Damm & Mann offers expertise in the press and publishing segment and represents both large publishers such as Penguin Random House and leading press organisations, including Handelsblatt, in disputes pertaining to freedom of speech and reputation management. Led by Roger Mann, the team frequently acts in proceedings and complaint procedures pertaining to critical business reporting and also advises publishers on competition law. Holger Nieland is well versed in copyright and personal rights and regularly advises clients on the reporting on individuals. The practice recently acted in various landmark and model proceedings in connection with freedom of speech and personal rights as well as an attempted intimidation procedure and a court case on the right to be forgotten.
Press and publishing in Germany
Damm & Mann
Responsables de la pratique:
Roger Mann
Autres avocats clés:
Holger Nieland
Les références
‘Damm & Mann is of outstanding quality. Technically at the forefront and also great on a personal level.’
‘Roger Mann is a master of his craft. He is the right person for any press law issues. Fast, competent and pragmatic. Holger Nieland is a great litigator. Very good briefs, very helpful, great contact.’
‘Outstanding expertise and corresponding market reputation in the field of media law.’
Principaux clients
Aida Cruises
BBC
Brand Eins Medien AG
CNN
Fielmann AG
Gruner + Jahr
Hachette
Handelsblatt GmbH
Hessischer Rundfunk
Neue Zürcher Zeitung
Nordwest-Zeitung
Penguin Random House
Sixt AG
Stadt Gelsenkirchen
Stiftung Warentest
WestCom Medien GmbH
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Handelsblatt GmbH on the preparation of a report on the data leak at the US car manufacturer Tesla, involving US lawyers and criminal lawyers, up to the publication of a series of articles with a cover story.
- Representation of Hessischer Rundfunk in a dispute over a TV documentary about the Hindu/Christian Orthodox Bhakti Marga community and its guru, which was accompanied by a six-part podcast.
- Representation of the publishing house Gruner + Jahr in fundamental proceedings regarding suspicious reporting in the magazine Capital on suspicion of industrial espionage before the Hamburg Higher Regional Court.
DLA Piper
Media organisations such as Axel Springer, ProSieben and the dpa as well as large German companies from various industries instruct DLA Piper on publishing law issues and in freedom of speech disputes. Led by the renowned media and press lawyer Stefan Engels, the practice supports both those affected and the reporting side in injunctions pertaining to copyright and freedom of speech. Regulatory expert and litigator Michael Stulz-Herrnstadt is the key contact for dispute resolution. Other competencies include the advice on advertising and competition law as well as on interfacing data protection matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Stefan Engels
Autres avocats clés:
Michael Schulz-Herrnstadt; Beatrice Brunn
Les références
‘In several cases of improper, reputation-damaging reporting, the DLA Piper team reacted very quickly and acted exceptionally consistently and effectively. Very quick resolution of the matter and prevention of similar violations occurring again. Always a balanced assessment of legal situations. Precise presentation of the feasibility as well as the opportunities and risks of legal steps.’
‘Prof. Dr. Stefan Engels represents the team’s strengths in an absolutely ideal and exemplary manner. The collaboration is based on trust and is based on the highest level of competence and professionalism.’
‘Stefan Engels is particularly valued by us as an excellent lawyer and a very good strategist and tactician who is excellently networked and has very deep knowledge of the media industry and the media business. What should be emphasized is his commitment and ability to look beyond the specific mandate and to work comprehensively on behalf of the client.’
Principaux clients
Axel Springer SE
Bauer Media Group
dpa Deutsche Presseagentur
DDV Deutscher Dialog Marketing Verband e.V.
Seven.One Entertainment Group GmbH
Ströer Digital Publishing GmbH
Wort & Bild Verlag Konradshöhe GmbH & Co. KG
Principaux dossiers
- Advising and representing Axel Springer SE, WeltN24 GmbH, BILD GmbH against copyright and competition law claims from the broadcasters affiliated with ARD and ZDF due to the inclusion of elements of the opposing party’s election broadcasts in the client’s election broadcast on the evening of the 2021 federal election.
- Advising the dpa Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH on issues relating to copyright and representation in various legal proceedings.
