Basically, two categories of intellectual property can be distinguished: industrial property and copyright. The term industrial property summarizes, for example, inventions, trademarks, industrial designs and designations of origin, while the term copyright protects literary and other artistic works, e.g. novels, films, musical pieces, paintings, photographs and architectural designs. Related rights include the rights of performing artists, producers of phonograms, and television and radio broadcasters.
Frequent infringements of intellectual property include in particular:
- Product piracy
- The illegal copying of music and computer programs
- The illegal possession of pirated software (e.g. on CDs) for the purpose of placing on the market
- The public presentation or performance of a work without the permission of the author, etc.
The infringement of these property rights is punishable by law. The general penalty range is 1-5 years imprisonment and a fine between 2,900 – 15,000 Euro. In cases of higher damages or benefits, imprisonment of 2-5 years and a corresponding adjustment of the fine is provided for, while for repeat offenders or particularly dangerous offenders, the penalty range is 5-10 years imprisonment and a fine of approx. 15,000 – 60,000 Euro.