Received a warning letter from Verbraucherschutzverein gegen unlauteren Wettbewerb e.V.?

Who is the Verbraucherschutzverein gegen unlauteren Wettbewerb e.V.?

The Verbraucherschutzverein gegen unlauteren Wettbewerb e.V. presents itself as an association that challenges violations of competition law and issues warning letters. In practice, warning letters frequently concern online commerce, terms and conditions (GTC), information obligations, as well as product-related labeling and advertising issues.

Why the association issues warning letters

Warning letters are generally intended to bring the challenged practice to an end and to secure this through a cease-and-desist declaration subject to a contractual penalty. Costs are often asserted in addition.

Affected industries

Online retailers and manufacturers are frequently affected, including in regulated sectors such as food, food supplements, cosmetics, and medical devices, as well as in the tobacco, e-cigarette, and refill container sectors where advertising and product presentation may be legally vulnerable.

Act quickly now in the event of a warning letter from the Verbraucherschutzverein

Deadlines are typically short

The warning letter typically sets a deadline for submitting a cease-and-desist declaration. Legal assistance must be obtained before this deadline expires in order to avoid court action.

Never submit the cease-and-desist declaration unchanged

The pre-formulated cease-and-desist declaration may be overly broad, create lifelong obligations, and trigger high contractual penalties. It should not be signed without legal review.

Typical warning-letter issues

GTC, withdrawal rights, information obligations

Common issues include clauses in GTC, withdrawal instructions, information on contract conclusion, delivery and payment information, or other mandatory information in e-commerce.

Advertising and labeling

Misleading statements, missing mandatory information, or impermissible health-related advertising may also be relevant, particularly for food, food supplements, cosmetics, and medical devices.

Defense by a specialized attorney

Review of claims, risks, and costs

I review whether the allegation is valid, whether the warning letter is formally compliant, and which solution best minimizes your risk and follow-up costs.

Modified cease-and-desist declaration and negotiation

If a declaration is required, it is typically adjusted to reduce its scope and contractual penalty risk while minimizing disruption to business operations.

Received a warning letter? Have it reviewed now

Rapid initial review before the deadline expires

Secure the deadlines, do not sign anything without review, and have the warning letter assessed by an attorney without delay.