GermanyWhat is my right to one's name (Namensrecht)?
You have the legal right to use your name exclusively in Germany, and can demand removal or injunction against anyone using it without permission.
What the Law Says
Your right to one’s name (Namensrecht) is a fundamental personality right under German civil law. It protects your exclusive entitlement to use your legally recognized name — whether by birth, marriage, or official change — and prevents others from misusing it in ways that harm your personal or professional interests.
Under BGB § 12, if someone denies you the right to use your name, or uses your name without authorization in a way that harms your legitimate interests, you may demand they stop the interference ('Beseitigung der Beeinträchtigung').
If further misuse is likely — for example, repeated impersonation online or commercial exploitation — you may file for an injunction ('Unterlassungsklage') to prevent future violations.
This right applies regardless of whether the unauthorized use causes financial loss; non-material harm (e.g., reputational damage, confusion among clients or contacts) is sufficient grounds for legal action.
Statutory TextWird das Recht zum Gebrauch eines Namens dem Berechtigten von einem anderen bestritten oder wird das Interesse des Berechtigten dadurch verletzt, dass ein anderer unbefugt den gleichen Namen gebraucht, so kann der Berechtigte von dem anderen Beseitigung der Beeinträchtigung verlangen. Sind weitere Beeinträchtigungen zu besorgen, so kann er auf Unterlassung klagen.
— BGB § 12 — German Civil Code
What Courts Have Said
German courts treat unauthorized name use as a serious infringement of personality rights — especially when combined with data privacy violations like unauthorized publication of personal information.
Although focused on image rights and revenge porn, this ruling affirmed that unauthorized use of identity elements — including names linked to private content — violates informational self-determination and supports injunctive relief and damages.
What to Do
Document the unauthorized use (e.g., screenshots, URLs, timestamps).
Send a formal cease-and-desist letter citing BGB § 12.
If ignored or repeated, file an injunction claim at the local civil court (Amtsgericht).
For online misuse (e.g., fake profiles), also report to the platform and consider GDPR-based requests (e.g., right to erasure under Art. 17 GDPR).
Sources
Related Questions
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.