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.
Almost exactly one year after filing its lawsuit against OpenAI, GEMA achieved a major victory against the US AI company before the Regional Court of Munich. The court ordered OpenAI to cease and desist, provide information and pay damages.
Geographical origin or mere recipe? While new trends may have emerged on social media, the legal battle over this phenomenon continues. The Higher Regional Court of Cologne ruled in four cases that “Dubai chocolate” is (still) considered an indication of origin under trademark law.
Design has always been about more than just aesthetics. A well-crafted design can evoke emotions, convey values, and ensure brand recognition. Ideally, it defines a brand, significantly influencing its success. In today's competitive landscape, effective protection of design rights is therefore essential. In this blog post, we shed light on the application process at the EUIPO and highlight the key things to pay attention to when filing your design application.
Can a single shade of orange be distinctive enough to warrant EU trade mark protection? The General Court recently delivered its answer in a case that spans decades and raises fundamental questions about the requirements for claiming acquired distinctiveness. The Veuve Clicquot decision (T-652/22) serves as a key reminder: proving acquired distinctiveness in the EU is a high-stakes and high-evidence game.
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.
