Fair Commerce –
Against the Abuse of Legal Warnings

Warnings are unpleasant companions in the age of e-commerce and can be threatening to the existence in the worst case. Our many years of experience in the e-commerce industry have shown us daily how online retailers struggle with warnings. Among our members, we have launched the "FairCommerce - against warning abuse" initiative. Competition in online trading is good and important - but we want a culture of fair competition! So far, 50,000 online shops have joined the FairCommerce initiative. Join us!




andreas-arltThe goal of our initiative is fair competition

"To me, this also means fair treatment between retailers. Mistakes should be able to be quickly and cost-effectively resolved."

Andreas Arlt
Chairman Händlerbund

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What do I need to do to take part in the "FairCommerce" initiative?

As a participant of the initiative, you stand for fair trade and are protected from fee-based warnings from other participants.

Every member of the Händlerbund in the membership categories "Basic", "Premium", "Unlimited", and "Professional" can join the initiative. There are no costs for you.

 

How to recognize members of FairCommerce

Each participant of the initiative must display the following notice in the imprint of the respective online presence or, if not permitted in the imprint on sales platforms, at a suitable, easily visible position:

Wir sind seit [Datum des Beginns der Teilnahme] Mitglied der Initiative "FairCommerce". Nähere Informationen hierzu finden Sie unter: www.haendlerbund.de/faircommerce.

("We have been a member of the "FairCommerce" initiative since [start date of participation]. For more information, visit: www.haendlerbund.de/faircommerce.")

Each participant can use the "FairCommerce" logo for integration on their website and in business communication.

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FAQ about the FairCommerce Initiative

Does the initiative mean that the Händlerbund is against warnings?wissenswertes

No, the initiative does not aim to abolish warnings. Warnings are market-regulating and an important tool to combat unfair competition or legal violations. However, the initiative aims to counteract the abuse of warnings, which are sometimes used solely to generate fees.

Are participants in the initiative no longer allowed to issue warnings?

No, renouncing warnings is not associated with the initiative. The initiative aims to ensure that competition, trademark and copyright infringements detected among participants are quickly and easily resolved without costs. However, if the contacted party does not respond within 7 days or if no agreement is reached during this time, the path of a fee-based warning and, subsequently, legal enforcement may be chosen.

Do I have to waive my claims for damages?

The initiative should allow participants to correct errors without fee-based warnings. All other claims are not affected. This means that the right to elimination and prohibition against the "opponent" exists, that they must, if demanded by you, submit to a penalty clause and all other claims, e.g. for copyright and trademark infringements, such as the right to information or compensation claims, can also be asserted.

Is there a template for a letter that I can send to my competitor?

No, we do not provide such a template. A formal letter in which you communicate the detected legal errors and your demands is sufficient.

Can I be warned by a participant in the initiative without prior notice?

Such a warning informs you about detected legal errors and demands of the warning party in the sense of the initiative. No costs arise from this warning and cannot be claimed by the warning party.

What happens if the contacted party does not respond?

If the contacted party does not respond within 7 days or if no agreement is reached during this time, the path of a fee-based warning and, subsequently, legal enforcement may be chosen.

Is the initiative associated with costs for me?

The initiative is not associated with any costs for you. On the contrary, it helps to avoid costs.

What do I gain by giving a competitor the opportunity to immediately correct legal errors without fee-based warning?

The initiative aims to ensure that detected competition, trademark and copyright infringements are quickly and easily resolved without costs. As a participant in the initiative, you can be sure that the other participants in the initiative will first be asked to correct errors that have crept into your online shop or on your website, free of charge. However, this does not involve waiving the right to prohibition or any financial damages incurred, such as in the case of trademark or copyright claims.

See what our supporters have to say

Request information now

Do you want to become a member of the "FairCommerce" initiative? As part of the Händlerbund memberships, you can join the initiative. You can view the participation requirements here.

Do you need further information? Then contact us, we will get back to you as soon as possible. Write us an email at faircommerce@haendlerbund.de  or use our Callback Service

Do you want to become a member of the "FairCommerce" initiative? As part of the Händlerbund memberships, you can join the initiative.

 

Our Memberships

  • Legal text in up to 8 languages
  • Secure Cookie Banner Solution
  • Consultation by Lawyers (Premium or higher)
  • Shop Inspection (Unlimited and higher)
  • Assistance with legal warnings (Unlimited and higher)
Memberships in Detail
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