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.
In our latest blog post, we take a look at the important EU initiatives to combat greenwashing and the implementation of the EmpCo Directive into German law. We explain the planned changes to the German Unfair Competition Act (UWG) and how companies will have to communicate green claims more clearly and comprehensibly in future. We also look at the practical implications of these regulations for companies and offer valuable tips on how you can prepare for the new requirements. Find out more about the legal challenges and the necessary adjustments.
Brands are valuable assets that need to be maintained and modernized over time in order to remain relevant. However, modernizing a brand is a balancing act. On the one hand, the brand needs to be updated to reflect changing consumer preferences and market trends. On the other hand, it is important to maintain brand identity and recognition. Our blog post sheds light on the legal framework conditions based on European trademark law and analyses what options trademark owners have to adapt and further develop their trademarks without jeopardizing their property rights. We point out the pitfalls to watch out for when modernizing a brand and provide practical tips for successful brand maintenance.
German collecting society GEMA now seems to be going on the offensive against providers of generative AI systems. Following the presentation of a – in their opinion – fair licensing model for generative artificial intelligence at the end of September, an “AI Charter” as a suggestion and guideline for the responsible use of generative AI was presented at the beginning of November, and now a lawsuit has been filed against OpenAI at the Munich Regional Court.
In a landmark decision, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled on 24 October 2024 that the Member States of the European Union are obliged to protect works of applied art, regardless of their country of origin or the nationality of their creators. “Works of applied art” are objects that serve a specific purpose but are also artistically designed. Examples include furniture such as chairs, shelves and lamps, but also – under strict conditions – fashion creations.
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.
