Unfair Competition

It is generally recognized that in a social market economy, free competition among the market players has to be regulated to a certain extent. The law on competition (Wettbewerbsrecht) has the task of providing such regulation to the business activities of all the players in a fair and reasonable manner. In Germany, the greater and most essential part of the legislation concerning competition is systematically contained in the Unfair Competition Act [Gesetz gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb (UWG)], which was thoroughly reformed in 2004. Competitive regulations can furthermore be found in other laws, for instance, in the Trademark Act [Markengesetz (MarkenG)], in the Law against Competitive Restrictions [Gesetz gegen Wettbe werbsbeschränkungen (GWB)], in the German Civil Code [Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)], in the Law against Advertising in the Health-Care Sector (Gesetz gegen Werbung auf dem Gebiet des Heilwesens), in the Food and Feeding Stuff Act [Lebensmittel- und Futtermittelgesetz (LFGB)] and in the Price Indication Regulation [Preisangabenverordnung (PAngV)].