Consumer goods and food law in Germany

KROHN Rechtsanwälte

KROHN Rechtsanwälte offers longstanding expertise in the food and consumer goods sector. The team regularly acts across the tobacco, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and chemicals industries. Among the client roster are international listed companies, German corporations and start-ups, which the practice advises on product developments, ingredients, additives, packaging, labeling and advertising; contentious matters are also covered thanks to relevant litigation experience. The practice is managed by a trio: Moritz Hagenmeyer comprehensively advises on food and consumer goods law, while Carl von Jagow focuses on consumer goods such as cleaning and tobacco products. Tobias Teufer  is well versed in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Carl von Jagow; Moritz Hagenmeyer; Tobias Teufer


Autres avocats clés:

David Zechmeister


Les références

‘Tobias Teufer and Moritz Hagenmeyer: Always available, keep appointments and promises, always helpful.’

‘Moritz Hagenmeyer: His outstanding expertise in the area of ​​food law has become an indispensable source for our legal matters over the years. His many years of guidance and support have always enabled us to make well-founded decisions and successfully overcome complex challenges. Moritz Hagenmeyer: His commitment, his deep understanding and his professional approach are reflected in the outstanding results.’

‘Tobias Teufer: Impressed me right from the start with his in-depth knowledge of food law. His expertise spans a wide range of topics from labeling requirements to food hygiene and safety. It was obvious that he not only had theoretical knowledge, but also deep practical experience in the industry.’

Meisterernst Rechtsanwälte

Meisterernst Rechtsanwälte supports well-known national and international clients in approval procedures, delimitation, labeling as well as in advertising and marketing matters and is also well versed in product recalls and proceedings before the European Court of Justice. These capacities are primarily utilised in the pharmaceuticals and food sectors, which is complemented by expertise in dietary supplements, FSMP, cosmetics and chemicals; Clients also benefit from the close cooperation with the scientific sister company RDA Scientific Consultants GmbH. Founding partners Andreas Meisterernst and Christian Ballke jointly head the team; Meisterernst advises on product development, labeling and product advertising as well as recalls, while Ballke focuses on the cosmetics sector and provides expertise in material marketability and product advertising.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andreas Meisterernst; Christian Ballke


Principaux clients

Queisser


Milupa


Principaux dossiers


  • Ongoing advice and representation of Quessier on all questions of food law and pharmaceutical law.

  • Ongoing advice and representation of Milupa on legal issues relating to infant and toddler nutrition.

Meyer Rechtsanwälte

Meyer Rechtsanwälte routinely advises companies from the diet industry, breweries as well as milk and cheese manufacturers on food and product law, while the six-strong team also acts across the cosmetics, medical device, consumer goods, animal feed and contact materials sectors. The expertise encompasses competition and trademark law issues and clients also benefit from additional support via the scientific sister company meyer.science: this includes regulatory issues, risk assessment and crisis management pertaining to suppliers, manufacturers and supermarkets. Alfred Meyer provides comprehensive advice on food law and food contact materials.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alfred Meyer


cibus Rechtsanwälte

cibus Rechtsanwälte focuses on animal products, products of non-animal origin, baked goods, vegetarian and vegan products as well as non-alcoholic drinks. Clients of various sizes are supported in compliance issues and advised on labeling checks and the approval of food and feed additives; here, the team also regularly leads in proceedings before the European Court of Justice. Clemens Comans is known for his experience in labeling of vegetarian and vegan products as well as animal by-products, while Manuel Immel has expertise in consumer information law, product liability matters and feed law. Comans and Immel jointly head the team with Sascha Schigulski (meat and meat products) and Christian Weigel (expertise in food of animal origin and non-alcoholic drinks).

Responsables de la pratique:

Clemens Comans; Sascha Schigulski; Manuel Immel; Christian Weigel


Les références

Sascha Schigulski: Very practical and fast.’

‘Very good accessibility and availability.’

‘Very good accessibility and availability, very great technical expertise, especially with Christian Weigel.’

