Competition Law

Competition is good for business

Commercial success can frequently be dependent on how vigorously you defend your position in the competitive arena. The legal framework for this is provided by the German Unfair Competition Act (UWG) and the Act against Restraints of Competition (GWB). Adherence to the rules and consistent action taken against competitors who overstep the mark can often determine the success or failure of a business idea or marketing concept. In this context, e-commerce can offer great opportunities, but also a variety of risks for commercial enterprises. Due to the extremely short limitation periods of the UWG, quick reaction options are crucial for successful legal enforcement or a necessary defence.

Our experts will represent you in and out of court against competitors who engage in anti-competitive behaviour and will support you if a competitor accuses your company of anti-competitive behaviour. Our team provide the following services:

• Legal support in the conception and design of business ideas and advertising campaigns.
• Advice on imitation protection under unfair competition law after the expiry of intellectual property rights.
• Legal advice on e-commerce.
• Advice on business strategies and business agreements in terms of unfair competition and antitrust law.
• Review and creation of legal texts, such as general terms and conditions, usage agreements or data protection declarations.
• Review of contracts and measures for compliance with unfair competition and antitrust law.
• Legal review of websites.
• Advice on the correct use of marks on products, in advertising or in other contexts.
• Advice on information and labelling requirements (e.g. provider and product labelling).
• Advice on the German Drug Advertising and Medical Devices Acts.
• Advice on food and cosmetics law.