Netflix is the first streaming platform to require people working on German dubbed versions of films to sign a contract granting the company the rights to use the content to train AI. Though the contract is tailored to voice actors, a new legal opinion reveals that it also applies to audiovisual translators. The contract fails to provide protective provisions for these workers, nor does it provide separate remuneration for the rights to AI training.
Berlin, 6 May 2026
A report by the law firm Spirit Legal, commissioned by the German Professional Association of Audiovisual Translators (AVÜ e.V.), examines the “Assignment of Rights Agreement” (AOR contract) that Netflix has been using since the start of the year. To date, it has affected dubbing translators, voice-over scriptwriters and audio describers.
The AOR contract is primarily designed for voice actors. This is evident from its structure as well as its content. For example, the cover page makes no reference to voice-over scriptwriting, subtitling or audio description. Nevertheless, all signatories are bound by its terms.
The contract permits Netflix to use all work produced for AI training and processing. However, consent mechanisms that offer voice-over actors some protection in certain circumstances do not extend to other professions covered by the agreement.
The AI clause is part of a broader package of rights that Netflix acquires in relation to the work produced. Signatories receive no remuneration beyond the standard fee, and no additional compensation is provided for the use of their work in AI applications. Nor do the relevant Joint Remuneration Regulations for Dubbing (Netflix GVR-Synchron) provide for such compensation. Subtitling and audio description are not covered by these regulations, and it remains unclear whether dubbing and voice-over translations fall within their scope.
The extensive transfer of rights is coupled with significant restrictions on the assertion of those rights. The agreement requires signatories to waive a number of rights and legal remedies that they would otherwise be entitled to exercise vis-a-vis Netflix. For example, the AOR contract excludes interim legal protection against the production or commercial exploitation of a project. Signatories also relinquish the right to request information that could help determine whether they are entitled to subsequent success-based remuneration. As a result, pursuing legal claims against the company becomes significantly more difficult.
AVÜ is not alone in expressing concern about the implications of the contract for its members. The Association of German Voice Artists (VDS) previously commissioned a legal opinion that takes a critical view of the AOR contract, citing the unforeseeable practical consequences of the AI training clause for its members. The opinion concludes that key provisions of the agreement are likely unlawful.
Johanna Czerny, Chair of the AVÜ (German Association of Audiovisual Translators)
"Voice artists in Germany oppose the use of their voice recordings for AI training. This expert report shows that the contract also affects translators, who provide the initial basis for German versions of films. We reject any unpaid and unauthorised use of copyright-protected works for AI training and call for a transparent, politically regulated approach to the exploitation of our creative work."
Georg Manthey, solicitor at Spirit Legal
“Netflix is securing the rights to use AI training from everyone who contributes creatively to German dubbed versions, including audiovisual translators. From a legal perspective, the question of whether such training is permissible without the creators’ consent is highly contentious. The contract shifts this risk from Netflix onto the creators, who cannot foresee the extent to which their work will be exploited.”
Contact AudioVisuelle Übersetzer*innen - AVÜ e.V.
E-Mail: info@filmuebersetzen.de
Website: avue-ev.de // filmuebersetzen.de
The legal opinion commissioned by the Association of German Voice Artists (VDS), a summary press release, and a partially redacted copy of the AOR contract can be found on the VDS website.
