DLA Piper counts major publishing, telecoms, digital and social media, and advertising companies as clients, and has both contentious and non-contentious capabilities. The practice has led on preliminary injunctions and judicial review proceedings in higher courts, trademark and copyright infringement disputes, and advises on freedom of expression law for media clients. On the regulatory side, advisory work includes reputation management for companies and individuals alongside comprehensive press and media law counselling for cross-sector clients, with a focus on compliance with the Digital Services Act as well as on competition and advertising regulations. The practice is led by Stefan Engels, experienced in the application of IP law to media and press disputes for publishing and tech clients. Other key names are public law and regulatory specialist Michael Stulz-Herrnstadt, Beatrice Brunn, who advises on media contract law matters, and Anika Kruse who is experienced in IP and tech matters.
Press and publishing in Germany
DLA Piper
Praxisleiter:
Stefan Engels
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Michael Stulz-Herrnstadt; Beatrice Brunn; Anika Kruse
Referenzen
‘In media law cases, we continue to work primarily with attorney Stefan Engels and his IP team, who provide both advisory and forensic services for virtually all matters in this area for our company. The main reason for this ongoing collaboration is the excellent broad coverage and thus also good integration in the field of intellectual property and media law.’
‘We hold Stefan Engels in high regard as an excellent lawyer and very good strategist and tactician, who is extremely well connected and has in-depth knowledge of the media industry and media business. His commitment and ability to look beyond the specific mandate and provide comprehensive support for the client are particularly noteworthy.’
‚Compared to other law firms, it is particularly noteworthy that they see themselves as a firm for media companies, which means that they are less likely to come into conflict with their legal arguments regarding freedom of reporting in court.‘
Kernmandanten
Axel Springer Deutschland GmbH
Business Insider Deutschland GmbH
Discovery Communications Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG ProSieben/SevenOneEntertainment RTL Televsion WeltN24
dpa Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH
Seven.One Entertainment Group GmbH
Ströer Digital Publishing
Wort & Bild Verlag GmbH & Co. KG
Highlight-Mandate
- Led the defence of reporting on the Sylt scandal, including on the admissibility of identifying Bild in connection with this reporting.
- Acted for fact checker dpa-Infocom when it was challenged by achgut.de.
- Represented P7S1 Media SE in media and competition law proceeding against the BDGU regarding gambling commercials on TV.
NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte
A boutique firm specialising in press and freedom of expression law cases, NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte specialises in acting on behalf of interests of those affected in media publications, with an extensive roster of commercial clients. With a dedicated team of experienced press lawyers, Till Dunckel, Stephanie Vendt, and Michael Nesselhauf head the practice.
Praxisleiter:
Till Dunckel; Stephanie Vendt
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Michael Nesselhauf
Referenzen
‚Nesselhauf is the leading law firm for media law in Germany. Till Dunckel is frequently engaged in all major cases of public interest.‘
‚I have been working with media law firms as a communications professional for more than 20 years. In my experience, Nesselhauf, and Stephanie Vendt in particular, have been at the top of the list of the best and most ethical law firms in media law.‘
Raue
Raue provides press law advice to major clients in media and publishing on contentious and non-contentious matters, and the practice is consulted by television and film producers for counsel on copyright law and personal rights protection. Notable recent instructions have included acting on social media generative AI concerns for national political parties. Media and press law specialist Jan Hegemann leads the practice, and he is joined by Anna-Sophie Hollenders, who is highly regarded by clients in television and film. Lisa Schopp acts in digital media rights cases, and Felix Stang has led in crisis situations and freedom of expression cases.
Praxisleiter:
Jan Hegemann
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Anna-Sophie Hollenders; Lisa Schopp; Felix Stang
Kernmandanten
Axel Springer SE
Ullstein GmbH/WeltN24 GmbH
LOOKS Film & TV Produktionen GmbH
Zeitsprung Pictures Gmbh
CDU
Bloomberg L.P.
Hachette Book Group, Inc.
Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity
Highlight-Mandate
- Consulted for btf GmbH on a commissioned production of a five-part series about the history of FC Bayern Munich in the 1990s regarding copyright and licensing issues, as well as protection against potential personal rights claims.
- Represented an source of Axel Springer SE in defamation proceedings regarding the fundamental question of whether a source is responsible for the press publication.
