Our commercial law expertise encompasses all consulting services relating to the operational business of national and cross-border companies. It covers distribution, shipbuilding, logistics, licensing, franchise rights and, not least, dispute resolution. By way of example, we advise global brand manufacturers and logistics companies, insurers and national and international franchisers and franchisees when it comes to drafting contracts and dealing with disputes – both in and out of court. 

One of our main areas of expertise is transport, shipping and maritime law, including transport insurance law. We advise and represent insurers, forwarders, haulage contractors, carriers and shippers on a national and international level. Another important area is licence agreement law, within the bounds of which we advise large and medium-sized companies on securing and exploiting their licensing rights under trademarks, copyrights, patents, utility models and registered designs.

Specialisation

  • Transport and shipping law

    Global logistics is a complex network of different modes of transport by land, air and sea. This system is exposed to significant risks – logistics providers and forwarders therefore need legally watertight contracts and legal advisors who know the business inside out. Our law firm provides legal services from one single source, whether devising the logistics concept, drafting entire contracts – including formulating and revising general terms and conditions – or representing clients in disputes. We represent carriers, shippers, loading agents, consignees and insurers who provide freight forwarder’s liability and transport cover in out-of-court and judicial disputes involving liability for damage in transit and other legal issues. If necessary, we draw on a network of specialist law firms in many European countries and beyond. Our lawyers are also founding members of the Chinese European Legal Association (CELA), which was set up in 2008 to support and promote dialogue and interaction between China and Europe in the fields of law and legal culture. CELA runs the Chinese European Arbitration Centre GmbH (CEAC), which focuses on dispute resolution.

  • Distribution and franchising law

    In the area of distribution and franchising law, FPS advises both authorised dealers, such as major car distributors, as well as car manufacturers. We also assist brand manufacturers in the luxury goods, fashion and food segments as well as in the restaurant, hotel and retail sectors. We draft contracts for both franchisers and franchisees. FPS has excellent industry contacts and provides support for foreign franchise systems on the German market.

Publications on this topic

Abschnitte "Laufende Versicherung" und "Transportversicherung"
Nomos Kommentar Versicherungsvertragsgesetz (Hrsg. _Rüffer / Halbach / Schimikowski_), 4. Auflage, 2020
Abschnitte "Laufende Versicherung" und "Transportversicherung"
Nomos Kommentar Versicherungsvertragsgesetz (Hrsg. _Rüffer / Halbach / Schimikowski_), 3. Auflage, 2015
Abschnitte "Laufende Versicherung" und "Transportversicherung"
Nomos Kommentar Versicherungsvertragsgesetz (Hrsg. _Rüffer / Halbach / Schimikowski_), 2. Auflage, 2011
Abschnitte "Laufende Versicherung" und "Transportversicherung"
Nomos Kommentar Versicherungsvertragsgesetz (Hrsg. _Rüffer / Halbach / Schimikowski_), 1. Auflage, 2009
Vertrieb, Versicherung, Transport, Karl-Heinz Thume - Festschrift zum 70.Geburtstag
Verlag Recht und Wirtschaft GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, 1. Auflage 2008, 2008