2. About standards
  3. Standards and the law
  4. Reproduction

FAQ – Reproduction of Standards

1. For which purposes do we offer license models?

We provide licensing options for the following use cases:

2. How long is a reproduction permit valid?

The validity depends on the intended use: 

  • Publications: Valid for the specific edition for which the permit is granted.
  • Software products: Valid for 1 year, renewable upon request.
  • Seminars: Valid for the respective seminar; extensions for a defined period are possible by agreement. Billing remains per seminar.

3. What does “partial reproduction” mean and how is it calculated?

Partial reproduction refers to copying only specific sections or illustrations of a standard.
Important: Entire pages are always charged, even if the excerpt is smaller than a page.
Example: If you reproduce one section from page 3, four sections from page 5, and a table from page 8 of DIN 810, you will be charged for 3 pages.

4. Why are reproduction permits subject to fees?

Fees ensure the sustainability of privately organized standardization work. DIN’s activities—such as drafting standards, maintaining a comprehensive and harmonized set of standards, and updating them to reflect technological progress—are financed primarily through the sale of standards and membership fees.
Costs are distributed among users who benefit from applying standards, ensuring a fair and market-driven approach.

5. May DAkkS request copies of DIN standards during accreditation procedures?

Yes. Under § 45 UrhG, copyrighted works may be used for official procedures under defined conditions. Accreditation by DAkkS qualifies as such when DAkkS acts in a sovereign capacity. Copies are permissible if the standard was lawfully purchased and used exclusively for the accreditation process.

6. Can standards purchased under a single-user license be uploaded to an internal network (intranet)?

No. Uploading standards to an internal network requires a separate network license.

7. May I quote standards?

Yes, you may reference the existence and content of standards using your own wording.
Do not: Copy text, tables, or images verbatim, as this infringes copyright.
Certain exceptions apply under § 51 UrhG (available online). Please review and assess compliance yourself. We cannot provide legal advice.

8. Can a free DIN SPEC also be reproduced free of charge?

No. Reproducing a DIN SPEC incurs license fees based on the intended use. The fictitious purchase price equals the number of pages in euros.

9. What is a company standard (Werknorm)? May I incorporate standards into internal rules?

Creating company standards through operational modifications of DIN standards as independent works does not require permission (see DIN 820-1, Section 9).
Examples such as adding a company name or logo do not count as operational modifications.
Original text may only be used if your company holds a network license and uses the company standard accordingly. Otherwise, content must be adapted or a reproduction permit obtained.
Using standardized terms, symbols, and designations is generally free of charge.
Note: ISO standards are subject to ISO’s fee schedule (POCOSA).

10. May I distribute the standard within my company?

No. A purchased standard grants only a single-user license. Distribution or intranet upload requires a network license.

11. For which standards can I obtain a reproduction permit?

We license DIN and ISO standards. For other standards, please contact the respective copyright holder.

12. May I use standards for AI applications?

No. We do not grant permission for any AI-related use, including text and data mining, language models, or AI training.

13. What must I ensure when using the “Online Publication” license model?

You must ensure:

  • No content can be copied (e.g., via copy & paste).
  • The publication is not indexed by search engines or accessible by web crawlers, spiders, or similar technologies.
  • The publication is protected against text and data mining, including a machine-readable usage restriction under § 44b(3) UrhG for the reproduced DIN standard.
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