Dear Recipient,

Another year with Covid-19 has passed but a vigorous new year - The Year of the Black Tiger - lies ahead of us! In 2022 the brave and fearless spirit of the Tiger shall inspire all of us to blaze new trails, take on new challenges, and not be deterred. In the following, we have compiled a list of topics that you should be aware of for your successful adventures in Germany.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can support you in your endeavours.

감사합니다

Last year cyber security breaches compromised the personal data of millions of individuals around the globe. The Microsoft Exchange Exploit beginning of this year was just the tip of the iceberg. The consequences of a cyber security breach can be detrimental if not handled properly. Find out the answers to the Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions from our experts with an initial checklist that can help to ask the most important questions right away if worst comes to worst.

Cyber attacks on the ecosystem of the connected vehicle can pose a considerable threat to the safety of vehicle occupants and thus to road safety. The latest draft of the UNECE WP.29 regulations on vehicle cyber security stipulates that in future, automobile manufacturers must implement a Vehicle Cyber-Security Management System (CSMS). This puts pressure on vehicle manufacturers to establish appropriate security architectures in a timely manner. Read more about our expert‘s insights on connected cars, cyber security and data protection challenges.

While you are at it, the 5 Major Take Aways for OEMs and Mobility Service Provider regarding the latest EDPB Guidelines on Connected Vehicles might be of interest as well.

Speaking of data protection, a lot has happened in 2021 on the topic of international data transfer. In June 2021, the EU Commission published the new European Standard Contractual Clauses („SCCs“), which has immense practical impact as almost every company doing business in the EU or with a EU subsidiary is affected. Find out what that means and how to manage the legal changes in data transfers. For a deeper dive, read our experts in-depth analysis of the new SCCs. Also, check out our SCC Generatorif you need to conclude new SCCs.

On a good note: the European Commission has finally adopted its adequacy decision on the Republic of Korea. The adequacy decision allows for the free flow of personal data between the EU and Korea without having to rely on additional transfer tools (such as the SCCs). This will streamline many of your processes but make sure you have a good picture of your international data flows: one of your processor‘s subs could be located e.g. in the US. A proper supplier onboarding will therefore be indispensible.

But GDPR compliance in not the only thing you should look for in your suppliers: sustainablity is not just a buzz word - at least not anymore. Under the Supply Chain Act, companies are required to exercise human rights due diligence along the entire supply chain and create sustainable supply chains. This is intended to prevent human rights and environmental violations. Find out what measures you have to take and what sustainable contract design entails.

Further, we want to shed light on the EU Whistleblowing Directive, under which businesses and government bodies operating in any EU country must set up an internal whistleblowing system to give whistleblowers confidentiality and provide access to an independent investigation.Find out why you need to act now and how we can help.

Recent changes to German employment law and the election of a new government will require employers to take action to ensure that they are compliant with the new legislation in 2022. You can find an overview of changes to German employment law here. 

Lastly, find out more about the major legal shifts in 2022 and their implications in our Plug-In Issue #39. But be prepared - a lot will change! Amongst others, we are looking at an eventful year for consumer protection in e-commerce and German Civil Code Updates. To stay informed, make sure to subscribe to our PULSE newsletter, where we bring you the latest legal news and updates.

If you want more information on any topic or should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.


The Taylor Wessing Korean Desk

With its Korean Desk Taylor Wessing provides Korean clients one-stop-shop legal support services in all relevant areas of the law tailored to our clients needs – also in Korean language!