It’s a fact: in Germany, as in many other countries, the principle of freedom to imitate applies. In principle, new products, technical methods or processes, company names or designations or external designs may be imitated without the plagiarist being able to be held to account. This is the case unless specific property rights exist.

When competing with unscrupulous competitors who might copy your new developments, designs or successful trademarks, only one thing is effective: the prompt filing of applications for industrial property rights.