- Defense of SOCIETY RELATIONS & Communications e.Kg against claims brought by the photographer Salar Kheradpejouh due to allegedly copyright-infringing use of photos of the singer Mandy Capristo.
NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte
Boutique NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte focuses on press and media law and routinely represents affected parties against negative or illegal reporting. The client roster includes prominent individuals and household names, which the team supports in reputation management and in landmark proceedings. The management trio consists of Till Dunckel, who is known for his representation in proceedings, the freedom of speech expert Stephanie Vendt and founding partner Michael Nesselhauf, who is renowned for his press, copyright and publishing law expertise.
Responsables de la pratique:
Till Dunckel; Stephanie Vendt; Michael Nesselhauf
Les références
‘Till Dunckel and his team have a deep knowledge and understanding of media law.’
‘Till Dunckel has an excellent understanding of translating the client’s tactical and strategic goals into comprehensive legal advice and action. ‘
‘Nesselhauf Rechtsanwälte was recommended to our company as a leading law firm in the area of media and reputation law and was able to convince us with excellent advice.’
Principaux dossiers
Raue
Raue's team comprehensively advises press organisations on freedom of speech, copyright and personal rights. The practice is led by press expert Jan Hegemann and copyright specialist Robert Heine and is well versed in litigation, where clients, such as Axel Springer or Bloomberg, are defended against injunction proceedings and damages claims. Senior associate Lisa Schopp regularly advises production companies on freedom of speech in connection with filming contemporary historical content.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jan Hegemann; Robert Heine
Autres avocats clés:
Anna-Sophie Hollenders; Lisa Schopp
Les références
‘Very good legal advice. Very high legal level.’
‘Jan Hegemann is an extremely clever and prudent advisor with excellent knowledge of press law.’
‘A law firm with clear principles and outstanding quality.’
Principaux clients
Axel Springer SE
Bloomberg
Looks Film &TV Produktionen GmbH
Zeitsprung Pictures GmbH
Principaux dossiers
- Representation of Axel Springer SE before the OLG Cologne, OLG Frankfurt and LG Frankfurt aM in proceedings regarding injunctive relief claims due to identifying suspicious reporting about the football player Nico Schulz.
- Representing Axel Springer SE in proceedings regarding injunctive relief due to reporting on espionage activities by Russia Today in Germany.
- Ongoing advice on copyright and personal rights to Zeitsprung Pictures GmbH on the filming of contemporary historical content, most recently about the department store blackmailer Arno Funke in ‘Ich bin Dagobert’.
Schertz Bergmann Rechtsanwälte
Boutique Schertz Bergmann Rechtsanwälte focuses on the representation of affected parties and offers support in reputation management. Individuals and companies rely on the team's expertise in ongoing advice as well as dispute resolution pertaining to critical, false or suspicious reporting. The team is also known for its litigation capacities, including the representation in court proceedings with great media attention. The founding partners Christian Schertz and Simon Bergmann as well as Anna Sophie Heuchemer are all experienced litigatos. Recently, the firm managed to add numerous large companies and sports clubs to its client roster, Helge Reich is the key contact here.
Autres avocats clés:
Christian Schertz; Helge Reich; Simon Bergmann; Anna Sophie Heuchemer
Les références
‘Very specialized team.’
‘Simon Bergmann is very well connected in Berlin and offers many years of experience.’
‘Christian Schertz is an absolute expert in personal rights.’
Principaux clients
Akelius GmbH
Artnet AG
BMG
Boston Consulting Group
Bündnis 90/Die Grünen
CSU
Covivio Immobilien GmbH
DFB Deutscher Fußball Bund
DPD Deutschland GmbH
Deutsches Rotes Kreuz e.V.
