LG Berlin on the essential characteristics of goods when selling T-shirts online

For esports teams and influencers who are active in online retail and regularly offer merchandise such as T-shirts and hoodies, a recent ruling by the Berlin Regional Court provides important guidance. Although the ruling does not represent a groundbreaking innovation in case law, it does underline key aspects of information obligations that are often overlooked in e-commerce.

This ruling is particularly relevant as it emphasizes the need to clearly state basic and sometimes taken-for-granted product information. For stakeholders such as esports teams and influencers, who often communicate directly and immediately with their target audience, it serves as a reminder that complying with these information obligations is an important part of responsible and customer-centric online selling.

1 The decision of the Berlin Regional Court and its implications

In its ruling of November 7, 2023 (Ref.: 91 O 69/23), the Berlin Regional Court made an important decision for online retailers. It was determined that the fabric material of a T-shirt is one of the essential product characteristics that must be indicated in the context of online sales. This obligation extends not only to the presentation on the product page, but also to the checkout process, where this information must be explicitly and clearly visible to the consumer.

This decision is based on the provisions of § 5a para. 3 No. 1 UWG (Act against Unfair Competition), which requires that essential information necessary for an informed business decision by the consumer may not be withheld. In its ruling, the court recognized that the material from which an item of clothing is made constitutes such essential information, as it can significantly influence a consumer’s purchasing decision.

2. impact on esports teams and influencers

For esports teams and influencers selling merchandise online, this ruling means that they need to review their websites and sales processes and adapt them if necessary. In particular, they must ensure that information about the material of the garments sold is clearly stated both on the product page and in the checkout process.

Failure to comply with this information obligation can lead to warnings and legal consequences. It is therefore crucial for these groups to inform themselves about the current legal requirements in online retail and to adapt their sales practices accordingly.

In summary, the judgment of the Berlin Regional Court is an important guideline for all players in online retail, especially for esports teams and influencers who sell merchandise. It emphasizes the need to provide transparent and complete product information in order to strengthen consumer protection and minimize legal risks.

Author: Marian Härtel

Marian Härtel ist Rechtsanwalt und Fachanwalt für IT-Recht mit einer über 25-jährigen Erfahrung als Unternehmer und Berater in den Bereichen Games, E-Sport, Blockchain, SaaS und Künstliche Intelligenz. Seine Beratungsschwerpunkte umfassen neben dem IT-Recht insbesondere das Urheberrecht, Medienrecht sowie Wettbewerbsrecht. Er betreut schwerpunktmäßig Start-ups, Agenturen und Influencer, die er in strategischen Fragen, komplexen Vertragsangelegenheiten sowie bei Investitionsprojekten begleitet. Dabei zeichnet sich seine Beratung durch einen interdisziplinären Ansatz aus, der juristische Expertise und langjährige unternehmerische Erfahrung miteinander verbindet. Ziel seiner Tätigkeit ist stets, Mandanten praxisorientierte Lösungen anzubieten und rechtlich fundierte Unterstützung bei der Umsetzung innovativer Geschäftsmodelle zu gewährleisten.