Overview
- The dispute began when AfD politician Felix Teichner used Heino’s name and a reference to his song in a social media post to promote a local campaign without permission.
- Heino first secured a cease‑and‑desist declaration from a German court after the post, arguing it risked placing him in a right‑wing political context he rejects.
- Because Heino lives in Kitzbühel, Austria, he brought a damages claim in Innsbruck that originally sought €30,000 for non‑material harm.
- The parties settled in Innsbruck with the AfD‑Kreisverband Uckermark agreeing to pay €7,500 and Teichner issuing an apology, which Heino’s manager says closes the case.
- Heino’s management presented the outcome as a deterrent to unauthorized use of public figures in election advertising and the case highlights how German and Austrian rights protect name and image use.