FC Union Berlin
Flink SE
GALERIA Karstadt Kaufhof GmbH
HELIOS Kliniken
HGHI Holding
IOC International Olympic Committee
Mercedes-Benz Group AG
MÄHREN AG
Plant for the Planet Foundation
Pyrexx GmbH
RB Leipzig
SIGNA Holding
SPD
Two Sides GmbH
Tönnies Holding
UFA Fiction GmbH
Universal Music GmbH
VfB Stuttgart 1893 AG
Zalando SE
Ziegler Film GmbH & Co. KG
Principaux dossiers
CMS
CMS's practice acts integrated into the international media team and is led by contract lawyer Martin Gerecke and press lawyer Michael Fricke. The team advises large publishers, broadcasters, press houses and companies on freedom of speech and copyright issues, whereas both the reporting as well as affected parties are represented. Among the key strengths are the advice on crisis communication as well as the representation in litigation, including proceedings pertaining to copyright and reputation management. The contentious expertise encompasses disputes over critical political and economic reporting. The team is also increasingly active in digital content pertaining to personal rights violations, thanks to Gerecke's experience in the social media segment.
Responsables de la pratique:
Martin Gerecke
Autres avocats clés:
Michael Fricke
Les références
‘The special thing about the law firm is its personalities. In negotiation situations or contentious proceedings, in addition to the extensive specialist knowledge that is to be expected at this level, the consultant’s personality is invaluable. This applies both to third parties and internally.’
‘Consultants who can adapt to the needs of their clients and support the company in the interests of the company are rarer than one might think. The personalities we work with achieve this perfectly.’
‘We particularly appreciate that the professional exchange between consultants and members of the legal department always enables us to achieve the best results.’
Principaux dossiers
HÖCKER
HÖCKER demonstrates its expertise in free speech and reputation management in the frequent representation of affected companies, organisations and individuals in court proceedings, which garner great media attention. Practice head and founding partner Ralf Höcker is particularly known for representing individuals in proceedings against suspicious reporting, while Carsten Brennecke primarily represents companies. Christoph Schmischke (advice to journalists and companies) made partner in January 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ralf Höcker
Autres avocats clés:
Carsten Brennecke; Christian Conrad; Marcel Leeser; Christoph Schmischke
Les références
‘Absolute reliability, fast response times, high level of media and PR understanding, strong performance and results.’
‘Highly competent, pragmatic, quick and available at any time.’
‘Very strong unit. There is hardly any other law firm in this segment that represents clients’ interests with such commitment and success. Very strong partners.’
Principaux clients
Banijay Germany GmbH
Erzbistum Köln
Gorillas
Helmut Kohl
Maike Kohl-Richter
Kardinal R.M. Woelki
Niederländisches Königshaus
Papst Benedikt XVI.
Roger Waters
Principaux dossiers
- Advice on press law and representation of Kardinal Woelki in the course of suspicious reporting on allegations of cover-up in the investigation of abuse.
- Advising a German journalist on press law in connection with the rbb case.
- Press law and crisis PR advice to the responsible IT service provider in the NRW Abitur examination scandal in 2023.
Redeker Sellner Dahs
Redeker Sellner Dahs is known for representing public broadcasters in various free speech and competition law proceedings and is also instructed by public sector clients on media constitutional issues. Practice head Christian Mensching is well versed in press law and data protection and advises both reporters and affected companies, authorities and organisations in proceedings on critical reporting. Gernot Lehr is another key contact here, he has additional expertise in media regulation, which is utilised in landmark proceedings pertaining to public media reporting.
Responsables de la pratique:
Christian Mensching
Autres avocats clés:
Gernot Lehr
Les références
‘In the practice area of media law, the law firm is characterized by extremely detailed processing of legal issues. Partial aspects are also examined in detail, while the focus on the central questions is never lost sight of during the development.’
‘It is very pleasing to see that the team has been increasingly strengthened in recent years with very well qualified associates.’
‘Dr. Christian Mensching is characterized by an extremely precise way of working. The use of his consulting services is characterized by detailed legal discussions that are enjoyable and lead to very good work results.’
Principaux dossiers
ADVANT Beiten
ADVANT Beiten supports a client base consisting of online publications, publishers and press groups such as RTL and SPIEGEL in press law and copyright issues. Publishing law expert Holger Weimann jointly heads the practice with IT and media lawyer Andreas Lober and advises radio stations and newspaper publishers on various copyright and competition law matters. Marc-Oliver Srocke is experienced in defending several #metoo reports and primarily advises on free speech matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Andreas Lober; Holger Weimann
Autres avocats clés:
Marc-Oliver Srocke; Katharina Mayerbacher
Les références
‘Dr. Holger Weimann has been advising our company for many years. This created a close relationship of trust. Due to his professional career, he has excellent knowledge of media and press law. He often finds unconventional and practical solutions to our questions. He always represented us well and successfully in court proceedings. We can definitely recommend Dr. Weimann!’