Principaux clients

Fressnapf Holding / Fressnapf Tiernahrungs GmbH, Krefeld


Gothaer Allg.-Vers.- AG, Köln


Genossenschaft Deutscher Brunnen e.G.


PETCYCLE GmbH


domeierlegal

domeierlegal's diverse client roster includes companies from the food, cosmetics, animal feed and consumer goods sectors, with a particular focus on the beverage industry and healthy and novel foods. Founding partner Danja Domeier has comprehensive expertise, which is frequently requested in connection with crisis management as well as administrative, criminal and regulatory disputes. Further capacities include the advice on food fortification and delimitation issues within the novel foods industry at national and international level.

Responsables de la pratique:

Danja Domeier


Les références

‘Reliable, fast, competent and everything stays in one hand so that the client has one contact person.’

‘Danja Domeier has specialist knowledge in the area of ​​food law and uses her knowledge competently and pragmatically. She can quickly familiarize herself with new subject areas, does not get lost in trivialities, but always keeps the focus in mind. She works quickly and conscientiously and involves competent people from her network when necessary.’

Gerstberger Products & Law

Gerstberger Products & Law is instructed by nationally and internationally active companies in the food, medicinal mushroom, dietary supplement, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and tobacco industries; Ina Gerstberger's expertise encompasses regulatory, competition law and contract law issues, which are regularly utilised in the context of delimitation between product groups, crisis management, product recalls, disputes and competition proceedings.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ina Gerstberger


Les références

‘There are not many addresses on the market that one can confidently and safely contact at any time in the area of ​​product law, product approvals and contentious, complex proceedings in this area. Gerstberger is the only recommendation!’

‘Ina Gerstberger: Extremely knowledgeable, reliable and solution-oriented. She is a particularly good expert in the field of novel food.’

‘Ina Gerstberger: Extremely committed. She is an excellent lawyer, at the same time creative in her solutions and client-oriented.’

Principaux clients

Federation for Nutritional Mushroom Distributors e.V.


Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co KG


Hawlik Gesundheitsprodukte GmbH


Principaux dossiers


  • Ongoing advice to an international brand developer in the consumer goods and food sector on the marketability, labeling and advertising of dietary supplements as well as food supplies, toys, consumer goods, personal protective equipment and cosmetics.

  • Advising an international raw materials trader in connection with a liability case regarding metal wires in linseed deliveries from Ukraine to the baking industry.

  • Representation in administrative proceedings of a medicinal mushroom distributor regarding the ban on the marketing of Coriolus versicolor as an allegedly novel food as well as in connection with the marketing of dietary supplements containing 5-HTP from the African black bean.

CMS

CMS frequently advises on regulatory issues, labeling, sustainability claims and the requirements for organically certified foods. Thanks to the industry expertise in the tobacco sector, the team recently advised on alternative products such as tobacco-free nicotine products, while companies in the beverage and cosmetics industries also draw on the team's experience. Practice head Heike Blank focuses on competition, pharmaceuticals, food and cosmetics law issues, while Nikolas Gregor is experienced in IP, trademark and design law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Heike Blank


Autres avocats clés:

Nikolas Gregor


Principaux clients

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Deutschland GmbH


Barilla Deutschland GmbH


Bitburger Braugruppe GmbH


Worlée


Unilever


Brown-Forman


Melitta Europa GmbH & Co. KG


Niko Liquids Trading GmbH


Upfield Deutschland GmbH


Zwergenwiese


Apo.com


Alnatura Produktions- und Handels GmbH


Arla Foods


Bayerische Milchindustrie eG


SARIA-Gruppe


Principaux dossiers


  • Strategic advice to and litigation representation of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Germany in an interim injunction against Edeka to avert an obligation to deliver at old prices.

  • Strategic advice to an online mail order company in connection with the development of a new business model, the distribution of organic food.

Gleiss Lutz

Gleiss Lutz follows a full-service approach and advises on traditional food law matters, including advertising claims and product qualifications; this is complemented by experience in model proceedings as well as transactions and related antitrust law matters. The client roster includes various national and European manufacturers in the cosmetics, tobacco, beverage and other food industries as well as listed trading companies. IP expert Andreas Wehlau heads the practice and advises food companies on trademark and competition law issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andreas Wehlau


Les références

‘Andreas Wehlau is a clever advisor.’

