Increased globalisation led to a reduction in trade barriers, which is currently being challenged by rising protectionism. This, combined with borderless data traffic has profoundly changed the requirements made on worldwide commerce. Although the legal framework is becoming increasingly homogeneous in certain areas, new players entering the marketplace and their associated national legislative systems have made things much more complex. As a result, manufacturers, procurement departments, distributors and importers are all challenged by new national and international contractual structures.

Our international team is highly experienced, flexible and can support all types of businesses, from large multinationals to start ups.

We are able to advise you on every aspect of commercial law, whether you're opening up new sales channels, distributing or warehousing merchandise, establishing franchise networks, or operating R&D schemes. Our consultancy covers both day-to-day operations and strategic planning.

The team has particular expertise in negotiating complex contractual solutions for clients operating in the technology, online retail/ecommerce, fintech, media and communications, advertising, retail and consumer products, manufacturing and engineering, real estate, financial services and energy sectors.

The German Supply Chain Act

Are you affected by the Supply Chain Act? It applies since 1 January 2023 for companies with at least 3.000 employees and from 1 January 2024 for companies with at least 1.000 employees in Germany.

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Experience

Taylor Wessing advises various DAX companies on the German LkSG

Advising various DAX companies as well as other companies from all sectors on legal aspects related to the German Supply Chain Sourcing Obligations Act (Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz - LkSG). The scope of our advisory services ranges from needs analysis, implementation and ongoing advice in day-to-day business to strategic, tactical and operational anticipation and support of conflicts and disputes.

Sebastian Rünz, LL.M. (Toronto)

Dr. Martin Rothermel

Taylor Wessing advises an International Chain of Department Stores on the German LkSG

Advising a German international retail chain on various legal issues relating to the LkSG. In particular, advice on examining the scope of application of the LkSG, on conducting a GAP analysis to identify legal gaps, on the involvement of the purchasing department by developing instructions for action in terms of a LkSG-compliant procurement strategy, on checklists for several business areas as well as on liability issues of the management and the purchasing department.

Sebastian Rünz, LL.M. (Toronto)

Dr. Martin Rothermel

Farfetch on a ground-breaking white label contract for fashion retailer Harrods

Farfetch on their contract to develop and operate Harrods' global e-commerce operations. This is a white label service provided through Farfetch's proprietary 'Black and White' platform and logistics and e-retail management resources. This deal may pave the way for further white label arrangements for Farfetch.

Graham Hann

Kelly Burke

Creation of a complex co-operation and referral agreement

MarketInvoice on a complex co-operation and referral agreement between them and Barclays. The agreement entails Barclays referring eligible business banking customers to MarketInvoice to benefit from their services. At the same time MarketInvoice received a GBP10m investment loan note and warrant investment from Barclays. This was a high profile deal, game changing for both parties.

Siân Skelton

”MHI Vestas Offshore Wind on Project Agreements for Offshore Wind Park “Deutsche Bucht”

The Danish-Japanese wind turbine manufacturer, MHI Vestas Offshore Wind (joint venture between Danish Vestas and Japanese Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) on the drafting and negotiation of project contracts for the German offshore wind farm “Deutsche Bucht”.

Press release

Dr. Janina Pochhammer

Continuing to advise long-standing client, Farfetch

Farfetch, the online community of the world’s best fashion boutiques and global brands, on a range of matters. These include on their commercial partnership agreements with retailers such as Harrods, on all of its corporate financing rounds ahead of its USD8bn IPO on the New York Stock Exchange, including it's USD397 million Series G fundraising by new investor, and ecommerce giant, JD.com.

Press release

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Environmental, social & governance

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues are not just checkboxes to be ticked; they represent critical demands and opportunities that will shape the future of businesses and communities. At Taylor Wessing, we are committed to helping you go beyond mere compliance, focusing on building more resilient and sustainable economies for a brighter future.

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Our team

Please feel free to contact a member of our team for more information about our capabilities and their expertise in relation to commercial contracts in your jurisdiction. You can also search for a particular individual or see the whole team by using our people finder.

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