Pulse 4.2025 – an update from Taylor Wessing

DMA in action: EU Commission imposes EUR 200 million fine on Meta for data use offence

• The European Commission has imposed fines under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) for the first time. This is of interest not only because of the amount of the fine (EUR 200 million), but also because of the data protection perspective of the proceedings against Meta.
• The basis for this is a violation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), specifically the obligation under Article 5 (2) (1) (b) DMA to give users a real choice when merging their personal data across services 
• The first fine decision illustrates the enforcement of data protection principles through the antitrust regulation of the DMA - at the same time, it points to the relevance of the debate on “consent or pay” models, which address fundamental freedom of choice in the context of the GDPR 

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The new bans of the AI Regulation and their impact on the insurance industry

• The prohibitions of the AI Act have officially been in force since February 2025 - the insurance industry is now required to review its AI-supported processes considering the new requirements 
• The guidelines published by the European Commission provide a valuable aid to interpretation  
• What do insurance companies need to consider regarding the AI Act?

Read more [German only]

Update to the article dated 23 January 2025: Commission sidesteps concerns about DPF stability

• Continued existence of the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) remains uncertain - the Commission answers questions on data security evasively 
• The status of the agreement could be the subject of future negotiations 
• Legal uncertainty persists and further developments must be closely monitored

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New US data transfer rules: What companies now need to know about the “Bulk Data Rule” 

• Since 8 April 2025, new requirements for international data transfers have applied in the USA via the Final Rule to Executive Order 14117 (“Bulk Data Rule”) 
• This aims to protect sensitive personal and government-related data of US citizens from access by so-called “countries of concern” - currently China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Russia, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela and Cuba 
• The regulation concerns certain data transactions from the USA in which sensitive data could be viewed or used by foreign persons or companies with links to the aforementioned "countries of concern" 
• an extensive FAQ

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AI and digital data in the Coalition Agreement 2025 - key points and European legal context

• The coalition partners are ambitious: Germany should become an AI nation 
• An independent Federal Ministry for Digitalisation and State Modernisation will be created to emphasise the cross-sectional tasks 
• Ten key points for AI and data utilisation 

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Advocate General: Free offers can also be “sales” within the meaning of the ePrivacy Directive - recourse to Article 6 GDPR not required

• According to Advocate General Szpunar, the provision of a supposedly free service for advertising purposes can also constitute a form of direct marketing within the meaning of the ePrivacy Directive  
• This would mean that newsletters could be sent without prior consent if the requirements of Article 13 (2) ePrivacy Directive are met - recourse to Article 6 GDPR would then no longer be necessary 
• A look at the key questions

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GDPR dispute resolution: Advocate General Ćapeta in favour of direct action against EDPB decisions under Article 65 GDPR (WhatsApp)

• In her Opinion, the Advocate General recommends that the CJEU declare WhatsApp’s action for annulment against a binding decision of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) admissible pursuant to Article 65 GDPR 
• The EU General Court (EGC) had previously dismissed the action as inadmissible 
• Background and possible consequences for practice

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BGH: Consumer protection associations are authorised to sue if GDPR information obligations are violated

• Following the CJEU’s decision of 11 July 2024 in case C-757/22, the Federal Court of Justice has now issued a final ruling on the relationship between the German provisions in the Act on Injunctions for Consumer Rights and Other Infringements (UKlaG) and the Act against Unfair Competition (UWG) and the GDPR 
• The Federal Court of Justice confirms the opinion of the CJEU and already allows the breach of an information obligation pursuant to Article 12 et seq. of the GDPR to be sufficient in certain cases for consumer protection organisations to have standing to sue under the UKlaG. 
• Background, reasons for the decision and practical recommendations

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Open source pitfalls with AI-generated code

• Artificial intelligence (AI) is now regularly used in software development to generate code and thus speed up development processes 
• But what happens if this code contains open source software (OSS) components, especially those that are under a copyleft licence? 
• Developers who adopt the code without checking it run the risk of violating licence terms with potentially serious legal and economic consequences 

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The importance of cyber security compliance – an overview of the EU regulatory framework

• The digitalisation of society is progressing inexorably, and there is hardly an area that is not affected in some way, but the digital space also harbours security risks 
• To mitigate these risks, the EU has introduced or is in the process of introducing a variety of cybersecurity laws, leaving companies subject to a difficult and sometimes confusing legal framework 
• The article provides a brief overview of the most important EU cybersecurity compliance regulations 

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Current challenges for contract drafting: New requirements under the latest EU legislation on digital/cybersecurity issues

