GRP Rainer LLP

Taking out a D&O insurance policy for a company's executive bodies is a crucial step to reducing the risk of personal liability.

Spouses and children are entitled to the compulsory portion of an estate even if the testator fails to account for them in his or her will. That being said, the compulsory portion has to be claimed.

Combinations of two or more colours need to be precisely defined for them to be capable of being registered as a colour trademark. That was the verdict of the General Court of the European Union (EGC) (Az.: T 101/15).

As in the case of brands, geographical designations of origin can be protected as well. It is therefore also possible for advertising featuring references to origin to be misleading to consumers and thus impermissible.

If the interest rate on a loan is based on the development of exchange rates,the bank has a duty to inform with respect to the foreign exchange risk.That was the verdict of the BGH, Germany's Federal Supreme Court, in a recent ruling (XI ZR 152/17).

Employers don't have to accept threats made by employees.These can constitute good cause justifying extraordinary notice of dismissal with immediate effect,as demonstrated by a ruling of the Bundesarbeitsgericht (BAG),Germany's Federal Labour Court.

If a testator removes parts of his will, these deletions should demonstrably come from him. Otherwise, the deleted passages might still be effective.

In order to be able to register a company symbol or logo as a trade mark, it needs to have the necessary distinctive character to distinguish it from the products and services of other businesses.

Anyone who wants their estate to be organized in accordance with their wishes prepares a will. However, there are many pitfalls that can result in the will being ineffective.

The right reserved in a joint will to make amendments can be made conditional on the approval of a third party. That was the verdict of the Oberlandesgericht (OLG) Bremen [Higher Regional Court of Bremen].