Supply and distribution relationships need clear rules on performance, inspection, complaints and termination. We advise manufacturers, wholesalers, agents and distributors on contracts and disputes. The parties' actual role in the sales organisation matters; different distribution models cannot always be treated alike.

What we assess

In a delivery dispute, evidence of receipt, inspection and notice should be preserved promptly. Agency accounting, commission and possible compensation on termination require careful analysis. Conflicting standard terms should be identified before they become an obstacle to performance or enforcement.

Four practical examples

Illustrative scenarios, not accounts of client matters. The appropriate response depends on the documents, applicable law and procedural position.

Defective serial deliveries

A wholesaler discovers faulty goods. Delivery, inspection and notification dates are documented. The next step is to assess remedies and the treatment of further deliveries without inconsistent conduct undermining the customer's position.

Missing commission

An agent finds transactions absent from a statement. Contractual scope, contribution to the sale and accounting rights are examined. A clear schedule of customers and transactions supports a request for information and later calculation.

Ending exclusive distribution

A manufacturer reorganises sales. Notice periods, remaining inventory, customer information and possible compensation are examined beforehand. The distributor's actual integration into the sales organisation may be important to the legal assessment.

Conflicting purchase conditions

Supplier and customer refer to different standard terms. We determine which provisions were incorporated and where statutory rules apply. A clear framework agreement can resolve recurring conflicts for future orders.

Documents that help

Framework and distribution agreements, purchase orders, standard terms, delivery and inspection records, complaints and commission statements.

From assessment to the next step

We first distinguish established facts from disputed allegations and identify any step needed to preserve rights. The legal route is then assessed against the commercial objective, available evidence and potential cost. Where technical or foreign-law input is required, responsibilities are coordinated before further work is commissioned. Negotiation, formal proceedings and practical implementation are considered together; a favourable legal position still needs a workable route to the intended result.

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Discuss your matter

Tell us the parties involved, your objective and any deadlines. Our main office is in Hanover, Lower Saxony. We advise on German-law matters nationwide and coordinate cross-border work with locally qualified counsel where required.

Send an enquiry — all fields optional · +49 511 3573560

We check conflicts and agree the scope and fees before accepting instructions. An enquiry alone does not create an engagement or preserve a deadline.