• For many EU legal acts that have recently come into force or will soon come into force on the subject of digital and cybersecurity law - such as the Product Safety Regulation, Digital Services Act, NIS-2, CRA, Data Act, AI Act, etc. – there is a lack of awareness of the problems and options for shaping them 
• An overview

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Key EU Accessibility Act exemptions and the challenges they pose

• The European Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into force across the European Union on 28 June 2025, but many organisations are still struggling to interpret the obligations and exemptions it sets out, as no guidance is available from either the EU or Member States 
• Who is affected and what will apply in future 

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Understanding subscription contracts between game companies and consumers in Germany  

• Adjustments to subscription fees and changes to the scope of services of subscriptions are of great importance for games companies 
• However, German courts have recently dealt with general terms and conditions that allow streaming service providers to increase subscription fees - their decisions are also relevant for the games industry 
• A quick look at the decisions

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Webinar

Digital Legal Academy 2025 Session #2: What is important in the development of AI tools

• AI is more than just a technical innovation - the handling of data and the interaction between humans and machines is being fundamentally reshaped 
• Companies that develop high-risk AI systems bear a particularly high level of responsibility and they are subject to particularly strict regulation 
• How can personal data be protected? How can bias and discrimination be prevented? What data can be used to train the AI? 

To recording [German only]

Politics Webinar Session #5: Digitalisation & Tech 
5 May 2025 

• “The fax machines in our country must be disposed of”, commented SPD leader Lars Klingbeil on the grand coalition’s plans to establish the new Ministry for Digitalisation and State Modernisation 
• Will the Ministry of Digital Affairs, which the business community has long been calling for, actually bring about a change and drive digitalisation in Germany? How can AI be utilised on a large scale? What are the most pressing tasks? 
• We talk to Antonia Bruhn, Senior Manager Public Policy at AWS DACH, about what to expect from the grand coalition and what companies need to prepare for 

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AI expertise - basic knowledge for your employees and external parties 

• Fulfil your company obligations - mandatory training in accordance with Article 4 KI-VO (basics and basic competence) 
• On 2 February 2025 the first implementation deadline of the AI Regulation (KI-VO) expired – this means that all companies are obliged to take measures to ensure that their staff and external parties who come into contact with AI systems in their operations have sufficient AI competence 
• With our basic training, we primarily provide your employees and external parties with the necessary skills to understand the risks and opportunities of AI and the legal foundations of AI. 

23 May 2025

To paid registration [German only]

27June 2025

To paid registration [German only]

18 July 2025

To paid registration [German only]

5 September 2025

To paid registration [German only]

Podcast

In the realm of shadow AI: Why ChatGPT & Co. are a risk for companies

• Is your new favourite intern also called ChatGPT? In one in three companies, employees use generative artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT & Co. without IT or management knowing about it, a Bitkom survey shows 
• The tricky thing is that such shadow AI harbours enormous liability risks for the company, even if it has no idea that the AI tools are being used 
• We talk to Prof Dr Rolf Schwartmann about how companies can deal with the legal challenges, how high-risk AI can be created by prompts - and what a hunting falcon has to do with AI (and a range of other topics)  

To the podcast

Blogs

Artificial intelligence 

• Artificial intelligence (AI) has long been promised as a ground-breaking innovation and it has now arrived 
• Recent advances have highlighted the potential of this exciting technology and made its adoption a business priority  

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Data Centre Expertise

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Global Data Hub 

• Insights and advice on data protection issues   

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Interface

• We shape the law of the digital future - in our tech magazine Interface, international colleagues write on digitalisation topics at the interface of business and law

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Metaverse

• Exciting insights and the latest developments in the context of metaverse, NFTs, web3, cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology

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Online content safety

• The UK’s Online Safety Act, the EU’s Digital Services Act and related topics 

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Update: Hospital transformation fund - public procurement law requirements for private and non-profit hospital operators

• The Federal Council approved the Hospital Transformation Fund Ordinance (KHTFV) on 21 March 2025 - the transformation fund is now entering the home straight 
• The funding contained therein amounts to up to EUR 50 billion over a period of ten years and is provided half by the federal states and half from statutory health insurance (SHI) funds 
• An insight 

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Newsflash: Certification according to medical device class IIA completed - dermatologist app in the fast lane 

• The latest from the legal dispute between Online-Doctor and Dermanostic

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Advertising for medical products with PAYBACK points 

• The First Civil Senate of the BGH must decide on the question of whether and, if so, up to what value limit advertising with monetary credits as part of a bonus system for the purchase of medical products is compatible with the Therapeutic Products Advertising Act (HWG) 
• Facts of the case, course of the proceedings and reasons for the decision 

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Bochum Regional Court: Reference for a preliminary ruling to the CJEU: Are blank patient wristbands for use in hospitals medical devices?