- Provided ongoing legal advice to the CDU on various press and expression law matters.
Schertz Bergmann Rechtsanwälte
Schertz Bergmann Rechtsanwälte is renowned for its work representing celebrities and media figures in contentious press law matters, and also has a wide base of clients in auto manufacturing and sports and that has also grown to include political parties and federal ministries. The firm’s leading names in the field are Christian Schertz, Helge Reich, and Anna Sophie Heuchemer.
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Christian Schertz; Helge Reich; Anna Sophie Heuchemer.
Referenzen
‚Our work with Schertz Bergmann has been a tremendous support in complex legal cases in the matter of media and press law through the past year. Schertz Bergmann‘s deep understanding of the European media landscape, combined with knowledge for not only traditional media outlets, but the new diverse social media platforms too, impress us very much.’
‘Helge Reich was recommended to us many times in the past years, and every great recommendation we have received turned out to be very true. He is amazingly precise, always on time and stands out with a professionalism that is combined with creativity in a timely matter.’
‚Schertz Bergmann stands out for its deep expertise, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to client interests. The team combines a nuanced understanding of media law with a pragmatic approach to complex legal challenges, making them a trusted advisor in high-stakes matters.‘
Kernmandanten
DFB Deutscher Fußball Bund
Artnet AG
Diverse Sparkassen
AUDI AG
Porsche Holding SE
CSU
BMG
Universal Music GmbH
Enpal B.V.
RB Leipzig
Ziegler Film GmbH & Co. KG
UFA Fiction GmbH
Mercedes-Benz Group AG AG
Premium Food Group
Vorwerk SE & Co. KG
Messe Berlin GmbH
EDEKA
FDP
SPD
Pyrexx GmbH
Flink SE
The Quality Group GmbH
EW Group GmbH
HELIOS Kliniken
FC Union Berlin
Highlight-Mandate
- Prohibited inadmissible reporting of suspicions for clients.
- Advised a large company on its media campaigns.
- Enforced a claim for damages against Stiftung Warentest on behalf of a client.
CMS
Bringing in experience from the firm’s technology, media and communications teams, CMS‘ press law team provides ongoing regulatory advice and representation in cases concerning freedom of expression and copyright law for clients including public broadcasters, media and publishing companies, as well as presenters and influencers. Recent highlights for the practice include injunctive relief proceedings and disputes on the interaction between data protection and artist’s rights. Practice head Michael Fricke is a key contact on the full range of press law matters.
Praxisleiter:
Michael Fricke
Referenzen
‚An outstanding law firm which, thanks to its size and market positioning, has a competent team for every relevant area of law, both nationally and internationally. This means that we, as clients, are offered a 360-degree service, so that we feel we are receiving the best possible legal support.‘
‚Fast response time, always available, competent implementation, excellent client-oriented work processes, very good networking within the industry.‘
Kernmandanten
ARD public-service broadcasters
Morgenpost Verlag GmbH
Celebrities affected
Business enterprises affected
HateAid gGmbH
August Storck KG
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
Börsenmedien AG
Getty Images International
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented Norddeutscher Rundfunk in disputes concerning the right to freedom of expression.
- Provided ongoing advice to Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG on press law matters.
- Provided ongoing advice to the Morgenpost Verlag on press, copyright and competition law.
Redeker Sellner Dahs
Referenzen
‚What sets Redeker Sellner Dahs apart is their commitment to delivering high-quality legal services. They approach each case with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that all aspects are thoroughly considered and addressed. Their ability to navigate complex legal challenges with precision and clarity is commendable.‘
‘Their reliability is evident in their consistent performance and dedication to clients. They maintain open communication, manage expectations effectively, and deliver results within agreed timelines, fostering trust and confidence in their services.’
‚A large law firm with many experts in numerous fields. Very experienced and professional in crisis management, media enquiries and media law.‘
ADVANT Beiten
ADVANT Beiten represents groups of entertainment and publishing companies in freedom of expression, copyright and trademark, and competition law matters. The practice also has transactional capability and has recently led on portfolio acquisitions and re-tendering processes for broadcasters and publishers. The firm’s lawyers have experience in the application of intellectual property and IT law to media law matters: Practice head Andreas Lober is generally well versed in media law, Holger Weimann has experience as a newspaper editor and represents major news publishers.
