Warnings in food photography: Marion's cookbook

We are currently receiving more cease-and-desist letters for copyright infringement, sent on behalf of Folkert Knieper, the operator of Marion's Cookbook. Various law firms have already acted in the past, including:

• Dr. Lohsin & Partner (Bremen)
• Cyfire Law Firm (Frankfurt)
• Pöpken Santjer Bischoff Law Firm (Helsinki)
• Albrecht Legal Law Firm (Hamburg)

The warnings regularly relate to food photographs of dishes. The warnings include a printout of the image and a cease-and-desist declaration. Violations are issued on social media sites such as Facebook and on websites. Fines in the four-figure range are often demanded.

If you receive a cease and desist letter, it's important to respond prudently to protect your rights and avoid unnecessary costs. Here are some important steps to follow:

• keep Calm: Don't let the often short deadlines and threatening statements in the warning letter put you off.
• Check the warning carefully: Make sure that the warning is justified and that all formal requirements are met.
• Meet deadlines: Make sure you meet all deadlines to avoid legal disadvantages.
• No hasty actions: Do not sign the cease and desist letter immediately or make any payments without first seeking legal advice.
• Seek legal advice: Contact a specialized lawyer to clarify whether the claims are justified.
• Keep documentation: Keep all documents and communications related to the warning.
• Check agreementIf the warning is justified, your lawyer can try to find a cost-effective solution and avoid legal proceedings.