• In its order for reference to the CJEU, the Regional Court of Bochum deals with the question of whether blank patient wristbands qualify as medical devices within the meaning of Article 2 (1) of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (Medical Device Regulation – “MDR“) 
• Even if the court tends to answer this question in the negative in its decision, it did not make the final decision itself, but referred it to the CJEU for a preliminary ruling 
• Regulatory background, the court’s decision and practical tips

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BGH: “Gentle on the skin” is misleading advertising for biocidal products

• The judgement of the BGH of 23 January 2025 concerns advertising claims regarding the skin compatibility of a disinfectant hand foam
• A look at the proceedings 

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Administrative Court Düsseldorf: CBD oral care sprays are subject to food law 

• In a ruling dated 25 October 2024, the Administrative Court of Düsseldorf dealt with the question of the legal classification of CBD oral care sprays as food, cosmetics or medicinal products 
• A look at the proceedings 

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Regional Court of Berlin: Misleading advertising for “invisible” hearing aid

• In its ruling of 25 July 2023, the Regional Court of Berlin prohibited advertising for a hearing aid in which the “invisibility” of the hearing aid was advertised 
• The court categorised the advertising as misleading and therefore inadmissible, as the statements made gave the impression that the hearing aid was actually invisible in the sense of “imperceptible to outsiders”  

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Collaborations between Life Sciences and Tech Companies: A Strategic Path to Digital Transformation

• In the rapidly evolving life science and healthcare (LSHC) industry, LSHC companies are facing a key challenge: digital transformation 
• New technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data and digital platforms are revolutionising the way products are developed, marketed and used 
• While acquiring a technology company can be a possible solution, strategic collaborations offer a more cost-effective and flexible alternative to drive this transformation forward

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Carve-outs – Life sciences investment opportunities in a recovering M&A market

• After the last few difficult years, there were clear signs of a recovery in the European M&A market in 2024 - most dealmakers are therefore optimistic about the M&A market and expect the number of transactions to increase in 2025 
• Another trend that is likely to continue until 2025 is the spin-off of corporate divisions of larger groups, which often makes the sale of individual business units possible in the first place 
• What is a spin-off and what issues need to be considered? 

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Bundestag extends deadline for reimbursement of wound care products until 2 December 2025

• On 30 January 2025, the Bundestag decided to extend the deadline for the reimbursement of wound care products as part of the German Healthcare Reinforcement Act (GVSG) 
• According to the decision, “other products for wound treatment” remain reimbursable by statutory health insurance without formal proof of benefit in the Joint Federal Committee (G-BA) procedure 
• These include wound dressings containing silver or polyhexanide and hydrogels, which are used in particular for chronic and hard-to-heal wounds 

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Podcast

Patent Perspectives Quick Listens Episode 7: Obtaining documentary evidence in the UPC – a look at Rule 190 of the Rules of Procedure

• Our experts analyse the need to support UPC pleadings with evidence and how certain documents can be obtained under Rule 190 of the Rules of Procedure

To the podcast

Medical technology is not an easy market

• We talk about the reimbursement of medical devices, especially in the field of digital health, what strategies are available to obtain reimbursement from the statutory health insurance scheme and provide valuable insights into the process of price negotiations for medical aids, digital health applications and digital nursing applications 
• It also looks at how companies can deal with legal action by competitors and the impact of legal decisions in various European countries 

To the podcast [German only]

Webinars

Unfair competition law consequences of inaccurate risk classification of medical devices

• Are you involved in the distribution of medical devices? Then it is essential to ensure that the correct conformity assessment procedure is carried out successfully 
• Our expert explains how to master these complex requirements and how to avoid costly mistakes 

To the presentation

Politics Webinar Session #1: Healthcare

• Medical and nursing care for people in Germany should be good, needs-orientated and affordable 
• Far-reaching structural reforms that are also intended to improve working conditions for employees have been agreed by the CDU/CSU and SPD in their coalition agreement in the area of health and care 
• But what does this mean from a legal perspective? What are the grand coalition’s plans? Together with Matthias Beuth, CEO of DextraData Healthcare Technologies, we look at the most important healthcare policy plans of the new coalition and analyse the opportunities and challenges for players in the healthcare sector over the next four years 

To recording [German only]

Digital Devices Discussions | Session #5: Implementing the EU Data Act: Digital Medical Devices and Health Apps in Focus
22 May 2025