Praxisleiter:
Andreas Lober
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Holger Weimann
Referenzen
‘ADVANT Beiten’s gaming, digital content and press and publishing practice stands out for its soft power, quietly exercised. Andreas Lober and his team are extremely well connected, but do not constantly telegraph this. Something we appreciate. They are curious, and will reconsider their advice if the facts or law changes.’
‚Andreas Lober has over the years carefully put together a team with shared values and an excellent baseline in quality.‘
‚ADVANT Beiten’s press and publishing team stands out through its strong grasp of media law, IP, and regulatory issues, combined with a practical approach that works well in the fast-paced publishing environment. The team understands the legal sensitivities around content production, licensing, defamation, freedom of expression, and platform responsibility, which is crucial for modern publishing businesses.‘
Kernmandanten
Gruner+Jahr Medien GmbH
RTL+/RTL interactive GmbH/RTL Television GmbH, RTL
Deutschland GmbH/n-tv, VOX and others
SPIEGEL GRUPPE
Verlag Herder GmbH
Medien.Bayern GmbH
Peres Projects GmbH
LAUSEN
LAUSEN specialises in advising media and entertainment companies on a range of legal concerns, with focus areas including data protection, platform law, and in large press disputes. With specialised experience, the practice has also led on a number of internal AI usage strategy mandates for publishers. The team is headed by Martin Schippan, who has led on a number of press law test cases, and Ursula Feindor-Schmidt, the firm's resident specialist on AI integration matters.
Praxisleiter:
Martin Schippan; Ursula Feindor-Schmidt
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Kerstin Bäcker; Bernhard Buchner
Referenzen
‚The team is very professional and has extensive legal expertise in future technologies.‘
‘What makes the difference is the ability to give practical recommendations for action in complex legal issues.’
Kernmandanten
Bookwire GmbH
Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels
Coalition for Responsible Sharing
Elsevier B.V.
Ernst Klett Verlag GmbH
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung GmbH
Georg Thieme Verlag GmbH
John Wiley & Sons GmbH
John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Koalition Zukunft des Verlegens
PMG Presse-Monitor GmbH
Springer Nature
Süddeutsche Zeitung GmbH
SWMH
Verlagsgruppe Beltz Julius Beltz GmbH & Co. KG
Verlagsgruppe Friedrich Oetinger GmbH
Verlagsgruppe Random House GmbH
Verlag Nürnberger Presse
Highlight-Mandate
- Appeared in a test case on the question of the ability of a foreign state to assert claims against a press publication in Germany.
- Defended Süddeutsche Zeitung before the Hamburg Regional Court in connection with an exposé published about Stefan Gelbhaar.
SKW Schwarz
SKW Schwarz‘s media law advisory work includes copyright and contract law support for publishers interacting with authors, trademark and title protection in and out of court, and freedom of expression disputes concerning personality usage. With strong contentious capabilities, the practice has represented news publishers in press freedom proceedings against federal ministries. Johann Heyde heads the media and entertainment practice, focusing on film and television work, while Konstantin Wegner leads on regulatory matters for press and publishing companies.
Praxisleiter:
Johann Heyde; Konstantin Wegner
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Anna Kellner
Referenzen
‚Konstantin Wegner’s team is outstanding. They combine exceptional professional expertise with a first-class service ethos. This is not an anonymous law firm, but rather an opportunity to engage with remarkable individuals on an equal footing.‘
‚Konstantin Wegner is a partner with a broad perspective; every exchange adds value. Anna Kellner is a highly committed young lawyer with a genuine interest in the subject matter; excellent communication.‘
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised on matters relating to the right to freedom of expression, in particular in mass proceedings against Aydin/Rahim.
- Led a press freedom case against the Federal Ministry of Health regarding the portal gesund.bund.de.
BROST CLAßEN
Advice on legal communication and personal rights protections are the staples of BROST CLAßEN‘s media and press department. Clients span NGOs and public sector bodies, entertainment and social media, and the practice has provided media law advice tied to financial sector litigation. Firm heads Jörn Claßen and Lucas Brost are key contacts on media and press law issues.
Praxisleiter:
Lucas Brost; Jörn Claßen
Referenzen
‘The colleagues I collaborate with distinguish themselves through their outstanding expertise and sincere dedication to deeply grasping customer needs. This allows them to provide customised solutions effectively. Their strong team spirit, innovative approach, and constant eagerness to learn truly make them stand out.’
