Commercial Contracts | Germany

The law firm CMS boasts a large department with extensive experience in commercial law due to its strong network of domestic and international offices. The team is particularly well known for its work on large, often European-wide, distribution systems and multi-jurisdictional licensing projects. Additionally, the law firm assists clients with product safety and warranty issues, product launches and strategic cooperation agreements as well as T&C reviews and framework agreements. Beyond its abilities in non-contentious matters, CMS is respected for representing claimants and defendants in delivery and compensation claims. The law firm offers a particularly strong presence in the DACH market, often advising well-known SMEs and large multinationals from various industry sectors.

Hogan Lovells is held in high esteem by both clients and competitors for the breadth of its expertise in all matters related to commercial contracts. The team offers particular expertise in global distribution networks and product rollouts, often acting for OEMs and car manufacturers as well as US and Asian clients seeking market entry into Germany. Furthermore, the team assists with a wide range of contract designs and commercial aspects of procurement projects including licensing, supply and manufacturing agreements, drawing on the law firm's other departments to offer holistic services. Additionally, Hogan Lovells is appreciated for its ability to advise on strategic cooperation agreements and commercial disputes and is well placed to assist with international mandates due to its global office structure. Its client roster serves as a testament to the law firm's strong market presence, including leaders from the automotive, pharmaceutical and technology sectors.

Widely considered a market leader, the German law firm Noerr offers in-depth knowledge across the contract law field. The team is particularly respected for advising well-known clients on distribution agreements, with further prowess in assisting with licensing agreements and large franchise systems involving different jurisdictions. Furthermore, the team offers an excellent service with regard to cooperation negotiations involving new technologies and strategically important digitalisation projects such as autonomous operating systems. The firm complements its offering with strength in litigation concerning all commercial issues and nationwide product launches. Its clientele consists of industry leaders from the automotive, energy and food industries.

Considered an outstanding practice group with a large and dedicated team, Baker McKenzie is renowned for its work on distribution and logistics matters. The team is regularly involved in large cross-border cases, aided by its strong international network and practice groups. Besides its excellent abilities in the complete restructuring of distribution systems and logistics contracts, it is also renowned for advising on areas such as supply and cooperation agreements. Furthermore, Baker McKenzie is respected for representing clients in contentious commercial proceedings concerning contractual and supply agreement disputes. Its prestigious client roster features well-known automotive, fashion and technology companies, further underlining the law firm's excellent market position.

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft boasts a solid commercial contracts practice with expertise in distribution systems, logistics agreements and antitrust issues connected with commercial activities. The team also assists with e-mobility mandates, contract drafting and negotiations for digitalisation projects. Furthermore, the firm is known for acting in mass claims proceedings and product liability disputes before various regional courts. The law firm has a proven track record of advising on international agreements, often in cooperation with other leading law firms across the world. Clients especially benefit from the law firm's own international desks. Luther's client base comprises well-known automotive, energy and manufacturing companies, with additional experience advising suppliers.

Bird & Bird provides a strong offering for clients, particularly those seeking advice on contentious mandates. The team is experienced in advising on warranty and product liability litigation, as well as price adjustment claims and defect and delay issues. The law firm is also well placed to deal with a range of non-contentious mandates including EPC contracts, procurement and supply chain issues. Bird & Bird's clients include notable names in the automotive and energy sectors, as well as tier 1 and tier 2 industrial suppliers.

The international law firm DLA Piper is recognised for its comprehensive services on commercial contracts, with extensive expertise in distribution law. The team is well placed to assist with drafting and negotiating a considerable variety of domestic and international contracts, including e-commerce, logistics, supply and warehouse agreements as well as customer contracts. Besides its strength in non-contentious mandates, the team offers further prowess in litigation. In addition to regularly assisting US clients, DLA Piper has a particular focus on advising German manufacturing companies with a global reach.

GvW Graf von Westphalen offers particular expertise in litigation pertaining to commercial contracts such as contractual obligations and claims in relation to operator insolvency, wrongful termination of franchise agreements and warranty claims. The law firm's clientele consists of well-known national and international clients from the hospitality sector and mobility service providers.

Taylor Wessing is recognised for its prowess in handling a diverse range of commercial contract mandates ranging from franchise law to the drafting of terms and conditions and cooperation agreements. The team is particularly well placed to handle e-commerce-related issues such as online direct sales and distribution. Besides the aforementioned example, the law firm is also sought after for its advice on litigation. Its clientele, which comprises well-known national and international technology companies, car manufacturers and supermarket chains, greatly benefits from Taylor Wessing's strong global coverage and cross-border capabilities.