Caroline Volkmann

Prof. Dr. Caroline Volkmann serves as Professor of Information Law at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences since the 2017/18 winter semester, specializing in digital media regulation within the German and European legal frameworks.

Education:

• 1997-2002: Law studies at Saarland University, University of Lausanne, and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
• 2003: First State Examination in Law, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
• 2008: Doctorate (Dr. jur.), Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
• 2008: Second State Examination in Law, Hamburg

Research Focus: Her work critically examines copyright enforcement mechanisms in digital environments, particularly Article 17 of the EU Copyright Directive and upload filter implementations. She investigates tensions between intellectual property protection and fundamental rights like freedom of expression, with significant contributions to hyperlinking liability jurisprudence following European Court of Justice rulings. Her scholarship bridges theoretical legal analysis with practical regulatory challenges in broadcasting and press law.

Professional Background: Prior to her professorship, she spent nine years as legal counsel at ZDF (2008-2017) handling sports law, insolvency, copyright, and press matters. She chaired media law working groups for state examinations and served as deputy board member of the Mainz Media Institute representing ZDF interests.