Linking Can Infringe Copyright in E.U., Top Court Rules

Linking Can Infringe Copyright in E.U., Top Court Rules

LUXEMBOURG — In a decision expected to reverberate across the web, the European Court of Justice today ruled that a Dutch website infringed copyrights by posting links to Playboy Enterprises International's copyrighted content.

The ruling involved Dutch website GeenStijl.nl website, which provided a link to an Australian site showing pictures of TV personality Britt Dekker taken by the Dutch edition of Playboy magazine for its December 2011 edition. The Australian website did not have Playboy' s authorization to do so.

Playboy Enterprises International sued, and the Dutch Supreme Court later asked the European Court of Justice to help it interpret E.U. copyright laws in the context of hyperlinking.

The European Court of Justice often follows the approach recommended by its advocate generals. But in this case, it did not.

In April, European Court of Justice’s top legal adviser, Melchior Wathelet, wrote that “hyperlinks which lead, even directly, to protected works are not 'making them available' to the public when they are already freely accessible on another website and only serve to facilitate their discovery."

Today’s ruling now helps publishers and other copyright owners fight internet sites that link to or republish their content for profit without their permission.

Search engines also could be forced to tread more carefully when they provide links.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Show More