EmpCo since 27 September 2026: What the new Section 15b UWG means for existing stock
From 27 September 2026, the new EmpCo requirements for environmental and sustainability advertising will apply. A proposed special rule in Section 15b UWG-E could provide relief for certain existing stock – but websites, social media and other advertising would not benefit from this privilege.
Munich Regional Court I: Google must answer for false AI responses
Munich Regional Court I prohibited Google from further disseminating false statements from an “AI Overview”. The AI response was attributed to the search engine operator as its own statement.
Using an outdated strikethrough price is misleading
The Wiesbaden Regional Court held that advertising with outdated, significantly higher strike-through prices is misleading and violates the German Price Indication Ordinance (PAngV) in conjunction with the UWG. Consumers understand crossed-out prices as the most recently charged price; if the reference price does not reflect that and there is no clear explanation, the ad suggests an overstated discount. Therefore, strike-through prices must be tied to the price immediately charged before the reduction.
“Climate–neutral” cannot be used in advertising without further explanatory information
Advertising with the term “climate neutral” can be misleading. Consumers must be informed in advertising how climate neutrality is achieved.
No protection against imitation under unfair competition law for “Glück” (happiness)
Wird ein Produktname verwendet, der Emotionen hervorruft, wie „Glück“, dann ist dies ein Konzept, das über das Wettbewerbsrecht grundsätzlich nicht geschützt ist.
Deception of origin – misleading commercial practices
Wunderbräu not a climate-neutral beer brewed in Munich after all – beer bottle may no longer bear the Munich address and “CO2 positive” and “climate-neutral” according to the decision of Munich Regional Court I.