• The EU Data Act creates a comprehensive framework for cross-industry data access and exchange, which has significant implications for digital medical devices and health apps 
• These technologies increasingly rely on large amounts of sensitive health data.  
• In this issue, we highlight the key provisions of the EU Data Act that are relevant to the digital health landscape 

To registration

Digital Devices Discussions | Session #6: IP strategies and tools to protect hardware, software, data and know-how of machines & gadgets
26 June 2025

• As today’s digital devices become more innovative and intelligent, protecting the underlying intellectual property becomes increasingly difficult 
• This issue explores the legal possibilities of patents, copyrights, designs, trade secrets and beyond, and develops strategies to best protect the innovations of machines and devices 

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Event

FemTech | Raising data treasures 
24 June 2025 
Berlin 

• The gender data gap is one of the most significant challenges in gender-specific medicine - women are known to be underrepresented in medical and technological studies 
• This data gap has far-reaching implications for the quality and relevance of research findings in the FemTech sector 
• Our event is dedicated to the question of how this gap can be closed to create a fairer and more accurate data basis for research. 

To registration [German only]

Blogs

The Unified Patent Court

• Insights, videos, FAQs and more on all important aspects of UPC  

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The best of the coalition agreement from an IP and UWG perspective

• We have looked through the coalition agreement with our IP and UWG glasses and summarise the most important points from our perspective 

Read more [German only]

Smiles allowed: When smiley shapes become a brand 

• Fast food products such as French fries are likely to bring a smile to many of our faces - a manufacturer of frozen potato products thought so too 
• To defend the smiley shape of its frozen products as an indication of origin, it even went to court and was successful. The Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court ruled that the smiling potato faces can serve as an indication of origin
• A look at the proceedings

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EU design reform phase I - changes from 1 May 2025 

• The time has come: The first phase of the EU design reform comes into force on 1 May 2025 
• The reform, consisting of the new Design Directive and the new Design Regulation, provides for significant changes to design protection in the EU 
• The most important changes at a glance 

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Since 1 April 2025: New option for protecting trade secrets in civil proceedings

• Since 1 April 2025, the new Section 273a of the German Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) offers the possibility of comprehensive protection of trade secrets in civil proceedings before local, regional and higher regional courts as well as the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) 
• So far, the parties have only had the choice of either not bringing certain information into the proceedings at all that they consider to be confidential - with corresponding negative consequences for the outcome of the case - or disclosing business secrets 
• The regulatory content of Section 273a ZPO and practical tips 

Read more [German only]

Legally compliant and successful: how influencer marketing works

• Labelling requirements for influencer advertising: When is a post “advertising” and how must it be labelled? 
• These and more questions as well as easy-to-understand practical tips 

Read more [German only]

New decision of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH): Birkenstock sandals are not art

• The BGH deals again with the copyright protection of consumer goods 
• The well-known shoe manufacturer Birkenstock filed three parallel lawsuits against retailers who each offer their own shoe models that are similar to four Birkenstock models 
• In essence, the question was whether the Birkenstock models are “works of applied art” 

Read more

Webinars

IP Talk Session #2: Soundmarken 

• Rainer Hirt, founder of audity GmbH and creator of numerous sound brands, takes you on a journey through the entire development process - from the initial idea to the final sound product 
• Our expert will explain the legal protection options and show you practical examples of how you can successfully enforce your sound trademark 
• Gain an in-depth, practice-orientated insight into a topic that is becoming increasingly important  

To recording [German only]

IP Talk Session #4: Algorithm meets regulation 
30 April 2025  

• In this session, we will examine the current regulation of advertising in the digital space: transparency, information and labelling obligations in the age of DSA, DMA and AI Act 
• An overview and outlook on the challenges for corporate advertising communication

To login [German only]

Green claims: refresher on UK and EU new rules and developments 
30 April 2025  

• Environmental sustainability continues to be an important motivating factor for consumers, and companies are increasingly emphasising their environmental friendliness to promote their products or services 
• As concerns grow, regulators in the UK and EU are stepping up action against misleading environmental advertising 
• We analyse the changing legal framework for green advertising claims and provide practical advice on how to ensure the conformity of environmental claims 

To registration

IP Talk Session #5: DSA Enforcement and Collective Actions 
14 May 2025   

• The last session of this year’s IP Talk webinar series will focus on the enforcement of the DSA in Germany by associations and an update on representative actions

To registration [German only]

