The consumer and retail sector is arguably the sector most affected by the online revolution and tech disrupters. Coupled with huge shifts in consumer focus through social media, provenance and sustainability concerns and the radical changes in the way people work in the gig economy, the pace of change is unprecedented. The need for businesses to innovate has never been more critical.
We’re helping companies adapt to these changes and innovate so that their businesses are ready for the future. Our international team advises 32 of the world’s top 50 most valuable brands.
We regularly advise businesses on industry issues, such as innovative use of technology and data, how to tackle infringement and counterfeit goods, data breaches, reputation management, labelling, licensing and franchising, supply chain management, environment and sustainability. We support businesses expanding into new markets (often utilising our network of international offices), as well as domestic growth for both ecommerce platforms and stores. We advise businesses at all stages of their lifecycle, from seed funding to major transactions and corporate restructurings.
With detailed knowledge of the retail sector, our market insights, original solutions and legal advice are shaped by current trends in the market. Clients value our collaborative approach. We're more than just their lawyers; we're trusted and valued colleagues.
Areas of focus
Fashion & luxuryAdvising various DAX companies as well as other companies from all sectors on legal aspects related to the German Supply Chain Sourcing Obligations Act (Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz - LkSG). The scope of our advisory services ranges from needs analysis, implementation and ongoing advice in day-to-day business to strategic, tactical and operational anticipation and support of conflicts and disputes.
Advising a German international retail chain on various legal issues relating to the LkSG. In particular, advice on examining the scope of application of the LkSG, on conducting a GAP analysis to identify legal gaps, on the involvement of the purchasing department by developing instructions for action in terms of a LkSG-compliant procurement strategy, on checklists for several business areas as well as on liability issues of the management and the purchasing department.
Vinted, Europe's largest online international C2C marketplace dedicated to second-hand fashion, on its EUR128 million Series E round financing which values the company at over EUR1 billion.The round was led by new investor Lightspeed Venture Partners, with participation from existing backers including Sprints Capital, Insight Venture Partners, Accel and Burda Principal Investments.
Press releaseThe sellers of GTI Corporation Limited, a manufacturer and designer of specialist systems and tools to the automotive industry (with a particular focus on high-performance and luxury cars) on its sale to Kanwal UK Holdings. The transaction represented the culmination of years' of strategic collaboration between GTI and Taylor Wessing and was entered into in connection with the settlement of litigation proceedings between GTI and a major automotive manufacturer.
Press releaseOur longstanding client, Rutland Partners acquired Hereford Contract Canning. HCC is the largest contract canning provider in the UK.
Press releaseThe UK’s largest online meal-kit manufacturer, Gousto, on its latest GBP30 million fundraising round. Led by private equity investor Perwyn, the investment takes the total funds raised by Gousto to over GBP100 million. Gousto will use the investment to evolve its technology proposition, so it can continue to lead the recipe box category and grow its share of the 1 billion home-cooked meals eaten in the UK weekly. This is the third funding round that Taylor Wessing has advised Gousto on.
Press releaseLatest news & insights
Consumer and Retail in the News
by multiple authors
Fashion and Luxury Market Update
by Jason Rawkins and Simon Jupp
Drip pricing: CMA clarifies obligations
by Simon Jupp and Louise Popple
Consumer and Retail in the News
by multiple authors
Fashion and Luxury Market Update
by Jason Rawkins and Simon Jupp
Online tools
Interface
Analysis and exploration of legal and commercial issues in tech, IP, media and related sectors.
Global Data Hub
Our data protection microsite, is a one-stop shop for up-to-date, international information on data privacy law, offering practical insights, thought leadership and guidance on data protection law. All content on the Hub is available for free and receives over 30,000 visitors a month. We have added a wealth of GDPR-specific articles and a number of GDPR checklists supported by a bank of virtual learning webinars to help clients with their preparations for implementation.
TW: Cyber Response
Our data breach mobile app helps organisations prepare for and respond to data breaches. Organisations will face potential multi-million pound fines for data breaches after 25 May 2018. TW:Cyber Response provides practical assistance to help clients prepare for and manage breaches as effectively as possible, to minimise their exposure to regulatory action, litigation risk, and reputational damage. The app is available to download from the App Store and Google Play Store.
Modern slavery act assessment tool
The UK’s Modern Slavery Act requires businesses to disclose their approach to forced labour on their website. Affected organisations need to produce a statement within six months of their year-end. Does your business need to produce a statement?