Wettbewerbszentrales

The Wettbewerbszentrale, officially known as the Wettbewerbszentrale – Zentrale zur Bekämpfung unlauteren Wettbewerbs e.V., is a self-regulatory organization in Germany that focuses on combating unfair competition. It was founded in 1953 and is based in Frankfurt am Main. The organization is primarily funded by its member associations, which represent various industries and businesses.

Its main purpose is to ensure fair practices in the marketplace and to protect both consumers and businesses from deceptive or unfair advertising and business conduct. The Wettbewerbszentrale acts as a private enforcement agency, meaning it is not a governmental body but rather an industry-led initiative. It monitors the market for violations of competition law, such as misleading advertising, comparative advertising that is not permitted, or infringements of intellectual property rights that impact competition.

When potential violations are identified, the Wettbewerbszentrale typically first issues a warning or a cease-and-desist letter to the offending party. If the party complies, the matter is usually resolved without further legal action. However, if the violation persists, the Wettbewerbszentrale can initiate legal proceedings, seeking injunctions and damages. It plays a significant role in maintaining a level playing field within the German economy and is a key player in the enforcement of competition law.