Webinars

Politics Webinar Session #4: ESG
29 April 2025

• Back to the roots: unlike in the previous traffic light coalition government, climate issues will once again be dealt with by the Ministry of the Environment, which will be led by the SPD - the Ministry of Economic Affairs will also be responsible for energy, so it will continue to play an important role in the area of sustainability 
• It will also be interesting to see what happens with the due diligence and reporting obligations: the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act is to be abolished and the EU Commission’s “Omnibus” is to be supported 
• So, what can we expect in terms of the CSRD, taxonomy, CBAM, CSDDD and EUDR? Our expert Laura Echternacht, Director at sustainable AG Unternehmensberatung, explains 

To registration [German only]

Session #1: 60 days after the election - where is Germany heading in terms of ESG, sustainability and energy
29 April 2025

• What will the next four years bring in the areas of ESG, sustainability and energy supply? What political course has already been set and what challenges and opportunities will arise for companies and investors? 
• Together with Marcel Linnemann, Head of Innovation & Policy Issues Energy Industry, and Constanze Adolf, Senior Manager Energy Industry - both of whom work at items GmbH & Co. KG, a leading IT service provider and consultancy firm - our expert for environmental and planning law analyses the new government’s initial decisions and their long-term effects 

To registration [German only]

Session #2: How to lobby - Legal and practical tips for political advocacy
6 May 2025 

• Nuclear moratorium, mask affair, Montblanc-gate: where politics is done, lobbyists are often not far away - if you walk through the streets of the parliamentary district in Berlin, almost every house wall is adorned with high-quality doorbell signs from associations, clubs or societies  
• At best, they all have one thing in common: they are registered in the lobby register at the German Bundestag 
• Together with the “father of the lobby register” and head of the “Lobby Register” sub-department at the German Bundestag, Ministerial Director Christian Heyer, we discuss the requirements of modern lobbying 
• Ministerial Director Christian Heyer gives practical insights and shares exclusive perspectives on the implementation of lobbying in reality 

To registration [German only]

Session #3: The new EU ESG rating regulation: requirements, implications and opportunities for companies
13 May 2025

• The EU ESG Rating Regulation aims to improve the transparency, quality and comparability of ESG ratings in the EU by introducing clear disclosure requirements and minimum standards for rating agencies 
• What requirements, implications and opportunities does the new EU ESG rating regulation bring for companies? 
• Together with Christian Jaffke, Managing Director, and Elena Frickmann, ESG & CSRS Analyst, our experts analyse the key aspects of the regulation - shedding light on the legal framework and providing practical insights into Morgen & Morgen’s already established ESG rating system 

To registration [German only]

Session #4: ESG in turbulent times: How to deal as a business with changing demands?
13 May 2025 

• The Omnibus initiative symbolises the back and forth of ESG - many new reporting and due diligence obligations have been added for companies in recent years: According to politicians, some of them are now to be dropped again
• We talk to Marie-Therese Gaul, Head of ESG at thyssenkrupp Decarbon Technologies about current developments in the field of ESG 
• You will get an overview of what is new in terms of LkSG, CSDDD, CSRD, CBAM, EUDR, Battery Regulation and Taxonomy Regulation and how thyssenkrupp is positioning itself in these areas 

To registration [German only]

Session #5: Green Brands 2026: Preparing for new EU requirements and managing risk against greenwashing 
27 May 2025

• From September 2026, many sustainable (“green”) brands will face major challenges - owners of such brands are already asking themselves how they can prepare for the new EU requirements. 
• Together with Falko Müller, communications and campaign expert for sustainability issues and freelance senior consultant at sustainable AG, we shed light on the risks of greenwashing and the impact of implementing the Empowering Consumers Directive on existing green brands in Germany and Austria 
• Which brand strategies should companies pursue from 2026? How does the “Green Brands” portfolio check work and which “green brands” may need to be newly registered and with which list of goods? 

To registration [German only]

Update: Change of government opens the door to carbon capture and storage and carbon capture and utilisation

• It is now certain: with the new federal government of CDU/CSU and SPD, the topics of carbon dioxide storage or Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) will quickly return to the parliamentary agenda 
• The coalition agreement even devotes an entire paragraph to technologies 
• After analysing the current situation, we present the new plans of the future federal government 

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Coalition agreement 2025: Are the brakes still on for car toll charges?

• In the coalition agreement, the CDU and SPD have not directly addressed the introduction of a car toll, despite isolated attempts - however, the designated federal government is keeping this option open 
• In this respect, it is conceivable that the issue of car tolls will be back on the agenda at a later date 
• Against this background, we consider approaches for the introduction of a car toll in Germany 

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The Infrastructure and Climate Protection Special Fund – what is next? 

