Online retailers increasingly have to deal with warnings from competitors, so-called Abmahnanwälte or industry associations. This is shown by a survey by the certification firm Trusted Shops, which is not representative. Of 2865 traders surveyed, 47 percent have been warned.
Merchants who are cautioned often meet multiple times, on average 2.4 times. In the past year, the resulting damage has increased compared to 2017: by 40 percent to an average of 1936 euros. 51 percent of respondents see their existence threatened by the practice.
Even the slightest mistake could lead to a warning, said Carsten Föhlisch, lawyer at Trusted Shops: "If someone offers about coffee capsules, for example, without specifying the base price per 100 grams, as required."
Law hangs in the Legal Committee
Anyone who is warned must pay the legal fees of the other side and is usually asked to sign a punished cease and desist letter. Another offense can be expensive.
Because warnings have become a popular tool to harm or cash in on competitors, a law against abusive practice is planned. However, it still depends on the Legal Committee of the Bundestag.
