One step at a time.
It often starts with a trigger: a letter, a deadline, a plan. Here you will find typical situations in which companies turn to me, each with what matters first and the way to the relevant area of law. The pages describe the situation under German law.
Competition, trademarks, copyright
- Warning letter received (advertising, online shop)
- Warning letter over a photo, text or music
- Preliminary injunction served
- Platform blocks listings or seller account
- Customs detain goods
- Company name conflicts with a trademark
- Allegation of patent or design infringement
Also, among others: warning letter over a trademark, contractual penalty demanded, unfair advertising by a competitor, imitations and counterfeits, trademark filing, environmental claims, launching an online shop, prize games and discount campaigns, influencer marketing, newsletters and email advertising. More: Unfair competition law, Intellectual property.
IT, data, AI
- IT project in crisis
- GDPR access request or damages claim
- Inquiry or fine from the data protection authority
- Cookie banner or tracking challenged
- Accessibility complaint
- Data transfers to the US or other third countries
- Software provider insolvent or service discontinued
- Switching cloud provider
- Products with digital elements (Cyber Resilience Act)
- Payment after a fake email
Also, among others: software, SaaS and cloud contracts, announced licence audits, data breaches and cyberattacks, whether NIS2 and the BSIG apply, introducing AI, an agency or provider that fails to deliver, domain disputes, data access requests under the Data Act, open source licences, whistleblower systems. More: IT law.
Media and statements
Also, among others: false allegations and online storms, photos or videos published without consent, impending press coverage and media enquiries, counterstatements, employer reviews, public statements by employees. More: Media law.
Company and cooperation
Also, among others: formation and choice of legal form, exit or exclusion of a shareholder, cooperation and joint ventures, removal and liability of managing directors, managing director contracts, shareholder meetings, succession. More: Company law.
Contracts and claims
- Customer does not pay
- Payment order or lawsuit received
- Claim against a customer abroad
- Lawsuit served from another country
- Choice of law and jurisdiction in international contracts
Also, among others: defects in deliveries or work, late delivery, general terms and purchasing conditions, getting out of a contract, price increases, contractual penalties, commercial leases, termination of a commercial agency contract, account garnishment. For companies entering the German market: Doing business in Germany. More: Civil and commercial law.
Employment
- Dismissing an employee
- Freelancers: checking for false self-employment
- A works council is being formed
- Regulating employees’ use of AI
Also, among others: unfair dismissal claim received, termination agreements, formal warnings to employees, working from abroad, employees taking know-how or customers, non-compete clauses, monitoring email and internet use, employment references. More: Employment law.
Resolving disputes without court
Negotiations are deadlocked, a contract provides for arbitration, or you would like a second opinion on ongoing proceedings. More: Business mediation, Arbitration.
Management
Training obligations under NIS2 and the BSIG and under the AI Act, and upcoming key dates. More: Training, Deadlines for businesses.
Next steps
Send me the documents by email to kanzlei@bauer.legal or use the appointment request, and mention any deadline that is running. I usually reply within one working day and let you know how things can proceed. You can write to me in English or German. How we work together and how fees are charged is explained under How we work together.
This overview gives a general picture of German law and does not replace advice on the individual case.