What consequences do I face if I violate competition law?
August 31, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Sandra Bittner
Dear lawyer,
I am reaching out to you as I am a business owner operating in the E-commerce sector and I am concerned that I may be violating competition law. In my online shop, I offer various products and compete with other providers in the market. I have heard that there are very strict rules in competition law and I want to make sure that I am acting correctly to avoid legal consequences.
Currently, I am unsure if my advertising campaigns, pricing strategies, and product presentations may potentially violate competition law. I am aware that violations in this area can lead to high fines or even a ban on selling my products. This would not only mean financial losses but also reputational damage to my business.
Therefore, I would like to know from you what specific consequences I could face if I violate competition law. Are there certain behaviors that would be particularly problematic and could lead to serious legal consequences? How can I ensure that my business practices are in line with competition law and what steps should I take to avoid potential violations?
Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Best regards,
Erik Zimmermann
Dear Mr. Zimmermann,
Thank you for your inquiry and interest in competition law. As a lawyer specializing in this area, I can understand your concerns well and will be happy to provide detailed answers to your questions.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that competition law in Germany is very strict and violations of this law can indeed result in high fines or other legal consequences. As an entrepreneur in the e-commerce sector, you surely deal with many different competitors, which makes it even more important to adhere to the rules in order to avoid legal troubles.
The consequences of a violation of competition law can be diverse. Primarily, you may face financial sanctions in the form of fines. Depending on the severity of the violation and your revenue, these fines can be substantial and put a heavy burden on your company. Additionally, there may also be a ban on selling your products, which would obviously mean a significant economic loss for you.
Particularly problematic are behaviors that are considered unfair competition. These include, for example, misleading advertising, prohibited price-fixing agreements with other providers, unfair hindering of competitors, or violations of trademark law. These violations can lead to serious criminal consequences and damage the reputation of your company.
To ensure that your business practices comply with competition law, it is advisable to seek legal advice regularly. A good lawyer can help you identify potential risks and take appropriate measures to avoid violations. Furthermore, you should stay informed about the applicable laws and train your employees accordingly to prevent mistakes.
I strongly recommend seeking professional support to ensure that your online shop complies with competition law. I am available for a detailed consultation and can help you minimize potential risks.
Best regards,
Sandra Bittner, Lawyer specializing in competition law
