We are pleased to announce that Schlun & Elseven has received the Handelsblatt award as "Best Law Firm" in the practice area of employment law for 2025.Additionally, the head of our Employment Law Practice Group, Dr. Thomas Bichat, has once again received recognition as "Best Lawyer" in employment law.The award is based on an [...]
Emails are an indispensable part of modern communication – both in private and professional contexts. But what happens when the content of an email suddenly appears on the internet? Whether on blogs, forums, social media, or websites: the publication of emails is not uncommon nowadays – and may carry considerable legal risks. The situation becomes [...]
Acquiring German citizenship is an important, often life-changing step. It opens up new rights – from voting to freedom of travel within the EU – and provides secure residence status. But anyone considering German citizenship faces a crucial question: How long does naturalisation take after submitting the application? The short answer: expect 18 to 24 [...]
Oktoberfest in Munich attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. While it represents an unforgettable occasion for most attendees filled with joyful gatherings, flowing beer, and a sense of unbridled celebration, it also carries potential risks. Legal difficulties and an arrest at the Wiesn (festival grounds) can turn a beautiful festival [...]
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 [...]
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. Basic tariffs on all German exports, increased EU tariffs, and drastic special tariffs on individual industries have already led to noticeable economic burdens. While the Federal Appeals [...]
Contract negotiations often extend over months in intricate business transactions, involving numerous meetings, renegotiations, and extensive correspondence. This process frequently generates substantial costs - legal fees, notary expenses, and professional advisory services. Additionally, parties may make premature investments such as purchasing materials, hiring staff, or securing financing based on anticipated contract completion.When negotiations that seemed [...]
Social media has become integral to our daily lives, with influencers sharing their lifestyles and introducing followers to their favourite products and habits. However, the wealth displayed on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube is attracting not just admiration from followers, but increasingly the attention of German tax authorities. In North Rhine-Westphalia alone, the State Office [...]
On August 5, 2025, Munich Regional Court I delivered a significant ruling in favour of Germany's Paulaner Brewery Group in a trademark dispute, highlighting the intense competitive landscape in the European beverage market. The case (Case No. 33 O 14496/24) centred on "Spezi" – a German cola-beer mix drink that has become a cultural [...]
Waves, circles, and colour combinations inspired by wallpaper – what sounds peculiar at first is a serious legal dispute in design law currently being heard at the Munich Regional Court I (LG München I). Paulaner Brauerei Gruppe filed the lawsuit against its competitor Berentzen (Reference Number 33 0 14496/24). The dispute involves 250,000 euros and [...]