handelsmål

Handelsmål is a Danish legal term used to designate civil court cases that concern commercial matters. The term translates roughly as “commercial matters” and is used in Danish court administration to classify civil litigation arising from business and trade activities. Typical topics include disputes arising from commercial contracts such as supply, distribution, or agency agreements, the sale of goods, warranties and liability in a business context, and issues related to corporate governance and company law, such as shareholder disputes and mergers or restructurings. It also covers insolvency proceedings and certain competition and intellectual property issues that arise in a business setting.

Procedural aspects: Handelsmål are usually heard in the ordinary Danish district or city courts, but depending on the subject matter, some disputes may fall under the specialized Maritime and Commercial Court (Sø- og Handelsretten). The choice of forum and applicable law can be influenced by international elements, such as cross-border contracts and choice-of-law clauses. Remedies typically include damages, specific performance, or injunctions, as well as costs and interest.

Significance: The designation helps courts organize caseloads by subject matter and aids lawyers in identifying the applicable procedural rules and specialist considerations in commercial litigation. While not a separate legal system, handelsmål reflect the commercial nature of these disputes and the need for expertise in contract, corporate, and trade issues.