Hengeler Mueller wins Berlin Savings Bank litigation for Landesbank Berlin

19. December 2006

The Landesbank Berlin AG (LBB) had taken legal action against an amendment to the articles of association governing trademarks of the German Savings Bank Association (DSGV), which would have restricted the rights of the DSGV members to use the savings bank brand names. The DSGV, for its part, had instituted proceedings against LBB to the effect that LBB, on the basis of its transformation into a stock corporation (AG), had withdrawn from the DSGV as of 1 January 2006 and was thereby no longer permitted to carry savings bank brand names.

Directly following today’s oral hearing, Berlin’s Regional Court adjudged LBB to be fully in the right.

Hengeler Mueller provided comprehensive advice to LBB in developing and implementing the transformation into a stock corporation and the pledge to the public-sector savings bank mandate. Advice was provided by partners John Flüh and Wolfgang Spoerr, Wolfgang Kellenter (IP) and Hans-Jörg Niemeyer (Competition) in addition to associates Martin Hollands and Christian Vorster.

Volker Alt, Head of LBB’s Legal Department, was the responsible in-house counsel in this matter.