‘Great team. Great lawyers.’
‚The team is clearly the number 1 boutique practice in their field and in the German-speaking market. We always reached jointly set objectives.‘
Kernmandanten
C&A Mode GmbH & Co. KG
Stiftung Matthias Spital
Deutscher Eishockey-Bund e.V.
Mitsubishi Power Europe GmbH
Stromio GmbH
gas.de Versorgungsgesellschaft mbH
EatHappy ToGo GmbH
Infront Sports & Media AG
Verbund Katholischer Klinken GmbH
Dorint GmbH
Ferdinand Piech jun.
diverse Influencer-Agenturen
Fashion Design Institut
ISR International School on the Rhine
OBI Group
FDP-Landtagsfraktion NRW
Marc Cain GmbH
Energiekonzepte Deutschland GmbH
Christian Lell
OACE
Vodafone Deutschland
B&B Hotels Germany GmbH
Campact e.V.
Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk
SC Freiburg
Nino de Angelo
DIHAG Holding GmbH
Evangelisches Krankenhaus Wesel GmbH
Haller Group
magna asset management ag
Normfest GmbH
Riedel Holding GmbH & Co. KG
Schulz Gerüstbau GmbH & Co. KG
SkyWind Energy GmbH
St. Franziskus-Hospital GmbH
Studio 71 GmbH
Ten Brinke Bau GmbH & Co. KG
Universitätsklinikum Freiburg
UVEX SPORTS GmbH & Co. KG
BUSE
Reputation protection and press law advice concerning statements in magazines and newspapers and on television are the focuses of BUSE‘s media law team. The firm leads on judicial and extrajudicial proceedings for clients across a range of industry sectors. Nina Lüssmann acts on press law matters at the domestic and international level. Volker Perten left the firm in December 2024.
Praxisleiter:
Nina Lüssmann
Referenzen
‘The team has very good knowledge about reputation protection in Germany and works extremely professionally and efficiently in all engagements.’
‘Nina Lüssmann is very competent, with strong expertise in reputation protection. She is very responsive and always looks for hands-on solutions. Strongly recommended!’
‘Nina Lüssmann has great experience in that sector. She not only takes into account legal aspects but also reputational, marketing and business aspects.’
Kernmandanten
Sandra Bullock
Network Movie Film- und Fernsehproduktion GmbH
AStA der FernUniversität Hagen
CBH Rechtsanwälte
CBH Rechtsanwälte provides counsel on copyright and personality rights in the context of advertising campaigns and internal platform and database development, and the practice has represented state media authorities in public law and media regulatory proceedings. Ingo Jung has a background in IP law, which is applied to trademark disputes and data usage matters.
Praxisleiter:
Ingo Jung
Kernmandanten
Bastei Lübbe
ClimatePartner
DVGW Deutscher Verband der Gas- und Wassertechnik e.V.
Influencer-Marketing
Mediengruppe M. DuMont Schauberg
Siewert & Kau Computertechnik GmbH
Sonae Sierra Deutschland GmbH
Zentralverband des deutschen Bäckerhandwerkes
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
SK Stiftung Kultur
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Mediengruppe M. DuMont Schauberg on various copyright and media law-issues, in particular on the use of image works in digital media.
- Advised Fraunhofer Institut on various copyright issues, in particular at the intersection of artificial intelligence and the use of copyright-relevant content on social media platforms.
- Advised the German water and gas regulator on various copyright issues and legal proceedings, in particular at the intersection of the use of technical regulations and the use of copyright-relevant content in training courses and in the context of cooperations.
DÜNNWALD LEGAL
DÜNNWALD LEGAL acts on media law matters between clients and social media platforms concerning the publication of untrue information, with services including cease and desist negotiations and program complaints to platforms and broadcasters. Dirk Dünnwald leads the firm’s press law offering, with strengths in reacting to media investigations and information protection.
Praxisleiter:
Dirk Dünnwald
Referenzen
‚Dirk Dünnwald stands out for his quick wit, reliable assessments and legal expertise.’
‘Strong team and individualised approach to the client. Dirk Dünnwald has always been personally available to us.’
‘The team is specialised and, of course, highly qualified in media law and all relevant issues from other areas of law that are relevant to clients and their cases. Very good in their field of expertise.’
