HARTE-BAVENDAMM offers specialized legal services in intellectual property and unfair competition law, catering to innovative enterprises not just within Germany, but across the globe.
At Home in Hamburg, Globally Committed
Operating from our office in a borough in the heart of the City of Hamburg known as “HafenCity”, we maintain a global outlook and vigilantly oversee the broader context. As economic activities transcend national boundaries, legal considerations follow suit.
On 17 September 2026, the First Board of Appeal of the EUIPO issued an interlocutory decision in KIRA (fig.) / QIRA (R-1989/2025-1) referring the case to the Grand Board of Appeal. At stake are two deceptively simple questions with potentially very large consequences: (1) is the term "software" clear and precise enough to serve as the basis for trade mark protection at all and (2), if so, is software similar to motor vehicles?
In 2019, in an article for the Festschrift honoring Paul Ströbele, I examined how companies can defend themselves when their trademarks are used without consent as eye-catching vehicles for political messages.
OLG Bamberg, judgment of 29 July 2026 – 3 UKl 13/25 e | The Third Civil Senate of the OLG Bamberg continues to develop its Digital Services Act case law. For the first time, it specifies how far providers must disclose the weighting of their recommendation system parameters; at the same time, it prohibits login requirements as a precondition for reporting illegal content. We summarise the decision and provide guidance for practice.
From the inception of a business idea, through its development and commercialisation, we offer strategic legal advice on IP law with respect to securing and enforcing intellectual property rights and the execution of development, licensing and distribution agreements.
Awards & Recognitions
For years, HARTE-BAVENDAMM has consistently been acknowledged as a premier German law firm specializing in trademark and unfair competition law, earning acclaim in numerous esteemed rankings such as Chambers, WTR 1000, The Legal 500, IP Stars and JUVE Handbuch.
