The significance of industrial property rights is constantly increasing, both in business and in case law, just one example of this being the long-standing dispute between Apple and Samsung. Trademarks, and likewise patents, not only protect the intellectual property of a company, but are also real business assets. Advising and representing national and international companies in the entertainment industry, press enterprises, as well as media companies and the organisers of sporting events, in particular on intellectual property issues, has led to the fact that areas such as media, sports and entertainment, which were once clearly defined, are now inseparably linked.

Our practice group supports clients in the entire spectrum of intellectual property rights, in particular in trademark, design, copyright and competition law. Our expertise includes the selection of the appropriate type of IP rights, the clarification of the availability of specifically targeted IP rights as well as the development and implementation of national and international filing strategies. In addition, we advise and represent our clients in the prosecution of infringements or the defense against allegations of infringement, both out of court and in court.

IT law plays a key role in development of new technologies and innovative business models, in particular in the areas Internet, e-commerce and data marketing.

We provide IT law advice and support with respect to IT contracts of all kinds, IT projects, the use and marketing of IT services, IT outsourcing, transactions, software copyright issues, and with respect to Internet law.

Our IT team also has comprehensive experience in advising on IT restructuring concepts, even after a merger of joint venture. Compliance aspects, the protection of trade secrets and data protection law requirements are naturally taken into account so that business models can be structured in compliance with IT and data protection laws.

Typical data protection issues in particular include the analysis and use of digital media content/data, cloud computing solutions, (in-house) data transfer, customer loyalty programmes and company data protection compliance.

We provide support both with respect to regulatory issues involving the Federal Network Agency, with respect to procurement and procurement review proceedings before the competent public procurement tribunals or courts, as well as with respect to antitrust issues, which repeatedly arise in the course of normal business activities.

Our international network Multilaw also ensures that our clients can be advised and represented in nearly all important jurisdictions with respect to foreign law by cooperation partners from 60 countries.