• Following the resolution of the 20th German Bundestag, the Bundesrat also approved the so-called debt package and amended the German Basic Law (GG) with the required two-thirds majority 
• The amendments to the Basic Law laid the foundation for comprehensive investments and the easing of the debt brake - an enabling act of the Bundestag is required for implementation (Article 143h (1) (1) Basic Law) 
• The enactment, concrete design and implementation are the responsibility of the future federal government and the parliamentary groups supporting it as part of the budget preparation process 
• A look at the key issues of the future 

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Impact of the CJEU judgement on customer installations in accordance with Section 3 No. 24a EnWG on the expansion of renewable energies

• Where do customer systems play a role in the expansion of renewable energies? What does categorisation as a customer installation mean? What has the CJEU ruled and what does this mean for the renewable energy sector?

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Podcast

CBAM reform: Can bureaucracy reduction and climate protection be reconciled?

• For a few weeks now, a word that had almost disappeared from the active vocabulary has been in vogue: the omnibus - although this does not refer to the bus you take to work in the morning, but to the European Commission’s so-called omnibus package 
• The package also includes the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and we talk about this CBAM, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, in this episode 
• What is behind it? Who is affected? And above all: what innovations does the omnibus package bring overall? 

To the podcast [German only]

Webinars

Politics Webinar Session #2: Energy and Infrastructure

• Energy supply remains a key issue for the coming legislative period 
• During the energy crisis and climate change, the new coalition is focussing on a sustainable and cost-efficient infrastructure - but the reality will pose challenges for the political players and add a number of unclear variables to the formula for stable energy prices 
• How specific will the implementation of the major infrastructure projects be? What measures is the government taking to stabilise energy prices and still drive forward the energy transition?

To the recording [German only]

Politics Webinar Session #3: Real Estate Law

• The coalition of CDU/CSU and SPD wants to give a strong boost to the construction of residential property and the announced investment booster in the form of a temporary, declining balance depreciation of 30 per cent for investments in equipment is also intended to benefit other property use classes 
• However, initial reactions from the business community have been mixed 
• What specific steps relevant to the property and construction industry does the coalition agreement envisage? What legal changes do companies need to be prepared for? 

To the recording [German only]

Event

Sunny prospects? Strategic and legal impetus for the solar and storage industry at the start of Intersolar 
5 May 2025
Munich

• With the new German government about to take office, key issues for the solar and storage industry are coming into focus - especially in view of the Intersolar trade fair taking place in Munich at the beginning of May, one of the world's leading trade fairs for the solar industry and part of “The smarter E Europe” 
• What political decisions are being made for the solar and storage industry? 
• What regulatory changes are on the horizon? And what new opportunities and challenges will this present for companies, investors and the industry as a whole? 

To login [German only]

Hamburg Offshore Wind Conference 2025 
13 May 2025 
Hamburg 

• This year's main topic is: “Offshore Wind in Germany and Beyond - Mid-term reality check on the way to 2030”

To registration [German only]

Young Hospitality Forum | Workshop & Social Networking
1 July to 2 July 2025
Frankfurt am Main

• Sustainability, digitalisation and rising costs: the hotel industry will continue to face major challenges in 2025 - and it is precisely these that we would like to discuss with you at the “Young Hospitality Forum” 
• The Young Hospitality Forum in Frankfurt a.M. has been one of the most popular networking events for young professionals from the hotel industry for years  

To registration [German only]

Entry into force of the Act to Strengthen the Location of Justice: New impetus for the German legal system

• The federal states are authorised to establish commercial courts specialising in commercial disputes at the level of the higher regional courts and commercial chambers at the level of the regional courts 
• The parties are thus given the opportunity to select a particularly specialised court whose jurisdiction is not geographically limited and to limit their proceedings to a single factual instance 
• The aim is to make German civil jurisdiction more attractive for international commercial disputes and strengthen Germany as a centre of justice 

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(Penalty) duties in international supply contracts - who bears them, what can be done? 

• US President Trump’s announcement to introduce tariffs on all imports into the USA caused a stir and unrest on the markets - but what do the tariffs mean in practice for ongoing trade and supply relationships between companies in Europe and those in the USA? 
• Who bears the additional costs associated with customs duties? What options do companies have to demand price adjustments due to these developments and how can such scenarios be considered when drafting contracts?  
• Our guide is dedicated to all these questions 

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Sales company is subject to product liability 

• Distribution companies and other suppliers can also be liable as manufacturers for defective products - this has been clarified by the CJEU 
• According to this, a company is liable under the Product Liability Directive if the trademark affixed to the product corresponds to its own name or an identifying mark - even if the company has not physically affixed this marking itself 

