Stefan Engels

Prof. Dr. Stefan Engels serves as a part-time lecturer (Lehrbeauftragter) for E-Commerce and Advertising Law as well as Press Law at the University of Hamburg's Faculty of Law, holding the title of Professor under Section 17 Paragraph 1 of the Hamburg Higher Education Act (HmbHG). Concurrently, he practices as a partner at DLA Piper UK LLP in Hamburg specializing in media and copyright law with over 15 years of experience at international law firms.

His academic qualifications include:

• First State Exam in Law from Universität Hamburg, 1992
• Second State Exam from Oberlandesgericht Hamburg, 1997
• Doctor of Law (Dr. jur.) from Universität Hamburg, 1997
• Specialist Lawyer for Copyright and Media Law certification, 2010

Engels' research centers on the legal challenges of digital media evolution, examining copyright enforcement in online environments, advertising regulations across broadcast and digital platforms, and e-commerce compliance frameworks. His work bridges theoretical legal principles with practical industry applications, particularly addressing emerging technologies like AdBlockers and data-driven marketing systems within German and European regulatory contexts.

Analysis of his 2013-2015 publications reveals consistent focus on media law's adaptation to technological disruption, with significant attention to copyright interpretation in digital advertising, broadcast regulation modernization, and consumer protection in direct marketing channels. These works demonstrate how traditional legal frameworks are being tested and reshaped by internet-based media consumption patterns.

His professional excellence has been recognized by major legal directories:

• JUVE Handbuch 2015/2016: designated as leading name in press law representation and "frequently recommended" for media law
• Legal 500 2015: achieved Tier 1 ranking and leading-name status for press and publishing law
• Chambers Europe 2015: identified as "notable practitioner" in media law
• Best Lawyers 2015: recommended specialist for media law expertise

Engels uniquely integrates extensive legal practice with academic instruction, having served as Sector Head for Media and Head of HR for Germany at international law firms while teaching at both the University of Hamburg and Hamburg Media School. His industry leadership positions provide distinctive practical insights that enrich his pedagogical approach to contemporary legal education.

As a practitioner-academic, Engels operates without dedicated research laboratories or institutional teams, instead leveraging his law firm platform and professional associations like the Hanseatic Bar Association's Specialist Committee for Copyright and Media Law to advance his scholarly work through real-world case applications.