Kodi / XBMC for streaming - is this legal?

If you're using Kodi / XBMC to stream movies and series, you're right to ask yourself if that's legal at all. We will explain the legal situation in Germany to you and explain what consequences you can expect.

Streaming With Kodi / XBMC: Legal Or Illegal?

• With Kodi / XBMC you can not only watch your own films and series, but also access streams from the Internet. The use of the software is always legal.
• What is important for legality here is which content you are streaming. If it is copyrighted material, the process is quickly understood as illegal.
• According to § 16 Abs. 1 UrhG (copyright law) only the download of copyrighted material is punishable. The only thing that is created during streaming is a fleeting copy, which is predominantly legal for lawyers in Germany.
• Although the private copy is allowed, you are moving in a legal gray area with the streaming. We therefore expressly advise against this.

Is streaming legal?

Attorney Christian Solmecke on the legal situation of streaming.

In the next practical tip, we will show you the 5 best skins for Kodi / XBMC.