The development of a company logo by a graphic designer took
over a year. Nevertheless, in a recent decision Frankfurt Higher
Regional Court ruled that the work is not copyright protected
– the "required minimum degree of aesthetic
content" had not been achieved (Frankfurt Higher Regional
Court, June 12, 2019, Case 11 U 51/18).
In addition, the client was granted a free, perpetual right to
use the logo. The decision shows not least that companies should
protect their logos differently, such as by trademark or design
protection.
Graphic design works may also obtain copyright protection.
However, with a view to other protected types of work such as
literature, art, and music, not every trivial, manual work is
supposed to be protected by copyright. It follows from case law
that certain conditions must be met: There must at least be design
leeway that is used creatively by the creator. The Higher Regional
Court stated that the design can, however, only establish
