Reliable Counsel & Industry-Specific Expertise: Your German Legal Partner
Our German automotive lawyers have many years of experience representing both publicly and privately held automobile dealers and local, regional, and nationwide dealer groups. We understand the complex inner workings of the automotive industry and based on our experience across multiple manufacturer lines, we offer reliable counsel on risk avoidance, as well as defence when litigation arises.
At Schlun & Elseven our automotive lawyers have an extensive background of working alongside key Original Equipment Manufacturers (or OEMs) and suppliers in the local automotive industry, as well as assisting foreign clients with the German legal framework and its implications. Our approach is practical and highly specialised, having a multidisciplinary unit specialized in the German Automotive field, formed by a team of expert lawyers in different branches of law, with full knowledge of the industry difficulties that commonly arise.
Automotive Industry Legal Interactions: Our Expertise in Specific Fields
Our full-service approach allows us to provide comprehensive assistance and insightful advice across the broad spectrum of legal areas in Germany. Below we provide an outline of how some legal fields interact with the automotive industry. If you have a specific legal situation which requires astute advice on or in which legal representation is required, our legal team can be reached through our contact details at the bottom of this article.
The Importance of the Automotive Industry in Germany
There is no doubt that the automotive industry is of particular importance in the global industry network. In the case of Germany, the automotive industry is one of the largest employers, boasting a labour force of more than 900 thousand people. Outside to the automotive chain itself, having a good affiliation with sectors like steel and derivatives, machinery and equipment, electronic materials and more; are also key for any investment in the automotive industries.
Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte consists of a team of lawyers with experience and knowledge across a wide field of legal areas in Germany. From our offices in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Aachen as well as conference rooms across Germany, your business can benefit from full legal service from one source. Our practice group for the German automotive industry is composed of professionals with in-depth knowledge of the regulations and the needs and opportunities of the industry. Our team is familiar with the concepts and terminology of the industry and highly qualified to serve customers at all points of the vehicle production chain, from the manufacture of parts to automakers, carriers, dealers and sales. Contact us today to start a productive legal partnership.
The Drafting and Review of Contracts & Commercial Activities
The automotive industry consists of many different partners, between the manufacturers of the equipment, supply chains and distributors. Not surprisingly, the need for lawyers with a keen understanding of contracts and commercial agreements is crucial for success. Our commercial lawyers can be relied upon for all matters concerning commercial contracts, such as supply contracts, distribution agreements as well as software and technology contracts. Where disputes do arise regarding the supply chain or in distribution, our lawyers are seasoned negotiators who will aim to ensure that your concerns are made prioritised. Should cases reach the courts, you can rely on us to provide you with comprehensive representation.
In order to prevent allegations of breaches of contract or disputes over licences, a contract lawyer is a necessity. Our contract lawyers thoroughly analyse contracts when both drafting and reviewing them on behalf of our clients. Furthermore, we will be by your side in the event of your company requiring legal representation in the enforcement of contractual obligations.
Corporate Law Concerns: Automotive Industry
The automotive industry is ever-changing as new technological developments and new regulations are set to have a major impact on how businesses in the industry operate. With moves towards electrical vehicles and other hybrid models in process, it is more important than ever for your business to stay ahead of the competition and to maintain its legal protections. At Schlun & Elseven we advise experienced companies within the area as well as new companies looking to establish themselves. Our corporate lawyers advise on:
- Business structures and organisation,
- Competition law and how to avoid antitrust practices,
- Corporate restructuring.
- Compliance measures,
- Environmental law and regulations,
- Strategic partnerships for your company,
- The rights and responsibilities of managing directors.
The above listed are just some of the areas where our corporate lawyers advise, contact us directly for further advice.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
When looking to resolve disputes in Germany, it is crucial to have legal assistance. Our lawyers will where possible and where it is in our clients’ interests, look to resolve such matters outside of court through arbitration means. Arbitration procedures tend to be more cost-efficient, time saving and allow companies to avoid damaging negative publicity. Our lawyers can oversee your preparations for such arbitration measures as our industry-specific knowledge will be applied in such disputes.
However, some cases do end up in court and need to be resolved in that manner. Our lawyers are very familiar with the courts in Germany and in litigation they are ready to represent your company. From disputes over supply chain issues to shareholder litigation, our lawyers will be by your side. Contact us now if your company finds itself involved in litigation or if you are looking to bring a lawsuit in Germany.
Employment Law: Automotive Industry
With so many people employed in the automotive industry, it is important for companies involved to have practices and procedures in place to avoid legal disputes from arising. Our certified specialists in the field of employment law, Dr. Thomas Bichat and Mr. Jens Schmidt advise corporate groups on measures they can take to reduce the likelihood of employment law disputes arising. Our legal team assists companies in the design of anti-bullying and harassment measures, in implementing mechanisms by which employees can complain and in overseeing of training of management and supervisors, as to ensure that they are compliant with their legal expectations.
On the manufacturing side of the automotive industry, it is crucial for companies to have suitable safety measures in place to reduce the likelihood of accidents. Companies which allow dangerous working conditions to exist and companies which fail to implement safety measures leave themselves wide-open to legal action. Our lawyers advise private individuals on their options when considering legal action against their employer on these matters.
Trademarks, Intellectual Property and Patents
Standing out in the automotive industry can be achieved through your intellectual property. If your company develops a reputation for reliability and high-performance it is crucial to ensure that your copyrights, trademarks and other forms of intellectual property are kept protected. For those in the industry looking to get ahead by means of creativity and cutting-edge technology, it is critical to have dependable advice regarding what can be patented.
Our lawyers advise all forms of companies, including start-ups and more traditional businesses, as to their rights under intellectual property law. Not protecting your creativity by applying copyrights or patents where applicable can leave your company vulnerable to competitors and may result in your company not benefiting from its ideas and vision. The automotive industry remains at the forefront of technological advances and with the right legal partner, your company’s ideas can be hugely profitable.
Contact a lawyer with specialist knowledge of the German Automotive Industry
Please use contact form to tell us about your concerns regarding the automotive industry. After receiving your request, we will make a short preliminary assessment based on the information provided and give you a cost estimation.
Locations & Contact
Office Hours
Mon. – Fr:
09:00 – 19:00 o’clock
24h Contact:
+49 211 882 84196
E-Mail: info@se-legal.de
Appointments only after
telephone arrangement.
Aachen
Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte PartG
Von-Coels-Straße 214
52080 Aachen (Eilendorf)
Tel: +49 241 4757140
Fax: 0241 47571469
Cologne
Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte PartG
Kyffhäuserstr. 45
50674 Köln
Tel: +49 221 93295960
Fax: 0221 932959669
Düsseldorf
Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte PartG
Königsallee 60F
40212 Düsseldorf
Tel: +49 211 882 84196
Fax: 0221 932959669