Even if it is technically possible to access images, texts, documents, music, or videos at any time without any problems, all this content is protected by copyright. Copyright levies are therefore due for all products with which protected content is used. It does not matter whether this is done with the devices and storage media.

The definition of manufacturer in the EU is broad, and in most laws the manufacturer is the first addressee for obligations relating to the establishment and maintenance of legal compliance. Nevertheless, he is not automatically obligated. Depending on the distribution channel, an economic operator other than the manufacturer may be obligated, or the manufacturer may transfer his obligations to other market participants under certain conditions.

European directives and national laws oblige all economic players to pay "fair compensation" for the right to private copying. Copyright levies are paid for all storable, copyable, and reproducible products that are brought into circulation. Economic operators include manufacturers, importers, dealers, and distributors.

Even if you sell exclusively to distributors and dealers, or if your offer is aimed exclusively at companies, authorities and public bodies, obligations arise with regard to copyright levies.

If you purchase levy-liable products exclusively from the manufacturer, the manufacturer's importer, a distributor, or a trading company, you have no obligations in most countries. Information obligations may only arise in some countries.

You are also affected by copyright levies if you place used or refurbished products on the market. This also applies to your own (branded) products that are repaired, refurbished, or recycled if they are commercially reintroduced into the supply chain. The decisive factor is whether the products in question can be used to play, save, or copy images, texts, documents, music, or videos.