Intellectual Property
In the area of ESG, companies are increasingly having to deal with statutory transparency requirements at national and European level. More and more companies are also facing accusations of greenwashing. If an environmentally friendly image is conveyed without there being an actual basis for this, this can not only affect the trust of customers and business partners, but can also have legal consequences.
In particular, unfair competition law, criminal and administrative offence proceedings are playing an increasingly important role here. Lawsuits by consumer associations and claims by the Central Agency to Combat Unfair Competition [Wettbewerbszentrale] and Environmental Action Germany [Deutsche Umwelthilfe] are increasingly leading to time-consuming and cost-intensive disputes.
For many years now, Oppenhoff has been advising international and medium-sized companies from various industries on all legal issues relating to product labelling and the limits of permissible marketing. In this context we represent companies in disputes with competitors, authorities and consumer organisations.
Our team of experts in the field of intellectual property law supports you in all matters relating to environmental, social and governance issues.
This includes, among other things:
- Extrajudicial and judicial defence against warnings and accusations of greenwashing by consumer associations and competitors;
- Legal review and design of environmental advertising claims such as "climate neutral", "green" or "environmentally friendly";
- Legal review and design of environmental product labelling such as texts, seals or graphics;
- Examination and registration of sustainability seals and (warranty) trademarks;
- Communication with authorities and consumer associations in the event of injunctive relief;
- Press law advice on all ESG topics;
- General legal advice on case law and legislation, in particular the Empowerment and Green Claims Directive.
Please feel free to contact us for your ESG issues in the field of intellectual property.