Principaux clients

Valora Holding AG


Farmaceutici Procemsa


Principaux dossiers


  • Comprehensive advice to Valora Holding AG on the acquisition of the Frittenwerk from its founders.

  • Advising Farmaceutici Procemsa on the acquisition of the Aakamp Group.

Noerr

Noerr's product compliance team advises on food-related product law (including product compliance, product liability and regulatory issues) and focuses on cosmetics, consumer goods and products that come into contact with food. The practice is co-led from Munich by Arun Kapoor (focus on technical compliance, product regulation of consumer products, product recalls) and Thomas Klindt (civil product liability issues and public law). The team regularly cooperates with Evelyn Schulz, who heads the life sciences practice in Dresden, and assists companies in the food and pharmaceuticals sectors with regulatory issues, sales and contract law issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Evelyn Schulz; Arun Kapoor; Thomas Klindt


Principaux clients

Procter & Gamble Germany


Deichmann SE


tonies GmbH


Lomotex GmbH


Tristel GmbH


SPRK Global


Käfer AG


Bahlsen


Swarowski


Geobra Brandstätter Stiftung & Co. KG


RICOSTA Schuhfabriken GmbH


Home Shopping Europe GmbH/HSE


Wanzl GmbH & Co. KG


Schoko Winterscheidt GmbH


McDonald’s


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising a leading Latin American pharmaceutical company on the market launch of an isotonic drink in delimitation to pharmaceutical law.

  • Comprehensive advice and representation of Kanebo Cosmetics Deutschland GmbH to combat the gray market trade in luxury cosmetics outside of a selective distribution system.

  • Advice on product law and representation of an international manufacturer of childcare products in various fine proceedings due to alleged violation of approval requirements.

REINHART Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft mbB

REINHART Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft mbB's three-strong team advises on the entire value chain of a product, including production, sale, packaging, labeling and advertising matters. Product manufacturers from various industries such as dietary supplements, specialty foods, mineral water, confectionery, cosmetics and pet food are supported. Food and cosmetics law expert Andreas Reinhart also has expertise in biocides law and jointly heads the practice with Stephanie Reinhart, who is well versed in animal feed law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andreas Reinhart; Stephanie Reinhart


Autres avocats clés:

Stefanie Möginger


Les références

‘Highest competence, constant accessibility, fast processing, friendly cooperation, individual advice, proactive information, broad expertise.’

‘All individuals in this law firm are highly professional, highly competent, friendly, provide individual, up-to-date advice and are always well informed.’

‘We use the practice primarily for food topics. Here they proved to be very, very high quality and competent. Both Ms. and Mr. Reinhart are absolute professionals. I’m very glad I found them.’

Principaux clients

Animagus GmbH


Anton Hübner GmbH & Co. KG


BHI Biohealth International GmbH


Börlind GmbH


Dermapharm AG


Dr. Theiss Naturwaren GmbH


GNT Europa GmbH


Kneipp GmbH


Laverana GmbH & Co. KG


Perfetti Van Melle


Pets Deli Tonius GmbH


Philosophy Brands GmbH


Rocka Sports GmbH


St. Leonhardsquelle GmbH & Co. KG


TAO Cosmetics Trading GmbH


Trommsdorff GmbH & Co. KG


Principaux dossiers


  • Advice to Kneipp GmbH on dietary supplements, tea products and cosmetic products.

  • Advice and representation of ANTON HÜBNER GmbH & Co. KG in the areas of dietary supplements and cosmetic products.

  • Advising GNT Europa GmbH / GNT International BV on the area of ​​coloring foods.

Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein

Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein comprehensively supports the entire product life cycle, including the advice on food, advertising and competition law as well as labeling checks, new product ideas and the marketability of individual ingredients. Numerous food manufacturers, including beverage and spirits companies, as well as cosmetics manufacturers, rely on the expertise of the team, which is led by IP specialist Thomas Körber.

