Probleme der Geschädigtenvertretung in Strafverfahren gegen Schutzrechtsverletzer

Infringement of intellectual property rights such as trademarks, copyrights and patents etc. are subject to Criminal Law in Germany. If an owner of intellectual property rights chooses to proceed on a criminal law basis against a third party who has infringed their rights, they will face difficulties regarding substantive and procedural law, as well as practical difficulties. They will have to carry out their own investigations, inspect the case files, enforce their claims by accessory prosecution and take part in trials as well as many other duties. On the one hand, these actions are time-consuming and cost-intensive. On the other hand, the prosecution authorities have much more effective means of investigation than private individuals. Owners of intellectual property rights have many possibilities to exert influence on the criminal proceedings, in particular with regard to compensation claims, and thereby profit from the results of criminal investigation. In addition, personal threat of punitive sanctions can be an effective measure to prevent future infringements. In conclusion, it is recommended for the holders of rights of intellectual property to use the instruments of criminal law against infringers as well as the instruments of civil law. Die Strafwürdigkeit von Verletzungen bestimmter Rechte des geistigen Eigentums ist zur Zeit fast unumstritten; die entsprechenden materiellen Strafvorschriften sind in Kraft. Wenn aber Inhaber von Schutzrechten strafrechtliche Mittel gegen Rechtsverletzer zum Einsatz bringen wollen, sehen sie sich regelmäßig mit einigen materiellrechtlichen, prozessualen und praktischen Schwierigkeiten konfrontiert. Der folgende Beitrag zeigt solche Schwierigkeiten auf und liefert zugleich Ansätze zu deren Überwindung.