‘Katharina Mayerbacher provides us with extensive support in contract matters, whereby she delves intensively into even the most complicated technical processes. She is very precise when formulating contracts and has already negotiated many contracts for our company in such a way that they worked very successfully for us in the long term. Furthermore, it is a great help in implementing data protection regulations.’
‘Strong knowledge of the radio industry. Solution orientation to a high degree.’
Principaux clients
Fachschriften-Verlag GmbH & Co. KG
Holzmann Medien GmbH & Co. KG
KOSMETIK international Verlag GmbH
medialog GmbH & Co. KG
RTL-Gruppe
SPIEGEL-Gruppe
Schwäbischer Verlag GmbH & Co. KG
TOP HAIR International GmbH
Verlag die Abendzeitung GmbH & Co. KG
Viel Spaß GmbH
Westermann Bildungsmedien Verlag GmbH
Principaux dossiers
- Advising several private radio stations on the establishment of the first nationwide FM radio in North Rhine-Westphalia.
- Ongoing advice and representation of the SPIEGEL Group companies in matters of free speech and press law, as well as in copyright and publishing law, competition and antitrust law.
- Ongoing advice and representation of the RTL Group companies in matters of free speech and press law, as well as copyright law.
Lausen Rechtsanwälte
Lausen Rechtsanwälte focuses on copyright and publishing law and advises newspapers, such as Süddeutsche and Frankfurter Allgemeine, and publishing groups, including Springer Nature and Elsevier. Practice head Martin Schippan is known for his litigaton experience in major copyright and free speech model proceedings. Other key contacts here are the publishing lawyer Ursula Feinor-Schmidt and music lawyer Kerstin Bäcker; both are also well versed in AI matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Martin Schippan
Autres avocats clés:
Kerstin Bäcker; Ursula Feindor-Schmidt; Matthias Lausen; Thomas Glückstein
Les références
‘Undisputed experts in the areas of press, copyright and media law. Excellent expertise, practical solutions, 100% success rate for all mandates that the law firm has taken on for us. Very strong law firm with exceptional client orientation.’
‘Dr. Martin Schippan represents his clients’ interests in an exemplary manner at all times, leads every mandate to success and has found a practical and economical solution to every problem our company has to date. Dr. Schippan is an excellent problem solver. Dr. Matthias Lausen is an expert in the platform business; His expertise and foresight help to assert oneself even against large market players.’
‘The law firm impresses with its competence and effective work. Even in urgent cases, one can absolutely rely on the firm’s lawyers, especially Dr. Martin Schippan and his team.’
Principaux clients
Bookwire GmbH
Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels
Coalition for responsible sharing
Elsevier B.V.
Ernst Klett Verlag GmbH
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung GmbH
Georg Thieme Verlag GmbH
John Wiley & Sons GmbH
John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Koalition Zukunft des Verlegens
PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH
Springer Nature
Süddeutsche Zeitung GmbH
SWMH
Verlagsgruppe Beltz Julius Beltz GmbH & Co. KG
Verlagsgruppe Friedrich Oetinger GmbH
Verlagsgruppe Random House GmbH
Principaux dossiers
- Successful representation of Süddeutsche Zeitung GmbH in model proceedings, which resulted in the ruling that the press cannot be prohibited from reproducing verbatim quotations from documents from court or official proceedings in their reporting.
- Advising the Initiative Zukunft des Verlegens initiative on establishing a successful format for exchange on future topics in the publishing and media industry.
Prinz Rechtsanwälte
Prinz Rechtsanwälte is led by press lawyer Matthias Prinz, who is primarily active in reputation protection and privacy rights, and supports private individuals and companies in communications as well as litigation pertaining to critical or harmful reporting. The team primarily acts in contentious free speech and personal rights matters. In April 2023, the copyright and media lawyer Stephan Mathé left the practice and founded his own law firm.