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Corporate crime and punishment: recent developments in corporate criminal liability 

• The increasing interest of governments and law enforcement agencies in the behaviour of companies is leading to new compliance requirements for companies worldwide 
• There is a global trend towards the expansion of “corporate criminal liability”, i.e. the introduction of laws that make it easier for law enforcement authorities to hold companies accountable for criminal offences 
• We look at the latest developments in the UK, Germany and Poland 

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Webinar

With the smart package (bus) ticket through CSRD and taxonomy

• The EU Commission envisages far-reaching adjustments to sustainability reporting in the omnibus package of 26 February 2025; something is coming but the details remain unclear 
• Together with Julian Grenz, Head of Operations at Consust, we explain what companies should now do smartly and pragmatically (not too much and not too little) to avoid losing any time 
• The idea is to simplify software-supported and modular processes, improve sustainability, deepen due diligence, be prepared for VSME / ESRS and be “report-ready” to optimise valuations and ratings in a timely manner 

To the presentation [German only]

Digital Devices Discussions | Session #4: Sold! Successful distribution of Gadgets and Smart Machines in Europe - Tricks & Pitfalls
24. April 2025  

• In this session you will learn how to avoid typical pitfalls: From unintentional infringements of competition law - just think of the new Block Exemption Regulation for vertical agreements - to inadvertently manufacturing a product that you do not even know about 
• Data protection and data exploitation for smart machines and devices under the new EU digital regulation 
• Right through to labelling and modification in the context of product conformity - right through to solutions for “it was nobody’s fault” situations - effective allocation of responsibilities in the supply and distribution chain 

To registration

Blog

Supply Chain Act

• Are you affected by the Supply Chain Act? 
• What measures do you need to take now? What sanctions can be imposed for violations?

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AI Act and the Automotive Industry – Where does the road lead? 

• AI not only drives technological advances that make automated and assisted driving more comfortable, safer and more sustainable, but also harbours risks that could affect the rights and freedoms of individuals 
• Our FAQ provides you with an initial overview of this new legal framework and shows how developers and users of AI in the automotive sector may need to adapt 

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Event

Digital Mobility Lounge – Drinks, Drive & Dialogue
10 September 2025
Munich

• On the occasion of the IAA Mobility, Taylor Wessing, Hampleton Partners and Motion Magazine cordially invite you to the Mobility Lounge in the Munich offices of Taylor Wessing.
• The evening will focus on the main theme of the IAA: autonomous driving 
• A keynote speech and an open discussion bring fresh perspectives from tech, business and practice to the stage - informative, up-to-date and close to practice 

To registration [German only]

For founders and management teams: Taylor Wessing publishes Exit Guide for Germany

• Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, the macroeconomic environment is gradually stabilising: inflation rates are falling, interest rate policy is showing the first signs of easing, and strategic investors such as financial investors are optimistic about the transaction market - despite the USA’s current aggressive tariff policy 
• Our Taylor Wessing Exit Guide will navigate you through your exit with confidence, highlighting how to prepare for the sale, develop an understanding of potential buyers, tax strategies and wealth planning as well as advice on how to successfully manage the sale process 

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The duty of legality of the management board and supervisory board in the conflict between German and foreign law

• The political and economic framework conditions as well as the legal environment in which the German economy operates are changing dynamically - the complexity and the need for resilient solutions are often increasing rather than decreasing
• This applies not least against the background of new and often far-reaching political processes - at the same time, management boards and supervisory boards are subject to the duty of legality, according to which the executive bodies are obliged to comply with the applicable laws and regulations 
• It becomes particularly challenging when German and foreign law are in conflict - an overview 

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M&A Trends in Turbulent Times 

• The growth drivers for M&A and the most important M&A focal points for 2025/26 
• Specific transaction structures, growing interest in Chinese assets and key lessons for the future 

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"Should I Stay or Should I Go?" - Risk minimisation strategies for German start-ups against the backdrop of the US customs strategy 

• Here is the initial situation: you have spent years perfecting your product, winning customers and possibly already tapped into the US market. And then: boom. New US tariffs threaten to destroy your margins, disrupt your supply chains and cause your business model to falter 
• In the continuously expanding guide “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” - Risk minimisation strategies for German start-ups against the backdrop of the US customs strategy“ we are looking for answers to the most pressing questions from the perspective of German start-ups 
• Will you stay in Germany and meet the challenges with clever financial and operational strategies? Or do you relocate your production and headquarters to the USA to avoid the tariffs? 

