Dr. Maximilian Dorndorf | LUTHER Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH

Maximilian Dorndorf advises primarily on all matters pertaining to IT and technology (in particular, software projects, R&D projects, protection of know-how, and data protection), as well as on the protection of intellectual property and distribution law (especially competition and trademark law). He is particularly experienced in handling complex (logistics/IT) outsourcing and innovation projects.

Maximilian Dorndorf is an experienced and respected advisor in international contract negotiations, in particular in the context of IT and logistics projects. However, he also provides comprehensive litigation advice (e.g., in defending advertising campaigns, or in proceeding against competitors’ campaigns or against trademark and patent infringements). He uses this expertise to comprehensively advise his clients on all matters pertaining to digitalisation and Industry 4.0.

Data Protection Law
IP & Copyright Law
IT Law
Digital Infrastructure
Data Protection, Antitrust & Compliance
Media & Entertainment

Dr Maximilian Dorndorf started his career at the international law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in Cologne (Germany), where he worked from 2001 to 2005. From 2005 to 2009, he then had his own specialist one-man law firm in Münster (Germany), working at the same time as an in-house lawyer and head of legal department for the international logistics group Fiege.

He joined Luther’s Essen office as a partner in 2009 and is a member of the service line IP/IT and head of Luther’s logistics practice group.

Maximilian Dorndorf is a lecturer teaching company law as part of the “RUBlaw-active” course at Ruhr University in Bochum (Germany) and an arbitrator at the German Logistics Court of Arbitration.

Chambers Europe (2020): Ranking in "Commercial Contracts" (Band 3), "For him it is about finding a practicable way with the other side. He can be assertive, too, but he always explains why and doesn't just rigidly stick to a legal aspect. He conveys a co-operative approach to find a solution."
The Legal 500 (2020): Mentioned in Information Technology and Digitization ("has many years of wide-ranging experience and provides pragmatic solutions even for very complex projects around structures.")
JUVE Guide (2019/2020): Mentioned under frequently recommended in the sections " Merchanting and competition law" and "Distribution systems"
Chambers Europe (2019): Ranking in "Commercial Contracts"
Best Lawyers (2020): Award in the category "Litigation"
Chambers Europe (2018): Ranking in "Commercial Contracts"
The Legal 500 (2018): Recommendation in the sections "Commercial and distribution law", "Outsourcing (data protection)" and "Information technology" (including contracts)
Chambers Europe (2018): Entry under the heading "Commercial Contracts"
JUVE Guide (2018/2019): Listed among frequently recommended lawyers in the sections "Trademarks & Design" and "Distribution Systems"
JUVE Guide (2016-2017): Listed under category "Distribution Systems"
Chambers Europe (2016): Listed in "Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Unfair Competition" as well as in "Commercial Contracts"
Clients praise Maximilian Dorndorf for his work on distribution and outsourcing contracts in the logistics and IT sectors. One interviewee states: "He is excellent in negotiations and project development. He has a feel for what is commercially viable and negotiates contracts accordingly. He can deal with complex questions in a very short time frame."
The Legal 500 (2016): Listed in the category "Germany: Outsourcing"
JUVE Guide (2015-2016): Ranking in the category "Distribution systems".
kanzleimonitor.de (2015-2016): Ranking in category "Intelectual Property"
Chambers Europe (seit 2015): Listed in "Commercial Contracts"
The "very responsive and proactive" Maximilian Dorndorf is noted for his strong negotiation skills and knowledge of logistics law.
JUVE Guide (2014-2015): Ranking in the category "Distribution systems".
JUVE Guide (2012-2013): Ranking in the category "Distribution systems".
Client: "he is a very tough opponent in court and provides constant guidance throughout negotiations.
Chambers Europe (2012-2016): Ranking in the category "Intellectual Property: Trade Mark & Unfair Competition"
Chambers Global (2015-2016): Ranking in the category "Intellectual Property: Trademark & Unfair Competition"
German law firms (2010): Description as a lawyer providing "high-quality IP advice".

On-going advice to a renowned international logistics services provider on logistics law and outsourcing projects
On-going advice to a lift manufacturer on IT and technology issues and in connection with innovation projects (R&D)
Advice to a leading international hotel reservation system (IT, communications, trademarks and commercial contracts, such as affiliate models)
Advice to a telecommunications service provider (telephone, Internet, TV) on matters pertaining to competition law and IT
On-going advice to a leading video identification service provider on all legal issues ( in particular, IT, technology, patents and contracts/licensing)
Advice to a large number of banks and financial service providers on FinTech