News & Stories

Offenbach. It is often necessary over the course of employment to issue a written warning to an employee. Since such warnings can be a necessary requirement for dismissal, many employees seek to have these warnings removed from personnel files. The German Federal Labour Court has recently decided when such a claim rightfully exists - and sets out some fine differences in its decision.

Offenbach. What employer hasn't it happen to? An employee leaves the company in dispute with management on some matter, yet demands a reference attesting excellent performance and behaviour nonetheless. The employee also expects that the reference includes a line regretting the loss of such a good employee. For years, employers have acceded to such demands. Now, the Federal Labour Court in Germany has delivered a judgement on such a case. Employers are now no longer bound to add such friendly concluding statements.

Leipzig. No industry allows their performance to be evaluated by external persons more frequently than the hotel industry. While independent professions such as architects, lawyers and doctors have been able to successfully defend themselves against endless customer reviews up to now, hotels are being hit broadside with welcomed or not so welcomed progress reports. The downsides of the review boom are nevertheless becoming increasingly clearer. And this in turn brings along great challenges within the legal and practical handling of unwelcomed guest opinions. In this third contribution of our newly initiated column, "Online Law", Solicitor Peter Hense from Leipzig, partner with the British solicitor´s office, Spirit Legal London, illuminates how hotel companies can and should behave.

Leipzig. Following the revelations by US whistleblower Edward J. Snowden with regard to the secret surveillance of global electronic communication, IT security has become a hot topic. The revelations remind us just how fragile data protection in the digital world has become. Criminals around the globe have long since known just how easy access to lucrative customer and payment information can be. And the hospitality sector is one of the most popular targets for these attacks. After the financial sector, the hospitality industry saves most payment data. Lawyer Peter Hense from Leipzig, Partner in the English law firm Spirit Legal London, explains in his second contribution to our new column "Online Law" the digital challenges facing hotels. Data protection infringements will be future incur harsh penalties.

Brussels. Millions of travellers who put together their holidays themselves online or in travel agencies are to be given better financial protection in case something goes wrong. This was the plan put forward by the European Commission last Tuesday. HOTREC, the European association for hotels, restaurants and cafes and the German International Hotel Association demand substantial improvements.

Berlin. In Germany, the new federal registration act will become effective on May 1, 2015. It will make things easier for both guests and hotels and the German Hotel Association is relieved.

Leipzig (March 8, 2013). Today's edition of hospitalityInside.com gives the starting shot for regular contributions on Internet Law. In the high-speed age of the internet, it will become increasingly important for hotel companies to have an awareness of certain online terms and developments. German case law does not always take the line of other countries here. For this reason, solicitor Peter Hense from Leipzig, partner at the British firm Spirit Legal London, will assume this column. Hense also on the Board of Directors of Hotelprotect, a body under the auspices of the German International Hotel Association (IHA). The first instalment of this column will look at the issue of domain grabbing.

Leipzig. At a raid by the Saxon Land Office of Criminal Investigation on the morning of the 12th of December, two managers of the German Internet company Unister were arrested. This preceded a raid wave.

Bern. Swiss hotels do not have to pay copyright fees for radio and television sets provided for their guests in hotel rooms. This decision was reached by the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland.

Vienna. Austria's young real estate tycoon René Benko, whose Signa Holding owns, among others, the Viennese "Golden Quarter" with the future Park Hyatt, has got himself the first stains on his golden suite: He was - not yet legally binding - sentenced to one year imprisonment. For corruption.