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Kunsturhebergesetz

Kunsturhebergesetz, commonly abbreviated as KUG, is a German federal law that governs rights in works of visual art and the handling of images of people. It covers photographs, paintings, drawings and other visual representations, and regulates how such works may be created, reproduced, distributed and exhibited. The act sits alongside the broader copyright law (Urheberrechtsgesetz) and the law on personal rights.

A central feature of the KUG is the distinction between ownership of the image as a work

Exceptions include legitimate use for journalistic reporting on events, articles about public persons or public life,

The KUG interacts with data protection and broader civil law and is frequently applied in media, photography,

and
the
rights
of
the
person
depicted.
The
author
of
a
visual
work
typically
holds
the
copyright
in
the
work.
Beyond
that,
individuals
depicted
in
images
possess
personality
rights
protecting
their
own
image.
Publication,
distribution
or
public
display
of
a
portrait
or
other
image
of
a
person
generally
requires
the
consent
of
the
depicted
person,
subject
to
specific
exceptions.
and
other
cases
where
the
use
serves
public
interest
or
artistic,
scientific
or
teaching
purposes.
Images
that
are
incidental
or
that
do
not
primarily
reveal
private
details
may
also
be
used
under
certain
conditions.
The
law
also
addresses
consent
for
minors
and
the
potential
remedies
if
rights
are
violated,
such
as
injunctive
relief
and
damages.
advertising,
and
art
contexts.
It
has
been
amended
several
times
since
its
inception
in
the
early
20th
century
to
reflect
changes
in
photography,
media,
and
digital
publication.