Received a warning letter from Verein gegen Unwesen in Handel und Gewerbe Köln e.V.

Who is the erein gegen Unwesen in Handel und Gewerbe Köln e.V.?

The erein gegen Unwesen in Handel und Gewerbe Köln e.V. is a competition association that pursues violations of competition law and also issues warning letters for this purpose. Companies in brick-and-mortar retail and e-commerce are frequently affected, particularly regarding advertising claims, seals, product presentations, and mandatory information.

Why this association issues warning letters

The focus is on externally visible competition law violations that, in the association’s view, impair fair competition. Warning letters regularly aim to stop the challenged advertising or presentation and to secure this through a cease-and-desist declaration subject to a contractual penalty.

Which companies are most frequently affected

Online shops, manufacturers, and retailers that advertise or distribute products are frequently affected, including regulated product segments such as food, food supplements, cosmetics, medical devices, as well as tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and refill containers.

Act quickly now in the event of a warning letter from the Verein gegen Unwesen Köln

Be sure to observe the deadline for the cease-and-desist declaration

As a rule, a short deadline is set for submitting a cease-and-desist declaration. This deadline must be taken seriously, as court action may otherwise follow. Legal assistance should be obtained before the deadline expires.

Never sign the enclosed cease-and-desist declaration without review

The proposed cease-and-desist declaration is often broadly worded and may bind your company permanently. Submitting it unchanged can trigger high contractual penalty risks and unnecessarily restrict business operations.

Typical allegations in warning letters

Advertising with seals, tests, quality marks

Common disputes concern the use of test or certification seals, alleged misleading advertising highlights, or missing explanations regarding the testing basis.

Mandatory information and online commerce

Missing or incorrect mandatory information, pricing details, product labeling, and other competition law violations in e-commerce are also frequently challenged.

Defense by a specialized attorney

Review of validity, scope of claims, and formal compliance

I review whether the warning letter is substantively and formally valid, whether a violation actually exists, and which response is timely and strategically appropriate.

Strategy: rejection, modification, negotiation

Depending on the circumstances, rejection, a modified cease-and-desist declaration, or a settlement may be considered in order to minimize cost and contractual penalty risks.

Received a warning letter? Have it reviewed now

Immediate assistance before the deadline expires

Note the deadline, do not sign anything without review, and have the warning letter assessed by an attorney at short notice before responding.