We know the law

Fair business practices in the market are a prerequisite for our economy to work. In competition law, such practices are governed by legal regulation. It serves to protect competitors, consumers, and other market participants. We’ll advise and represent you—in and out of court. For example, if it's about the enforcement of claims arising from the supplementary protection of related rights under competition law, the unauthorized exploitation of trade secrets, issues regarding fairness or the legality of advertising measures.

Anyone who draws up artistic work is considered the originator according to the law. The artistic work can also include company logos, slogans or pictures that companies use for their own purposes. Even computer programs may be protected by copyright if they have artistic quality. In contrast to intellectual property rights, copyright protection is automatically given in such cases through the creative performance itself and—according to the German Copyright Act (UrhG)—ends 70 years after the death of the originator. We offer our services in all questions relating to copyright and related rights (such as ancillary copyright and media law): from comprehensive legal advice to expert evaluations.

In our information society, it is becoming increasingly important for companies to protect themselves in the area of IT law. We’ll support you—for example through the creation, revision, and negotiation of contracts (e.g. IT system, hosting, software license or maintenance contracts) or compliance guidelines. We’ll be pleased to advise you as competently and comprehensively as usual in all areas of IT. Furthermore, we’ll also stand up for you in IT-contractual disputes and represent your interests in court.

Trade secrets are the backbone of many business models and often a company’s most valuable asset. Unlike registered property rights such as patents or trademarks, trade secrets offer potentially unlimited protection – provided they are protected by appropriate measures. As a result of the Trade Secrets Act (GeschGehG), the requirements on protection have increased significantly: only those who take suitable legal, organizational, and technical precautions can enforce their rights and avoid liability risks when serious situations occur.

The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) applies directly in all member states and replaces the previous Directive 94/62/EC. It covers different types of packaging, regardless of material, intended use, or industry. The new Regulation affects all players along the supply chain, from manufacturers and importers to retailers, suppliers, and end consumers. The PPWR aims to promote the reuse of packaging, improve recycling processes, and establish an efficient circular economy. At the same time, the Regulation harmonizes the existing regulations in the EU internal market, creating uniform competitive conditions. For companies, this means not only new legal requirements, but also opportunities to develop innovative and sustainable packaging solutions at an early stage and in doing so secure a competitive advantage.