Corporate · Commercial
Corporate and commercial lawyers in Hannover, Germany
From incorporation and investment to succession: we create sound structures for your company in Germany – and represent you when disputes arise between shareholders or business partners.
Sound structures for founders, SMEs and foreign investors
The right legal form, a well-drafted articles of association and clear rules for management and shareholders are the foundation of every company. We advise founders, start-ups, family businesses and foreign companies setting up a German subsidiary.
We work with the GmbH, UG, GmbH & Co. KG and partnerships under the modernised German partnership law. In commercial law, we structure distribution systems, commercial agency and distributor agreements and supply relationships.
A particular strength: we combine corporate law with IP. Trademarks, patents and software are often a company’s most valuable assets – we make sure they are held where they belong.
Our corporate and commercial services
Typical cases from our practice
What mandates in this area often look like – from the first call to the solution.
Deadlock between two founders
Situation: The two 50% shareholders of a software GmbH disagree on investments; the articles contain no deadlock clause.
Our approach: We evaluate options from mediation to exclusion for cause, assess the compensation and negotiate an orderly separation including transfer of IP to the company.
Setting up a German subsidiary
Situation: A US technology company wants to establish a GmbH in Hannover to serve the German market.
Our approach: We set up the GmbH, draft the articles and managing director agreement, register the company and coordinate notary, bank and tax adviser.
Commercial agent after termination
Situation: A sales agent is terminated after 14 years; the principal refuses to pay the indemnity.
Our approach: We calculate the indemnity, assert it within the one-year deadline and enforce it in court if necessary.
Note: These examples are anonymised, typical scenarios. They do not describe specific mandates and do not promise any outcome – every case is assessed individually.
Four steps to a solution
Your contacts
Depending on the matter, we combine attorneys and – where technology is involved – patent attorneys in one team. All our lawyers advise in English.
Dipl.-Ing. Michael Horak, LL.M.Attorney · Certified Specialist in IP Law · Certified Specialist in Copyright & Media Law
Andreas FriedleinAttorney
Stefan KarfusehrAttorney
Robin Jannis Mai, LL.B.Attorney
Detailed profiles are available in German.
Frequently asked questions
Which legal form suits a German subsidiary?
Most foreign companies choose a GmbH: limited liability, a minimum share capital of EUR 25,000 and high acceptance among German business partners.
When is a GmbH managing director personally liable?
Mainly for breaches of duty towards the company, for late insolvency filings and for unpaid social security contributions and taxes.
Is there a deadline for a commercial agent’s indemnity claim?
Yes. It must be asserted within one year after termination of the agency agreement, otherwise it is lost.
Your lawyer for Corporate & Commercial Law in Germany
Tell us about your matter. We usually reply within one business day – faster where deadlines apply.
Georgstrasse 48 · 30159 Hannover · Germany
Phone +49 511 35 73 56-0
Email hannover@fachanwalt-hannover.com
Mon–Thu 8:00–17:30 · Fri 8:00–17:00 (CET) · Video meetings available