GRP Rainer LLP

Proper written form should always be observed when it comes to commercial tenancy and lease agreements. Oral agreements may not be effective in cases where there is doubt, as demonstrated by a recent ruling of the Oberlandesgericht (OLG) Dresden

Infringements of competition law or antitrust law can prove to be costly for businesses. That much is clear from the annual report for 2015 that was recently published by the Bundeskartellamt, Germany's Federal Cartel Office.

A Berliner Testament (Berlin will) is a widespread form of will in which spouses mutually appoint each other as sole heirs. While this spousal will offers many advantages, it also entails potential disadvantages.

Anyone who does not wish to have their estate distributed in accordance with the rules of intestate succession needs to prepare a will or contract of inheritance.

The favourable environment is contributing to the increasing significance of M&A transactions among German businesses again, with mergers and acquisitions supposed to be a way for companies to strengthen their market position.

Germany's federal and regional state governments want to step up their measures once again in the fight against tax evasion and hang out tax havens to dry. Voluntary disclosure leading to immunity represents a way out for tax evaders.

Video surveillance at the workplace does not inevitably give rise to claims for damages. That was the verdict of the Landesarbeitsgericht (LAG) Sachsen-Anhalt [Regional Labour Court of Saxony-Anhalt] (Az.: 6 Sa 301/14).

The legislature has deliberately maintained the option for tax dodgers to return to a state of tax compliance by means of voluntary disclosure leading to immunity. Professional assistance is vital in this context.

If certificates or marks of origin are used for promotional purposes but the products are produced elsewhere, this may constitute an infringement of competition law. That was the verdict of the Landgericht (LG) Magdeburg [Regional Court of Magdeburg]

Divorce results in any mutual inheritance claims between former spouses lapsing. However, it is possible for these to indirectly arise again. A "Geschiedenen-Testament" (divorcee will) can then prove to be useful.