Gleiss Lutz has long maintained a product liability offering and it prizes collaboration with its teams in compliance, dispute resolution, and regulatory law. Its clients include public bodies and some of the foremost global names in cosmetics and automotive manufacturing. The joint leaders of the practice are Eric Wagner, an expert in contractual disputes and the defence of liability claims and class actions, and Marc Ruttloff, whose focus is on the public law and regulatory aspect of such disputes. Enno Burk is also noted for his public law expertise, while Simon Wagner bolsters the firm’s commercial contracts capacity. Lisa Kappler is a further key figure, assisting with the range of matters.
Product liability in Germany
Gleiss Lutz
Praxisleiter:
Eric Wagner; Marc Ruttloff
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Enno Burk; Simon Wagner; Lisa Kappler
Referenzen
‘In-depth knowledge, ability to understand global legal regimes and their applicability to their clients, commercial bent of mind, and client service!’
‘The individual partners I worked with are the best in the domain, available, intelligent, understanding of client needs and always responsive.’
‚Gleiss Lutz’s product liability team distinguishes itself by offering unmatched command over complex liability matters – from preventive risk avoidance and seamless recall coordination to masterful defence in cross-border litigation and authority proceedings – backed by a truly global network and deep industry insight.‘
‚Marc Ruttloff distinguishes himself through his sharp strategic thinking and calm handling of high-stakes, cross-border cases. He is both detail-oriented and pragmatic, giving us clear guidance and confidence in managing complex liability risks and proceedings.‘
‚Gleiss Lutz couples classic civil‑law defense with capability to manage related regulatory and criminal inquiries, evidence preservation and crisis response excellent. Gleiss Lutz stands out by combining heavyweight dispute‑resolution capacity with a strong investigations/compliance practice, enabling seamless management of litigation and any regulatory exposure.‘
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised a manufacturer of skincare products on a product compliance and liability matter, with affected customers all over the world.
- Represented the Federal Republic of Germany in the defence of recourse claims by COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers regarding their agreed indemnification under EU treaties.
- Acted for several car manufacturers, coordinating defence counsel in one of the world’s biggest safety issues in the automotive sector ever, regarding airbags.
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Hogan Lovells International LLP has comprehensive coverage of the product liability market, acting for numerous leading domestic and multinational companies. From AI and data matters, to ESG and class actions, the team is across the core and tangential aspects of product liability law. Head of the dispute resolution practice Tanja Eisenblätter has a notable base of clients in the e-commerce and automotive spheres. Life sciences expert Ina Brock is well versed in complex cases, and Detlef Haß excels in supply chain litigation. Kim Lars Mehrbrey is a further key experienced partner in product liability matters, while younger partners Carolin Marx, Sebastian Polly, and Matthias Schweiger were joined by Thomas Nebel from Dentons in November 2024.
Praxisleiter:
Tanja Eisenblätter
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Ina Brock; Detlef Haß; Kim Lars Mehrbrey; Carolin Marx; Sebastian Polly; Matthias Schweiger; Thomas Nebel; Lisa Knitter
Referenzen
‘Hogan Lovells‘ attorneys have in-depth knowledge and considerable experience in handling product liability cases, across numerous industries, including pharmaceuticals and medical devices. They know how to assess the most appropriate strategy in defending the client’s interest and reputation. They are always available to the client, providing opinions and advice.’
‘Matthias Schweiger and Lisa Knitter are knowledgeable and helpful legal experts, not only in the field of the German law, but also with regard to legal developments at the European level. They are therefore able to provide useful guidance to clients in order to allow them to adapt their organisation and processes to the new rules in time.’
‚The team uses AI in a sophisticated way to create added value for the client.‘
‚Matthias Schweiger has assembled a great team and leads it with strategic vision.‘
Kernmandanten
Moderna
Twitch
Wellster Healthtech Group GmbH
Zapp AG
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented Twitch in disputes with streamers over their suspended user accounts.
- Represented Zapp AG in pursuing D&O liability claims against a former CEO over participation in a cartel infringement.
- Defended Moderna regarding ex-U.S. product liability claims in relation to its COVID-19 vaccine.
Noerr
Noerr consolidated its lawyers working on product liability and product regulatory matters into a newly established product liability and product regulation practice group. Arun Kapoor has taken leadership of this group; he represents national and international companies in product liability proceedings and in all issues of regulatory product compliance. Thomas Klindt has overseen many cross-border product recalls in the B2B, medical device and B2C fields. Isabel Jakobs has particular regulatory expertise in medical devices and pharmaceutical law, and automotive clients can rely on Felix Sedlmaier. Julia Meggyes is the firm’s specialist in this area below partner level.