Responsables de la pratique:
Matthias Prinz
Autres avocats clés:
Lena Mähren
Les références
‘Highest level of expertise, remarkable track record, major – also international – successes achieved for specific clients and also generally for the client-related application of press law. High client focus.’
‘Prof Matthias Prinz is a highly loyal, experienced and combative lawyer who always wants to achieve the best result for his clients. His impressive track record proves that he does just that. It is pleasing that he does not put himself and his law firm in the foreground and focusses entirely on his clients. Matthias Prinz has brilliantly resolved the most complex cases in German media law in the interests of his clients.’
Principaux clients
Bonafair AG
Dr. Thomas Borer
Andrea Casiraghi
Charlotte Casiraghi
Fürst Albert von Monaco
Fürstin Charlène von Monaco
Gesundheitszentrum Bitterfeld/Wolfen gGmbH – Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg –
Kempinski AG
Prof. Heinz Mack
Ramp106 GmbH
Pashmin Art Consortia
Porsche Automobil Holding SE
Alexandra Prinzessin von Hannover
Caroline Prinzessin von Hannover
Prinz Jacques von Monaco
Prinzessin Gabriella von Monaco
Dimitri Rassam
Tatiana Santo Domingo
Corinna Prinzessin zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn
Schwedisches Königshaus
Nadja Swarovski
va-Q-tec AG
Volkswagen AG
Principaux dossiers
- Advice to and representation of the Monegasque royal family, particularly in dealing with reports.
- Legal and communications advice to Volkswagen AG.
- Advice to Princess Estelle of Sweden for reporting that violated personal rights.
SKW Schwarz
SKW Schwarz advises press and book publishers on copyright, freedom of speech and contract law. With expertise in both strategic advice and litigation, the team is instructed by publishing houses on cooperation agreements, transactions, trademark protection and in the defense of publications under free speech. The practice is led by Johann Heyde, who specialises in media and entertainment, and Konstantin Wegner, who is experienced in copyright and contract law matters. Dorothee Altenburg is a key contact for disputes.
Responsables de la pratique:
Johann Heyde; Konstantin Wegner
Autres avocats clés:
Dorothee Altenburg
Les références
‘Absolute experts in the area of press and publishing law. Always in tune with the times – or even faster. For example, all press law questions about AI could be answered satisfactorily immediately before ChatGPT was on everyone’s lips. Collaboration across all areas at SKW Schwarz works smoothly and extremely professionally. I can only praise the law firm highly and recommend it unreservedly. Dr. Johann Heyde deserves special mention here.’
‘Dr. Johann Heyde offers outstanding expertise in all areas necessary for media. Very friendly, helpful, competent and quick to answer questions.’
‘Johann Heyde is now an enormously important pillar for our publishing business in a rapidly changing industry. We trust his advice one hundred percent, which is always objective and success-oriented, and appreciate his very approachable and understanding way of responding to our legal questions and legal cases. He is impressively assertive when dealing with the other side and always works in exchange with his colleagues. In doing so, he not only demonstrates his own enormous knowledge of the industry, but also his flexible and quick appropriation of topics outside his direct area of knowledge. In short: we are well looked after!’
Principaux clients
Carl Hanser Verlag GmbH & Co. KG
DDV Mediengruppe GmbH & Co. KG
Deutscher Landwirtschaftsverlag GmbH
dtv Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG
Europa Verlage GmbH
Gräfe und Unzer Verlag
Münchner Verlagsgruppe GmbH
PAL Verlagsgesellschaft mbH
Penguin Random House Verlagsgruppe GmbH
Piper Verlag GmbH
Ravensburger
Tre Torri Verlag
Verlag C.H.Beck
Verlagsgruppe Droemer Knaur
von dem Knesebeck GmbH & Co. Verlag KG
Wort&Bild Verlag
Principaux dossiers
- Support and litigation for Wort&Bild Verlag against the Federal Ministry of Health due to digital cooperation between Google and the Federal Ministry of Health.
- Advice on copyright and contract law to the German Agricultural Publishers in all areas of publishing.
