horak. brings legal and technical perspectives to the protection of product appearance. Our work covers German and EU design rights and the coordination of international filing and disputes.
From development to enforcement
We help businesses decide what to protect, where to file and how to respond when a competitor's product is too close. Representation strategy, ownership, publication and enforceability are connected decisions. They should be considered together before a launch.
A team matched to the matter
Attorneys at law and patent attorneys contribute their respective legal and technical experience. Certified specialist qualifications are shown in the individual attorney profiles. The team and scope of representation are agreed for each instruction.
International work
We advise on German and EU law and coordinate with local advisers when a matter calls for foreign-law advice or local representation. A country guide describes the issues to investigate; it does not mean that our German lawyers are admitted in every jurisdiction.
Three ways we assist
Before a product launch, we review disclosure and filing priorities. When a copy appears, we connect evidence preservation to a proportionate enforcement strategy. During a licence or acquisition, we examine ownership, territories and the rights that support the business.
Working with us
Send a short description and identify urgent deadlines. We assess the proposed scope, conflicts and fees before accepting instructions. Meet our attorneys or see our offices and contact details.
Advice that follows the product
A product’s appearance can involve registered and unregistered designs, technical rights, copyright and commercial contracts. We identify which questions belong together and which need separate treatment. The aim is a clear decision about filing, launch, licensing or enforcement, supported by the documents and evidence relevant to that decision.
German and European proceedings
Our work includes applications and disputes concerning German and EU designs. We connect the representation strategy with later enforceability, and coordinate office proceedings with court strategy where necessary. A certificate, a platform response and a court order have different legal significance and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Working with an international business
International projects require a territorial plan, consistent ownership documents and a realistic timetable for local requirements. We coordinate the agreed foreign work with local advisers where needed. The engagement distinguishes the German and EU work from local-law advice, translations, official charges and foreign representation.
Talk to our design team
Tell us about the product, the markets involved and any launch or dispute deadline. All fields in our enquiry form are optional.