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IP in M&A transactions - forewarned is forearmed  

• Experience shows that IP often plays only a minor role in transactions, even during due diligence, unless the takeover is based on the specific IP of the target company 
• In M&A transactions, however, intellectual property rights are regularly of crucial importance to ensure that the acquired company can carry out its business activities unhindered and that there are no conflicting third-party rights 
• It is therefore of paramount importance to identify and minimise IP-related risks in transactions to avoid nasty surprises - so what are potential issues to look out for? 

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Coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD - What changes can employers expect? 

• The most important points at a glance

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Collective agreements may treat unequally

• Can the same things be treated differently? Yes - provided it is not done arbitrarily!  
• This was essentially decided recently by the Federal Constitutional Court in its ruling of 11 December 2024, in which it made valuable basic statements on the scope of collective bargaining autonomy 

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Important decision by the Federal Employment Court (BAG) on the expiry of virtual option rights after resignation

• On 19 March 2025, the Federal Employment Court made an important decision on the expiry of virtual option rights after termination of the employment relationship, which will have far-reaching effects on the design of employee participation programmes 
• The decision relates to virtual option rights that were allocated to an employee as part of an Employee Stock Option Programme (ESOP) and should expire under certain conditions 
• We have summarised all the relevant information and the impact of this decision on companies and employees 

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Work/Life: international employment news update 

• Issue 115

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• Issue 116

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Frontiers - immigration update

• We provide an overview of the latest developments in immigration law 

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Webinars

Dealing with Works Councils Under German Law
6 May 2025

• Although they play an important role in ensuring employee representation and compliance, there are some legal pitfalls that can trip up even experienced employers dealing with works councils in Germany for the first time 
• Errors in communication, co-determination or non-compliance with consultation obligations can have serious legal consequences.  
• We show you the 10 most common mistakes that companies make when dealing with works councils in Germany - and how you can avoid them 

To registration [German only]

When downsizing is unavoidable - legally compliant preparation, planning and legal representation 
7 May 2025

• If preventive measures to reduce costs do not achieve the desired effect, staff reductions are often unavoidable 
• In this webinar, we offer you a detailed step-by-step guide on how to implement a job reduction in a legally compliant manner - from the social selection to the reconciliation of interests to the social plan 
• Implement a fair and transparent downsizing process to provide your employees with the best possible support   

To registration [German only]

Transfer companies and outplacement - socially responsible solutions in practice 
14 May 2025 

• Transfer companies and outplacement programmes offer effective solutions to cushion the social consequences of staff cuts 
• In this webinar, you will learn how to set up a legally compliant transfer company, the advantages of tripartite contracts between employer, employee and transfer company and how outplacement measures help affected employees to quickly re-enter the labour market 
• Discover practice-orientated tools that both protect the company’s interests and offer your employees a fair perspective 

To registration [German only]

Together through the transformation - who does what? 
10 September 2025 

• Managing transformation processes requires considerable capacity resources - but such additional resources are often lacking in strained organisational structures 
• In this webinar, our experts will show you how you can efficiently organise internal transformation processes using external resources

To registration [German only]

Communication during the crisis - on an equal footing with the workforce, works council and trade union 
17 September 2025 

• In times of crisis, open and transparent communication is crucial to create trust and avoid conflicts 
• In this webinar, we will explain how you can communicate with your employees and the works council on an equal footing, how you can effectively design internal and external communication strategies and how you can strengthen employee loyalty and reduce uncertainty by addressing them clearly and respectfully 

To registration [German only]

Transformation as a new start - sustainable organisational development after the crisis 
24 September 2025 

• After extensive restructuring, it is essential to make the company fit for the future and thus set the course for long-term success 
• Find out how you can keep an eye on the right key figures through effective monitoring, exploit potential with targeted process optimisation and optimally position your organisation for future challenges through strategic realignment

To registration [German only]

Webinar

Structured insolvency - options for transformations by means of insolvency law 
1 October 2025  

• Get a comprehensive overview of reorganisation options during and after insolvency proceedings 
• We will show you which employment law aspects need to be considered when going through insolvency and how staff can be successfully adjusted 
• You will receive an overview of the course of insolvency proceedings and the different types of insolvency (standard insolvency, self-administration, protective shield proceedings) 

To registration [German only]

Webinar

AI compliance in the financial sector 
10 April 2025 

• Today, 70 per cent of companies in the financial sector are already using AI - and one of the biggest challenges is data security. 
• Risk management, asset allocation, customer relations: What are the trends for the use of AI at banks, insurers and other financial service providers? 
• What role do FinTechs play in the development of innovative tools? And what regulations apply to AI and cyber security? 

To registration [German only]