Terms & license conditions

All images are copyright protected by Christoph Rutenkolk.

Each image license is non-exclusive. Usage rights depend on the license type purchased (Personal, Editorial, Commercial).

Reselling, sublicensing or redistributing files is strictly prohibited.

Purchasing a license means you accept these terms.

For extended usage, longer time frames or exclusive rights, please contact:

info@christoph-rutenkolk.de

Editorial Use License

Usage Type: Non-commercial, editorial context only

Scope: 1 publication, for one outlet/brand, worldwide.

Time Limit: 30 days online visibility from first publication.

After 30 days the image must be deleted or the license renewed.

Attribution: Mandatory – Photo by Christoph Rutenkolk

Allowed

  • Inclusion in articles, blogs, magazines, news outlets and documentary context.

  • Online (website/social) and print usage within the same publication.

  • Standard editorial adjustments (cropping, simple color grading) without altering meaning.

Obligations

  • Image has to be deleted after 30 days from any kind of memory device and internal archives.

  • No transfer or sublicensing to third parties (including media partners or networks).

  • If published online, archive access can still expose the image beyond the licensed 30 days.

Not Allowed

  • Advertising, sponsorships, brand collabs, commercial product promotion.

  • Use as cover image for print, cover image for templates, streaming cover art, merch, or print-on-demand, generative AI training.

  • Defamatory, misleading, or harmful context.

Releases

  • No model/property releases included unless specifically stated.

    Editorial outlets are responsible for their own press-law compliance.

Rights Reservation

  • All rights remain with Christoph Rutenkolk. Non-exclusive license. License terminates upon breach.

Commercial Use License

Usage Type: Commercial / advertising

Scope: 1 year, worldwide, non-exclusive, for one end client / one brand / one campaign.

Attribution: Recommended – Photo by Christoph Rutenkolk

Allowed

  • Marketing use: websites, social media posts & ads, OOH/print, POS, presentations, pitch-decks.

  • Simple adaptations for format/platform (text overlays, cropping, color grading).

  • Internal use (intranet, reports, keynotes) for the same licensee.

Obligations

  • No resale / redistribution of the file. No sublicensing to third parties.

  • Agencies may only use the file on behalf of the licensed end client (no resale).

  • No co-branding that suggests shared ownership or partnership with the photographer.

  • No usage in sensitive topic fields (health, religion, politics, weapons, adult, tobacco/nicotine) without explicit written approval.

Not Allowed

  • Use as part of a trademark/logo, templates/themes, generative AI training, NFTs.

  • Products for resale (merch, posters, print-on-demand) unless separately agreed.

  • Misleading or defamatory contexts that violate personal rights.

Releases

  • Unless explicitly confirmed: no model/property releases are included.

    For any advertising use, legal release clearance is the responsibility of the licensee.

Extensions

  • If you need more than 1 year, multiple brands/campaigns, merchandise, or exclusivity: contact for upgrade.

Rights Reservation

  • All rights remain with Christoph Rutenkolk. Non-exclusive license. License terminates upon breach.