Observed Signal · Apr 9, 2019 · Regulation · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Axel Springer sues Eyeo again over Adblock Plus
Axel Springer has filed a copyright lawsuit against Eyeo GmbH, creator of Adblock Plus, alleging that the ad-blocking software alters browser code in ways that infringe the publisher’s protected content. This marks a new legal action after the German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) previously ruled in 2018 that Eyeo’s ad blockers do not constitute unfair competition. Eyeo spokesperson Laura Dornheim had argued that users have a right to information and that browser-side plugins cannot modify Springer’s servers. The new suit relies on copyright law (Urheberrechtsgesetz) and cites expert opinions to claim that ad blockers undermine digital journalism’s funding and access to information. Eyeo contends it cannot modify Springer's servers, while Axel Springer suggests EU copyright reform discussions could influence the case. The outcome remains uncertain as the court weighs the copyright claims against established competition rulings.
Legal conflict in AdTech / copyright notable but not industry-shifting
Track Axel Springer Signals & Market Shifts in Real-Time
Polaris7 autonomous intelligence agents track regulatory filings, primary sources, executive changes, and deal flow 24/7. Create your free Explorer workspace to monitor these entities.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Axel Springer filed a copyright lawsuit against Eyeo GmbH over Adblock Plus.
- The complaint cites the Urheberrechtsgesetz (German copyright law).
- A 2018 BGH ruling had determined ad blockers do not constitute unfair competition.
- Eyeo’s Laura Dornheim stated a browser-side plugin cannot modify Springer's servers.
- Axel Springer argues ad blockers threaten publishers' funding and access to information; EU copyright reform discussions may impact the case.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Skydance Germany: 18 Channels, 4 Streamers, 2 Marketers
Following the completed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance, the combined German media portfolio now includes 18 TV channels and four streaming services. The free-TV lineup combines Warner brands (DMAX, TLC, HGTV, Eurosport 1, Tele 5) with Paramount brands (MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon). Pay-TV includes Warner TV, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Eurosport 2, Cartoon Network, and others. Streaming offerings include Paramount+, HBO Max, Discovery+, and Pluto TV. The article highlights strategic questions around advertising sales: Paramount properties are marketed by Visoon (JV with Axel Springer), Warner Bros. Discovery channels by El Cartel Brothers (JV with RTLzwei), and HBO Max by RTL Deutschland's Ad Alliance. The integration may lead to consolidation of these marketing operations, though decisions will be made in the US.
Morning Brew Acquires Express Checkout Newsletter
Morning Brew Inc., the business media publisher owned by Axel Springer, has acquired Express Checkout, a creator-led media brand focused on the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. The all-cash deal, whose terms were not disclosed, gives Morning Brew 100% of Express Checkout's intellectual property. Co-founders Nate Rosen and Jenna Movsowitz will join Morning Brew full-time. Express Checkout started as a weekly newsletter covering CPG and e-commerce. This acquisition continues Morning Brew's strategy of bringing independent creators and their audiences into its portfolio.
Track Real-Time Market Signals & Shifts
Set up custom watchlists to receive automated, evidence-grounded executive digests whenever material signals or shifts occur across your tracked landscape.