EPC – EUROPEAN POLICY CENTRE

Pro Bono Against Predatory Copyright Demands

When copyright demand letters start arriving (each threatening escalation, each requesting hundreds of euros per image) even the most reputable civil society organisation can find itself in an uncomfortable position. Without dedicated legal capacity, assessing the validity of such claims is genuinely difficult. That is exactly the challenge the European Policy Centre (EPC) faced for images on reports published in the early 2020’s, until Pro Publico connected them with the right expertise.

A Leading Think Tank Driving European Debate

The European Policy Centre (EPC) is one of Brussels’ most respected independent think tanks. For decades, it has delivered rigorous, evidence-based research and convened high-level discussions on the future of European integration. Its work plays a vital role in strengthening democratic governance and sustaining pluralistic dialogue at the heart of EU policymaking.

Like many civil society organisations, EPC operates with a focused and agile team. Access to additional specialised legal expertise supports its ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and continue delivering high-impact work.

The Problem: Demand Letters That Wouldn’t Stop

EPC began receiving repeated notices from a German company allegedly acting on behalf of image rights holders. Each letter alleged unauthorised use of old images and photos on EPC’s website, requesting retroactive licensing fees (typically from €350 to €390 per image) under threat of further legal escalation.

EPC responded promptly in each case, removing the images upon notification after they were made aware of the alleged violation. Yet without in-house legal expertise, the organisation had no reliable way to evaluate whether the demands themselves were legally sound – or whether they simply reflected a pattern of aggressive commercial behaviour specifically targeting organisations with limited resources to push back.

The question was straightforward but legally complex: were these legitimate copyright enforcement actions, or something else entirely?

The Right Match

This is where pro bono legal support for civil society makes a real difference. Through the precious help of Tanguy Van Overstraeten, we were able to match the EPC with Counsel Gert-Jan Fraeyman at Van Bael & Bellis – leading Brussels law firm with a strong reputation in IP, competition, and regulatory law. 

Van Bael & Bellis brings decades of experience advising clients on complex legal matters before Belgian courts and EU institutions. Their involvement brought immediate credibility (and clarity) to the situation.

The Legal Support 

Gert-Jan and his team undertook a thorough assessment of the Copytrack demand letters. Their analysis examined the legal basis of each claim under Belgian and EU copyright law, the legitimacy of the amounts demanded, and the broader commercial context in which such letters are sent.

The result was a detailed legal opinion with concrete, actionable recommendations. Rather than leaving EPC to navigate the uncertainty alone, the team gave the organisation a clear framework for evaluating future demands – and for pushing back where appropriate.

As Emma Woodford, Chief Operating Officer at EPC, put it: “Van Bael & Bellis supplied detailed information and concrete recommendations that were helpful for informing my team about how to ensure that we understood the legalities of the demands.

The interaction, she noted, was entirely professional – EPC was treated as any other private or corporate client would be.

The Impact: Resources Redirected Where They Belong

The practical value of pro bono legal support for civil society goes beyond any single case. By equipping EPC with a sound legal framework, Van Bael & Bellis helped the think tank stop absorbing unjustified costs – and redirect those resources to its core mission.

For an organisation whose work directly contributes to EU democratic resilience, that matters.

Emma Woodford was unambiguous about the broader stakes: “In an environment when the political and financial pressures on civil society are greater than ever, the service that Pro Publico provides is much needed and a direct contribution to democracy by helping to keep a vibrant civil society alive.”

Why This Case Matters

Such demand letters are not unique to EPC. Across Europe, civil society organisations, newsrooms, and advocacy groups receive similar notices – often without the resources to distinguish a legitimate claim from an opportunistic one. Pro bono legal support for civil society is one of the few mechanisms that can level this playing field.

When a well-resourced law firm stands behind a non-profit’s legal position, the dynamic shifts entirely.

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Thanks to: @Gert-JanFraeyman, @TanguyVanOverstraeten, @JohanMouraux, @VanBaelBellis @EmmaWoodford @MaralBedrossian, @BiancaBaumler, @EuropeanPolicyCentre @ProPublico

#ProBono #CivilSociety #LegalAccess #AccessToJustice #CopyrightLaw #EuropeanDemocracy #ProBonoLaw #Brussels #EUPolicy #NGOSupport