- Support for several publishing groups, including Penguin Random House Verlagsgruppe, dtv Verlagsgesellschaft and Verlag CHBeck, on copyright, press, expression, contract, trademark and title protection issues, including advice in connection with corporate transactions and the use of digital technologies.
BROST CLAßEN
BROST CLAßEN advises large companies and individuals on reputation protection in media and press reporting as well as social media. In addition to ongoing advice to companies such as OBI and C&A, the team regularly conducts personal rights and free speech proceedings of an economic or political nature. Here, co-head Lucas Brost is a key contact, he jointly leads the team with Jörn Claßen, who specialises in commercial proceedings. Associate Julia Jeromin is well versed in influencer law matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Lucas Brost; Jörn Claßen
Autres avocats clés:
Julia Jeromin
Les références
‘We have been working with Brost Claßen for years and have had nothing but excellent experiences in client support. All mandates were processed perfectly. ‘
‘Dr. Claßen is our first point of contact for all media law issues that arise as part of our own mandate processing. He is characterized by short-term accessibility and exemplary commitment and professional expertise. ‘
‘The clients receive help here that is quick, professionally competent and on a personal level. Short-term inquiries are processed and the solutions developed are without exception as helpful as they are effective.’
Principaux clients
C&A Mode GmbH & Co. KG
CDU
Deutscher Eishockey-Bund e.V.
Dominikaner-Provinz Teutonia
Dorint GmbH
EatHappy ToGo GmbH
Edeka
Energiekonzepte Deutschland GmbH
FDP-Landtagsfraktion NRW
Fashion Design Institut
gas.de Versorgungsgesellschaft mbH
ISR International School on the Rhine
Infront Sports & Media AG
Klinikum Bielefeld gem. GmbH
Marc Cain GmbH
Mitsubishi Power Europe GmbH
OBI Group
Spezialisierte Ambulante Palliativversorgung
Stiftung Matthias Spital
Stromio GmbH
Verbund Katholischer Klinken GmbH
Westpfalz-Klinikum
Principaux dossiers
- Media law representation of David Jackson (The Bachelor 2023).
- Ongoing media law advice to companies, including C&A, OBI Group, Mitsubishi Power Europe GmbH and EatHappy ToGo GmbH.
BUSE
BUSE supports private individuals and companies in reputation protection pertaining to reporting and social media and has additional expertise in freedom of speech and personal rights, including related litigation. The practice is jointly led by Nina Lüssmann, who advises on press law, free speech as well as media regulation, and Volker Perten, who focuses on the interface between media law and corporate governance.
Responsables de la pratique:
Nina Lüssmann; Volker Perten
Autres avocats clés:
Jasper Hagenberg; Christine Nitschke
Les références
‘Volker Perten has extraordinary knowledge in the area of media law and has achieved excellent results.’
‘Nina Lüssmann is very responsive and pragmatic in her advice on issues of reputation and data protection. She puts clients at ease, explains relevant legal procedures clearly and is determined to achieve the best results for the client.’
Principaux clients
Lufthansa AG
Network Movie Film- und Fernsehproduktion GmbH
Sandra Bullock
Jörg Pilawa
Principaux dossiers
DÜNNWALD LEGAL
DÜNNWALD LEGAL specialises in supporting companies, associations as well as prominent individuals from the business and sports area in crisis situations and the enforcement of free speech-related claims in court. Practice head and founding partner Dirk Dünnwald primarily represents clients in complaint procedures against business reporting and also covers preventive matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Dirk Dünnwald
Les références
‘Prof. Dr. Dünnwald has many years of in-depth industry know-how, which enables him to quickly understand even complex issues and efficiently find a solution that protects the party’s interests. ‘
‘The law firm DÜNNWALD LEGAL combines profound professionalism with a measured eye for practical solutions. We experience again and again that we can rely on this partner. We see the law firm as a very strong provider of expression and media law and regularly recommend them to our customers and business partners at home and abroad.’
‘Dirk Dünnwald is characterized by his decades of experience, from which we benefit greatly. This applies to both the national and international context. His close networking with experts from a wide range of professions makes it possible to tackle complex tasks quickly and with a clear roadmap. In short: Prof. Dünnwald is an indispensable partner for us in speech and media law and we are pleased about our shared success story.’