The Commercial Court of Baden-Württemberg

The parties can agree to the Commercial Court as the initial court of jurisdiction for litigation values over 500,000 euros. For lower litigation values, the Commercial Chambers at the Regional Court of Stuttgart offer custom-tailored proceedings in specialty areas of corporate law. 

These advantages can be combined in a Stuttgart model clause before the dispute arises, ensuring any cases are held before the Commercial Court Baden-Württemberg or the Commercial Chambers regardless of the value in dispute. Key quality features, such as judicial specialization, efficient proceedings with organizational meeting and a verbatim record, as well as the option of holding proceedings in English are ensured at both the Commercial Court of Baden-Württemberg and the Commercial Chambers. 

Agreeing to Stuttgart as the place of jurisdiction guarantees high-quality, efficient litigation thanks to independent judges in each initial instance.

Parties who agree to the Commercial Court of Baden-Württemberg as the initial court to decide their case always have the option of appealing to the Federal Supreme Court without requiring approval. The parties can submit appeals or complaints against decisions of the Commercial Chambers to the Commercial Court of Baden-Württemberg.

Because Stuttgart as a place of jurisdiction is able to combine corporate law expertise in this way, companies and their advising attorneys have attractive options for quickly and professionally resolving their corporate law conflicts – even in English if requested.

• The Commercial Court of Baden-Württemberg and Commercial Chambers are highly specialized, and responsible for corporate acquisitions and disputes in the area of business law, as well as disputes between corporate bodies.
• Judges are independent and subject only to the law.
• The Commercial Court of Baden-Württemberg and Commercial Chambers work quickly, dynamically, and efficiently. Proceedings are completed within short time periods, thanks to an outstanding staff.
• During an early organizational meeting (the case management conference), agreements are made regarding the organization and steps of the proceedings.
• Both German and, optionally, English can be used in the courtroom. Proceedings may also be held in a mix of the two languages (for instance, briefs and judgment in English, examinations of witnesses in German).
• At the request of the parties, a readable verbatim record of the hearing of evidence is maintained for the parties.
• Court costs are moderate, and based on a transparent court fee system which is regulated by law.
• Short appeal stages: With the Commercial Court of Baden-Württemberg the Higher Regional Court can optionally serve as the initial jurisdiction for large-scale civil proceedings. Appeals to the Federal Court of Justice without approval requirement may be lodged against decisions of the Commercial Court.