Responsables de la pratique:

Thomas Körber


Principaux clients

Big Hug Nutrition GmbH


Vitamin Well AB/ No Carbs Company AB / Barebells GmbH


The Very Good Food Company – The Very Good Butcher Company – The Very Good Cheese Company


B&S International B.V.


Stada Arzneimittel GmbH


Dr. Theiss Naturwaren GmbH / Allgäuer Latschenkiefer GmbH / Pasta Roma GmbH


Werner & Mertz GmbH and tana-Chemie GmbH


erdbär GmbH


Biohof May


tana-Chemie GmbH


Badgequo Deutschland GmbH und UK Ltd.


Hans Koeberle, Weissachmühle e.K./Marstall GmbH


HSH Chemie GmbH


Theo Sasse e.K. /Lagerkorn GmbH


Principaux dossiers


  • Comprehensive and regular advice to Vitamin Well AB/No Carbs Company AB on all questions relating to food and competition law. Conducting a variety of proceedings before the BVL.

  • Advising Big Hug Nutrition GmbH regarding fortified drinks. Accompanying the mandate from the product idea to market entry.

  • Advising Werner & Merz GmbH on extensive audits and litigation regarding the distinction between food and biocidal products, the applicability of food law requirements and/or those from biocide law.

Bird & Bird

Companies from the food, beverage, cosmetics and personal care sectors regularly instruct Bird & Bird LLP on labeling, trademark and competition law issues. The team also advises on novel tobacco products, CBD products and the classification of new products. The IP lawyer Uwe Lüken and Niels Lutzhöft, who focuses on regulatory issues in the pharmaceuticals, food and consumer goods sectors, jointly head the practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Uwe Lüken; Niels Lutzhöft


GvW Graf von Westphalen

GvW Graf von Westphalen's Hamburg-based team focuses on the food and animal feed industries and comprehensively advises on competition, antitrust and media law matters as well as product liability; Particularly noteworthy is the cooperation with the firm's media team, which benefits clients especially in crisis management. The practice is co-led by Ronald Steiling and Carsten Bittner, both of whom are experienced in administrative, feed and food law and frequently represent companies and associations from the food industry before national and European courts. The team was strengthened in January 2024 with the addition of Markus Kraus (German and European food law; animal welfare and cosmetics law) from Weiss Walter Fischer-Zernin Rechtsanwälte.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ronald Steiling; Carsten Bittner


Autres avocats clés:

Markus Kraus


Les références

‘High level of expertise and specialist knowledge in the legal areas relevant to our industry. Lots of experience in the legal areas that concern us.’

Principaux clients

DMK Deutsches Milchkontor GmbH


Harmsen Utescher

The IP experts at Harmsen Utescher advise German and international trademark associations, associations and distributors on pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics law issues. In addition to marketability of new products and labeling issues, the team's competencies also include expertise in the advertising of food and cosmetic products. Practice head Rainer Kaase has particular experience in German and international trademark law and is also well versed in pharmaceutical, medical, food and cosmetics law, while John-Christian Plate, who focuses on pharmaceutical and food law, regularly leads in court proceedings, as was recently demonstrated in an ongoing case regarding e-cigarettes. Till Lampel offers longstanding experience in trademark and competition law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rainer Kaase; John-Christian Plate; Till Lampel


Principaux clients

Amecke


DEK Deutsche Extrakt Kaffee GmbH


Dovgan GmbH


Newlat GmbH


Intersnack Group GmbH & Co. KG


Almdudler


InnoCigs


GUNZ


Columbus Drinks


Jelenia Plast


Principaux dossiers


  • Advice to Amecke and representation in all food law matters across the entire product range.

  • Representation of the Austrian food manufacturer GUNZ in food law complaint and fine proceedings, in particular on labeling issues according to HCVO, LMIV and product-related special laws.

  • Representing InnoCigs in a legal dispute regarding questions of compliance with labeling regulations, in particular the CLP Regulation, as well as the special tobacco law regulations regarding child safety of products.

