The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia adopted the draft Faires-Wohnen-Gesetz (Fair Housing Act, FWoG NRW) in March 2026. The legislation is intended to replace the existing Wohnraumstärkungsgesetz (Housing Strengthening Act) of 2021 and introduce stronger measures to address abuses in the housing market. The draft provides for amendments and new provisions across four main [...]
Under German law, a pressing question is arising for many business owners who have signed up for expensive online coaching programs and paid thousands of euros: was the contract ever legally valid? The Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof, BGH) has made its position clear: many coaching contracts are void. In its judgment of 12 [...]
The Trump administration’s tariff policy poses significant challenges for German exporters. Medium-sized enterprises that depend on US markets or are integrated into global supply chains are particularly affected.The legal landscape shifted dramatically on 20 February 2026, when the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the IEEPA-based tariffs were illegal. However, this has not ended the [...]
The vault burglary in Gelsenkirchen committed over the Christmas holidays raises numerous questions for bank customers: How do I find out if I am affected? Is my property lost? Is the bank liable for the damage? What legal steps can I take now? The incident in North Rhine-Westphalia is causing nationwide attention: Unknown perpetrators gained [...]
Artificial intelligence (AI) now makes it possible to imitate voices in a deceptively realistic way – but anyone who uses the voice of prominent personalities without their consent commits a violation of personality rights under German Law. This was clarified by the Berlin District Court II in a landmark judgment dated August 20, 2025 [...]
The online coaching market is booming, with promises of personal transformation, professional success, and financial freedom. However, coaching contracts often contain legal pitfalls: unclear contract clauses, missing withdrawal instructions, and courses that actually fall under Germany's Distance Learning Protection Act (FernUSG) yet are offered without the required authorisation from the Central Office for Distance [...]
Birkenstock was denied copyright protection by the Federal Court of Justice in Germany (BGH) on 20 February 2025 after they have tried to sue in multiple cases against similar sandals of their competition, BGH, I ZR 16/24, I ZR 17/24, I ZR 18/24. No Copyright Protection for Birkenstock Sandals A requirement to receive copyright protection [...]
Germany's laws and regulations on cannabis possession and use appear to be on the verge of enormous changes as the German parliament has supported a new law to allow the recreational use of cannabis. This decision represents a significant milestone in the nation's drug policy landscape; however, it is only a partial legalisation of [...]
The use of Artificial Intelligence is set to be regulated in the EU in the future through the so-called AI-Act in order to address the potential risks of this technology. Although this measure should be considered more as a "Work in Progress" due to the unpredictable future of AI, today the framework is to [...]
From September 2023, consumer protection associations will have a new legal instrument at their disposal to obtain collective redress against businesses on behalf of consumers. With the remedial action, it will be possible for associations to sue for performance, but also for damages, contract termination, price reduction, or purchase price reimbursement in cases involving [...]