Praxisleiter:
Arun Kapoor; Thomas Klindt
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Isabel Jakobs; Felix Sedlmaier. Julia Meggyes
Referenzen
‚In-depth legal knowledge of the subject matter, combined with a comprehensive technical understanding.‘
‚Felix Sedlmaier has excellent technical understanding combined with in-depth industry knowledge of the automotive sector. Strategic leadership of international proceedings and always approachable.‘
‚Arun Kapoor is an outstanding lawyer.‘
‘Outstanding knowledge in product liability practice. In-depth knowledge how to handle the most difficult issues and ability to find the most suitable possible solution that is requested to provide to authorities to turn down the administrative claim.’
‘In-depth knowledge of product liability and how to deal with the most difficult arising issues related to product liability. Outstanding abilities to provide solid documented legal answers so that until today any issue could be solved as expected.’
‚Arun Kapoor and Isabel Jakobs are highly skilled.‘
BACH LANGHEID DALLMAYR
Insurance and liability law boutique BACH LANGHEID DALLMAYR has a focus on the representation of national and international insurance companies and financial service providers. The firm is increasingly establishing itself beyond the insurance sphere as it straddles the line between liability and coverage. Martin Alexander leads work on product liability and recalls. He has strong knowledge of the aviation industry, as well as acting for notable pharmaceuticals clients. Carsten Hösker is well versed in international product liability cases, product recalls, product liability and recall cost insurance; while Jendrik Böhmer excels in vehicle recall cost insurance.
Praxisleiter:
Martin Alexander
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Carsten Hösker; Jendrik Böhmer; Marcel Hohagen; Martin Lomb
Kernmandanten
AIG
Allianz
AXA
Chubb
Generali
HDI
Liberty
QBE
WR Berkley
Zurich
Clyde & Co LLP
Insurance law heavyweight Clyde & Co LLP has a distinct imprint in the product liability market as one of the most prominent representatives for insurers in litigation. The full breadth of matters are covered, from product safety and regulation, product recall and crisis response, to product liability and recall insurance and subrogated recoveries. Leadership of the team is divided between liability and insurance law specialist Daniel Kassing, and Sven Förster, a litigator well versed in complex product liability cases. Christoph Pies, Karin Schäffer, and Anna Goddon are among the most active of the more junior lawyers in this area.
Praxisleiter:
Daniel Kassing; Sven Förster
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Christoph Pies; Karin Schäffer; Anna Goddon
CMS
The German offices of CMS play key roles in the wider firm’s international offering in product liability cases, while also driving work for household name German multinationals. The automotive, pharmaceutical, mechanical and plant engineering sectors are particularly well represented in the team’s client base and the full range of product liability cases, product recalls and product compliance are covered. Thomas Lennarz and Nicolas Wiegand (based in Hong Kong) oversee German law-related matters in this area, and Tobias Bomsdorf is a key contact that comes with client acclaim.
Praxisleiter:
Thomas Lennarz; Nicolas Wiegand
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Tobias Bomsdorf; Ulrich Becker
Referenzen
‘Tobias Bomsdorf and his team can be highly recommended for advice and representation in commercial litigation and product liability cases. They have extensive experience in both judicial and extrajudicial dispute resolution and cover almost all areas of product liability, including specialised topics such as pharmaceutical liability law or liability cases in the energy industry.’
‘For many years Tobias Bomsdorf has been commissioned in connection with the handling of complex warranty and product liability cases in and out of court. Tobias has extensive experience, in particular, with the handling of large industrial claims and serial claims with several hundreds or thousands of claimants.’
‘Very hands-on mentality, reactive, clear communication, proactive solutions as well as out of the box advice to achieve best results for clients, very good market knowledge.’
‘The personal approach from Ulrich Becker is outstanding. He is a very good and clear communicator with deep market-knowledge, good at building long-term client-relationships.’
‘Tobias Bomsdorf and his team are very knowledgeable and at the same time pragmatic. Very pleasant to work with.’
‘We always received very well-founded and well-structured answers to complex product-related questions, which our colleagues were able to work with very well. This was possible by a very intensive professional exchange between our technical experts and various CMS experts.’
‘We truly value the ability to make complex legal topics understandable for non-lawyers and the results practically applicable for our employees and this was always achieved by the respective CMS lawyers.’
‘Outstanding firm for product liability – contentious and non-contentious.’
Kernmandanten
Stellantis N.V./FCA Italy S.p.A/FIAT
Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented Stellantis N.V., FCA Italy S.p.A, FIAT, and Mercedes-Benz and provided advice as lead advisor in several thousand individual actions before German courts in connection with the diesel emissions action.
- Coordinated worldwide product liability cases for two global OEMs and their subsidiaries.
- Advised a German manufacturer of home electricity energy storage systems on the defence of liability claims in the context of the remote shutdown of battery storage facilities after explosions and fires.
Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH
Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH furthered its offering for product liability cases with the addition of Astrid Seehafer and her team from ARQIS in November 2024. She has brought a number of clients to the firm in this area, including in the retail and food sectors. The practice is led by Steffen Gaber, who focuses on the automotive supply and textile industries, while Kuuya Josef Chibanguza is a tech and traditional product specialist, and Jens-Uwe Heuer-James has broad commercial law expertise. Commercial disputes lawyer Anika Wendelstein joined from CMS in October 2024.
