German copyright law protects in particular literary works

German copyright law protects in particular literary works,
scientifc work, and works of applied art against copying. A
registration is not necessary. The owner automatically holds an
exclusive right of use and exploitation. Such right expires auto-
matically 70 years from the death of the author.

The Unfair Competition Act (Gesetz gegen unlauteren Wett-
bewerb – UWG) protects competitors and participants in the
market against unfair business practices that distort competition,
e. G. The distribution of counterfeits.