Tobacco

and

E-cigarettes.

The best possible protection starts with understanding: We know the legal challenges of the heavily regulated tobacco and e-cigarette industry and can advise you on any questions you may have on the subject.

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Tobacco and e-cigarettes

The tobacco and e-cigarette industry continues to be an important sector of the luxury food industry, although it is subject to considerable criticism. It comprises the manufacture, distribution and marketing of traditional tobacco products – such as cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco – as well as modern vapor products and e-cigarettes. The industry is characterized by current consumer trends and an intensive regulatory environment. Companies in the sector face the challenge of using innovative products and marketing strategies to survive on the market while at the same time complying with the extensive legal requirements. Strict regulations exist, particularly with regard to the protection of minors and advertising restrictions.

With advancing digitalization and increasing globalization, companies are increasingly shifting parts of their sales to the digital space. Online sales, digital marketing strategies and social media are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, tobacco products and e-cigarettes are subject to strict legal regulations – such as the EU Tobacco Products Directive, which not only includes product protection, but also labeling requirements and consumer protection regulations.

Tobacco and e-cigarettes are more than just stimulants. They are caught between tradition, innovation and health policy discussions. Companies that comprehensively protect their trademarks, product innovations and technologies can remain competitive in the long term.

IP and IT law for tobacco and e-cigarettes

The industry faces particular challenges in the area of intellectual property (IP) and information technology (IT) law. Trademarks, patents and designs are crucial for differentiating oneself in a highly competitive market and gaining the trust of consumers. At the same time, digital sales channels, online marketing and data protection regulations – particularly with regard to youth protection regulations – are becoming increasingly important. Sound legal advice in these areas is therefore essential in order to minimize risks and secure competitive advantages in the long term.

Trademark protection in the tobacco and e-cigarette industry

Der Aufbau einer starken Marke ist essenziell, um sich von Mitbewerbern abzuheben und langfristige Kundenbindungen aufzubauen. Neben klassischen Wort‑ und Bildmarken rücken markenspezifische Designelemente – wie Verpackungsdesigns und charakteristische Produktformen – immer stärker in den Fokus. Wir unterstützen Unternehmen bei der Anmeldung, Verwaltung und Überwachung von Marken und führen im Vorfeld umfassende Recherchen durch, um Konflikte mit bestehenden Markenrechten zu vermeiden. Durch konsequente Durchsetzung und enge Zusammenarbeit mit den Zollbehörden lassen sich Produktpiraterie und Nachahmungen effektiv bekämpfen

Designs and copyrights in the tobacco and e-cigarette sector

Das Designrecht schützt die äußere Gestaltung von Produkten – ein zentraler Faktor in der Differenzierung auf dem Markt. In dieser Branche sind insbesondere innovative Verpackungen, Gerätedesigns und spezifische Gestaltungselemente entscheidend, um den Wiedererkennungswert einer Marke zu steigern. Mit eingetragenen Design- oder Geschmacksmusterrechten können Nachahmungen verhindert und Marktpositionen gestärkt werden. Bei besonders kreativen Gestaltungen kann zudem der urheberrechtliche Schutz greifen, der in der Regel eine längere Schutzdauer bietet. Wir beraten Sie umfassend bei der Anmeldung, Verwaltung und Durchsetzung von Designs und Geschmacksmustern sowie bei der Abwehr unberechtigter Ansprüche.

Competition law and labeling obligations

Im Wettbewerbsrecht geht es darum, unlautere Geschäftspraktiken zu verhindern und gesetzliche Informations- und Kennzeichnungspflichten einzuhalten. Insbesondere der Jugendschutz und die Transparenz gegenüber den Verbrauchern stehen hierbei im Mittelpunkt. Auf Zigarettenpackungen sowie bei E‑Zigaretten müssen sämtliche gesetzlichen Warnhinweise, Inhaltsstoffangaben und – sofern vorgeschrieben – Nikotinwerte klar und deutlich ausgewiesen werden. Diese Anforderungen gelten gleichermaßen für den stationären Handel wie für den Onlinevertrieb. Unsere Beratung hilft Ihnen dabei, wettbewerbsrechtliche Risiken frühzeitig zu erkennen und Ihre Produkte rechtskonform am Markt zu positionieren.

Advertising bans for tobacco products in the EU and Germany

The statutory advertising bans for tobacco products are an important part of health protection policy. At EU level, advertising measures for tobacco products – particularly on television, radio, in print media, on the internet and in sponsorship and event marketing – are largely restricted or prohibited. The aim of these measures is to guarantee the protection of minors and reduce the consumption of tobacco products. In Germany, national regulations, including the Tobacco Products Act, specify these requirements and additionally restrict advertising in public places and in certain media. Companies in the tobacco and e-cigarette industry are therefore forced to develop alternative communication and marketing strategies that meet both the legal restrictions and the requirements of a modern, digital market. Comprehensive legal advice is essential in order to minimize potential risks and at the same time develop creative solutions for brand presentation.

IT law, e-commerce and data protection

Digitalization is also permanently changing business processes in the tobacco and e-cigarette industry. Online sales, digital customer contact and social media marketing are integral parts of modern business models. At the same time, companies must meet the requirements of IT law, e-commerce and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in addition to the specific requirements for tobacco products. We support you in the legally compliant design of online stores, the implementation of digital sales solutions and the implementation of data protection measures – so that your business processes are both customer-friendly and legally compliant.

Our expertise – your advantage

With our many years of experience and specialization in IP and IT law, we offer you tailor-made solutions for the special requirements of the tobacco and e-cigarette industry. From strategic advice on the registration and enforcement of trademark rights to the implementation of digital distribution concepts, we provide you with comprehensive and individual support. Our aim is to sustainably strengthen your market position and legally protect your innovations – so that you can successfully compete in the long term.