The legal dispute between ARD, ZDF, and ProSiebenSat.1 concerning the unauthorized embedding of public broadcasters' media libraries within the Joyn platform has reached a significant juncture. On April 15, 2025, the Cologne District Court delivered a verdict in ARD’s favor, marking a preliminary legal victory in the controversy surrounding the integration of its media library, ARD Mediathek, into ProSiebenSat.1's streaming service, Joyn, without prior consent. This development was reported by German media outlet DWDL.
The court’s decision (case number 14 O 82/25) delved into the legal complexities surrounding how ARD's content was utilized on Joyn during a self-declared “beta test,” initiated without ARD’s approval. ARD initiated the legal action, alleging that Joyn had improperly incorporated its media library into its platform without authorization, thereby infringing upon intellectual property and copyright laws. An ARD spokesperson stated that the court validated the legal protection afforded to ARD Mediathek as a comprehensive offering, precluding its integration into third-party platforms absent explicit consent. “Content cannot be extracted and reassembled without agreement,” the spokesperson emphasized.
ProSiebenSat.1, however, highlighted aspects of the ruling they viewed favorably. While the court sided with ARD regarding the integration process, its ruling focused on database rights—a domain where ProSiebenSat.1's use of ARD’s content might be deemed permissible under specific circumstances. A ProSiebenSat.1 spokesperson noted the ruling confirmed the potential for embedding selected content from ARD and ZDF on third-party platforms, provided the entirety or essential components of their media libraries are not utilized.
This court decision follows ProSiebenSat.1's removal of the ARD and ZDF media libraries from the Joyn platform in early March 2025. Despite this setback, ProSiebenSat.1 remains dedicated to finding a solution through ongoing discussions with ARD and ZDF, emphasizing a valued partnership and a strong dual broadcasting system in Germany. They assert a belief in a valid legal basis for embedding content and optimism for an amicable resolution.
This ruling, though significant, may not conclude the dispute. ProSiebenSat.1 plans to analyze the ruling before determining further legal action. However, their focus on cooperation suggests continued discussions are likely, despite ARD’s courtroom victory.