HARTE-BAVENDAMM offers specialized legal services in intellectual property and unfair competition law, catering to innovative enterprises not just within Germany, but across the globe.
At Home in Hamburg, Globally Committed
Operating from our office in a borough in the heart of the City of Hamburg known as “HafenCity”, we maintain a global outlook and vigilantly oversee the broader context. As economic activities transcend national boundaries, legal considerations follow suit.
Trademarks are used to identify the source of goods and services. Figurative marks in particular are highly recognizable – a few clear lines or a concise shape are often enough to instantly identify a trademark. However, not every figurative sign can be protected as a trademark. While simple figurative marks, such as the famous double-arched "M" of McDonald's, are inherently distinctive and easily recognized even in another figurative pattern, abstract geometric basic shapes are denied distinctiveness and, if registered, are granted only a very limited scope of protection.
The big hype surrounding the trendy chocolate is probably over, but the legal repercussions are in full swing. The question of whether “Dubai Chocolate” must actually be produced in Dubai, continues to be the subject of controversial debate. Even the District Court of Cologne is divided.
In a landmark decision (judgment of October 4, 2024, C-438/23, ECLI:EU:C:2024:826), the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers (the Regulation) must be interpreted as meaning that Member States cannot generally prohibit the labelling of plant-based foods with terms commonly used for meat products, as long as no “legal name” has been established by the Member State concerned.
Dr. Michael Goldmann has been recognized as Intellectual Property Lawyer of the Year at the Legal 500 Germany Awards, which were held for the second time on 21 February 2025.
From the inception of a business idea, through its development and commercialisation, we offer strategic legal advice on IP law with respect to securing and enforcing intellectual property rights and the execution of development, licensing and distribution agreements.
Awards & Recognitions
For years, HARTE-BAVENDAMM has consistently been acknowledged as a premier German law firm specializing in trademark and unfair competition law, earning acclaim in numerous esteemed rankings such as Chambers, WTR 1000, The Legal 500, IP Stars and JUVE Handbuch.