GRAEF Rechtsanwälte
GRAEF Rechtsanwälte advises major publishers and writers on publishing law in the context of book publications, as well as newspapers and press companies in press law litigation. Recent instructions have included manuscript reviews, IP litigation, and press law advice in the response to prolonged media investigations. Practice leader Ralph Oliver Graef is a media specialist whose expertise covers both press and publishing, as well as television and film.
Praxisleiter:
Ralph Oliver Graef
Kernmandanten
Penguin Books Ltd.
Penguin Random House USA
FUNKE Mediengruppe
Faber & Faber, UK
Deutscher Verband für Modernen Fünfkampf e.V.
UNITE HERE Local 11
ZAR Real Estate Holding GmbH & Co. KG
Hyphen Online
Murmann Publishers GmbH
Estate of Michael Ende
Estate of Astrid Lindgren
New York Times
Oxford University Press
Gisela Augstein
Penguin Random House GmbH
Philip Reclam jun. Verlag GmbH
Tiger Media Deutschland GmbH/Tiger Media International GmbH/StoryDOCKS GmbH/framily GmbH
Verlagsgruppe Oetinger
Atrium Verlag GmbH
W1-Media GmbH
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented Faber and Faber in relation to its investigative research, for example into Alisher Usmanov, among others, and his sale of shares in Arsenal FC.
- Represented FUNKE media group in a lawsuit brought against it by photographer in relation to podcasts published by 11 of its publishing houses.
- Represented Penguin Random House as spokesperson in several prominent cases.
Media Kanzlei Riemenschneider
Media Kanzlei Riemenschneider focuses on representation in hate speech and libel proceedings on behalf of media figures against publishers, as well as in reputation and content management cases, with some recent cases taking place in the context of elections. Severin Riemenschneider leads on matters of personality rights protection and crisis communications cases.
Praxisleiter:
Severin Riemenschneider
Referenzen
‚Severin Riemenschneider is great.‘
Kernmandanten
BTC Echo
Charles Barker
Yanki Pürsün
Fernanda Brandao
Louisa Dellert
Renate Künast
Sehring AG
Skywind Energy GmbH
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised BTC Echo on an ongoing basis in press law proceedings.
- Advised Renate Künast on an ongoing basis on hate speech proceedings, including claims for injunctive relief and subsequent enforcement proceedings.
- Represented Skywind Energy GmbH in approximately 40 extrajudicial and judicial proceedings, seeking to challenge false allegations and unjustified accusations.
Prinz Rechtsanwälte
Prinz Rechtsanwälte specialises in acting in press law litigation for industry clients in libel, defamation, and protection of privacy cases, and the practice also provides ongoing media law advice to marketing companies and individuals. Matthias Prinz and Jan Felix Dein are the key contacts in the practice.
Praxisleiter:
Matthias Prinz
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Jan Felix Dein
Referenzen
‚Great experience, good judgement.‘
Kernmandanten
Volkswagen AG
Monegasque Royal Family
Porsche SE
thyssenkrupp AG
MAN Truck & Bus
Ramp106 GmbH
Swedish Royal family
Meyer Burger Technology AG
Highlight-Mandate
- Provided Volkswagen AG with press law advice and representation in litigation.
- Provided the Monegasque Royal Family with press law advice and representation.
- Advised Porsche SE on press law matters.
Taylor Wessing
Taylor Wessing represents prominent social media platforms facing allegations of content infringement and breaches of contract, and in freedom of expression and press law disputes against international newspapers and media groups. Olaf Gillert and Dirk Wieddekind bring experience in trademark and competition law for clients in IT and media.
Praxisleiter:
Olaf Gillert
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Dirk Wieddekind
Referenzen
‘Very down to earth, great knowledge and approachable.’
‘Dirk Wieddekind is an excellent media lawyer.’
Kernmandanten
New Work SE/Kununu GmbH/XING
Google Ireland Ltd./Google LLC
Reddit Inc./Reddit Netherlands B.V.
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented Google in media law proceedings involving the right to freedom of expression and personality rights across press chambers and senates throughout Germany.
- Acted for Kununu in litigation concerning press and publishing standards on digital employer review platforms.
- Advised Reddit on media law compliance and press liability issues related to user-generated content.