Praxisleiter:
Steffen Gaber
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Jens-Uwe Heuer-James; Kuuya Josef Chibanguza; Astrid Seehafer; Anika Wendelstein
Referenzen
‘The firm clearly communicates that requests are understood and when we can expect an answer.’
‘All partners we work with clearly understand our needs. In a specific case with contracts, our partner asked to set up a call to make his remarks clear. I appreciate this proactive way of working.’
‚Very customer oriented, with huge knowledge about the business areas.‘
‚Kuuya Josef Chibanguza and Jens-Uwe Heuer-James are always available, very customer oriented and provide practical advice.‘
Kernmandanten
Cathay Pacific Airways Limited
Karcher AG
SAME Deutz-Fahr
Harley-Davidson
Makita
Saint-Gobain
Westfalen Mobil GmbH
Brand Loyalty Sourcing B.V.
Smart Europe GmbH
Beijing Bytedance Technology Co., Ltd.
Highlight-Mandate
- Provided ongoing legal advice to Smart Europe GmbH on all matters relating to distribution and commercial law, including product liability.
- Advised Karcher AG on all matters relating to product safety and liability, in particular with regard to mobility products.
- Assisted The Super Patch Company with coordination of local counsel in a variety of jurisdictions on regulatory and competition law issues, including market entry, labelling, and trade mark law.
reuschlaw
reuschlaw is a product liability law boutique that focuses on prevention, while remaining well equipped to handle disputes should they arise. It is counsel of choice in this field for a number of domestic and international companies facing complex legal issues that span product safety, product liability, recall management, insurance law, compliance management, contract law, data protection, and IT law. Three lawyers coordinate the group: founding partner Philipp Reusch, who specialises in advice to the mechanical engineering, automotive supply and consumer goods industries; Daniel Wuhrmann, who leads the mobility department; and Miriam Schuh, an expert in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Praxisleiter:
Philipp Reusch; Daniel Wuhrmann; Miriam Schuh
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Saskia Wittbrodt; Thorsten Deeg
Taylor Wessing
Product liability, safety and recalls are all core areas for the dispute resolution group at Taylor Wessing, wherein international litigation, global product recalls, regulatory investigations, and product compliance are all covered. At the helm of the practice is Philipp Behrendt, counsel of choice for a host of well-known multinationals in the tech sector and various kinds of OEM. Henning Moelle is well recognised in product liability cases, especially within the life sciences sector. Three partner promotions in July 2024 boosted the product liability sector: Lena Niehoff, Florian Lambracht and Kerstin Bär.
Praxisleiter:
Philipp Behrendt
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Henning Moelle; Lena Niehoff; Florian Lambracht; Kerstin Bär
Kernmandanten
AstraZeneca
Bayer
Grünenthal
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented AstraZeneca in all product liability proceedings regarding its Covid-19 vaccine.
- Represented Bayer in product liability matters regarding pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
- Acted as international lead counsel for Grünenthal in product liability lawsuits in connection with thalidomide worldwide.
Bird & Bird LLP
Risk assessment advice and litigation are both in the wheelhouse of Bird & Bird LLP, and it has a notable offering in contentious work for automotive sector clients. Overseeing product liability matters are Philipp Egler, a strong choice of counsel in the automotive and financial products sectors, and Matthias Spilker, who handles supply chain disputes, product liability cases and product compliance.
Praxisleiter:
Philipp Egler; Matthias Spilker
Referenzen
‘As soon as you may have contracted the law firm you know that the problem is handled in the best way by the requested due date.’
‘Outstanding knowledge combined with accuracy and focus on the requested target. Different lawyers take care of your legal request from different angles and perspectives, so that the best possible outcome is achieved.’
‚Good knowledge of the market.‘
‚Philipp Egler is an excellent expert.‘
‚The entire team is not only very experienced, but also very friendly and exceptionally good at communication. Timely replies and a very good anticipation of the priority helps us deal with questions quickly. Constraints in timing are also very clearly communicated and proactive solutions are provided. The service level and dedication is remarkable.‘
‚Matthias Spilker is a calm and clever person, with a pleasant character. He is very experienced in these legal aspects.‘
Norton Rose Fulbright
Nikolas Smirra is the key contact for product liability matters at Norton Rose Fulbright, and his counsel is a draw for clients in the automotive, FMCG and electronics sectors in particular. As part of a diversifying litigation offering, the team is adept in cross-border cases. Jamie Nowak heads the dispute resolution team in Germany, so has involvement in a number of key product liability matters, and Julia Grünberg is particularly active in support of clients in the consumer goods, industrial, technology and automotive spaces.
Praxisleiter:
Nikolas Smirra
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Jamie Nowak; Julia Grünberg
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised a global chemicals company as claimant of one of the largest individual product liability claims in Germany.
- Assisted a manufacturer of parenting products on a global product recall.
- Advised a global FMCG company in dealings with the German regulator and customers in connection with claims of alleged product incompliance.