehensive rights of use” – without explicitly formulating it. The stories were cut up, the content was taken out of context – the right to one’s own image? disregarded.
The law firm sets up a cease-and-desist letter, Requests payment, omission and ordinary post-licensing. The pressure works – the startup gives in, the payment is made, the videos are adjusted.
Advantage: local office – and strong nationwide
Lara was grateful:
“I thought I had to go to Berlin or Cologne to find someone who was familiar with something like that. And then suddenly I’m sitting in Leipzig with someone who knows exactly how my business works.”
Explore locations
The Horak Lawyers are represented in many German cities – including Berlin, Hamburg, Hanover, Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Leipzig, Düsseldorf and more.
This brings clear advantages:
- Short distances for personal meetings
- Uniform legal quality at all locations
- Specialized lawyers for media, copyright, contract and trademark law
- Fast action, enforceable nationwide
Conclusion: Contracts are not a matter of form
Especially in the influencer business, where content, image rights and reach are central values, Clear contracts and professional advice essential. If you sign too early or do without insurance, you often pay twice – financially and emotionally.
Contact
Do you need support with cooperation agreements, rights of use or disputes with agencies?
Horak Lawyers are at your side – personally or digitally, at many locations throughout Germany.