Hogan Lovells International LLP

Hogan Lovells International LLP's consumer products practice acts integrated into the global network and advises international companies on compliance, food law regulations and government enforcement actions; further mainstays include product recalls and litigation. The range of expertise also includes the approval of novel foods, food supplements and food packaging, with the team increasingly acting across the area of ​​sustainable products, including vegan and vegetarian fish and meat substitute products. Regulatory expert Thomas Salomon and Florian Unseld, who handles antitrust matters in the luxury goods sector, jointly head the practice and are supported by Christiane Alpers, who is well versed in regulatory matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Thomas Salomon; Florian Unseld


Autres avocats clés:

Christiane Alpers


Principaux clients

Lactalis


LEGO GmbH


LEGO System A/S


Moët Hennessy


Schwartauer Werke GmbH & Co. KG


Fifth Generation (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)


Tafel Deutschland e.V.


Principaux dossiers


  • Comprehensive advice to a global beverage manufacturer on the restructuring of the European distribution system and product-related regulatory (e.g. labeling) requirements in Germany and the EU.

  • Longstanding advice to Schwartauer Werke GmbH & Co. KG on all regulatory, competition law and contractual aspects of product launches, relaunches, complaints to authorities and competition law warnings and procedures.

  • Advising a globally leading company for vegan meat substitute products on market entry and product launches in the EU, including support for novel food approvals and additive approvals.

King & Spalding LLP

King & Spalding LLP's FDA & life sciences team advises on regulatory issues at the interface between food and pharmaceutical law and is also frequently active in competition law litigation and disputes pertaining to the Health Claims Regulation. The diverse client roster includes international food and life sciences companies as well as manufacturers of dietary supplements and kitchen appliances. Ulf Grundmann leads the practice and comprehensively advises on the entire product life cycle; he is well versed in medical device, pharmaceutical and cosmetics law as well as food law disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ulf Grundmann


Autres avocats clés:

Elisabeth Kohoutek


Principaux clients

Novartis


ratiopharm


SGF International e.V.


Eckes- Granini Group


GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare GmbH & Co. KG (GSK Consumer Healthcare)


biomo Group


Angelini Pharma Deutschland GmbH


Amy’s Kitchen


Heilerde-Gesellschaft Luvos Just GmbH & Co. KG (Luvos)


Gamers Only GmbH


Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co.KG


Teva Deutschland GmbH


Teva Pharmaceuticals B.V.


Deutsche Homöopathie-Union DHU-Arzneimittel GmbH & Co.


KG (DHU)


Chemische Fabrik Kreussler Co. GmbH


Dr. Kade Pharmazeutische Fabrik GmbH


Truw Arzneimittel Gmb


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising GSK Consumer Healthcare in a competition dispute regarding advertising claims for the Vitasprint Pro Immun product.

  • Advising Amy’s Kitchen on food law within the EU and the USA.

  • Advising biomo Group on food law and regulatory issues and representation in competition law disputes.

KOZIANKA & WEIDNER Rechtsanwälte

KOZIANKA & WEIDNER Rechtsanwälte focuses on health-related foods, in particular food supplements, foods for special medical purposes (FSMP) and novel foods.  The team advises German and international food and pharmaceutical manufacturers on the delimitation of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and medical devices. Practice head Michael Weidner is experienced in food, pharmaceutical and competition law issues as well as across the entire product value chain.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michael Weidner


Autres avocats clés:

Phillipp Lohse


Les références

‘The team is very knowledgeable about EU food regulations, including novel foods, as well as EU laws and regulations. They prepare customers’ requests in a timely manner, including warnings or requests for injunctions against lawbreakers who violate customer benefits.’

‘Their advice is always professional and forward-looking, which led to a favorable outcome in the legal dispute.’

‘Michael Weidner: Absolutely excellent.’

Principaux clients

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co. Inc.


Perrigo Deutschland GmbH


Bundesverband der Pharmazeutischen Industrie e.V. (BPI)