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In recent months, Lupedi UG, represented by the law firm Bleischwitz & Schierer, has been issuing warnings to Ebay users, usually concerning the question of whether or not the users are in fact operating commercially on Ebay.
Many users are mistaken in the fact that commerciality is not necessarily the same as running a business. The Federal Court of Justice has commented on this as follows:
Whether a provider of goods on an Internet platform is acting in the course of business or in the private sphere is to be assessed on the basis of an overall view of the relevant circumstances. This may include repeated, similar offers, if necessary also of new items, offers of goods acquired only recently, an otherwise commercial activity of the provider, frequent so-called feedbacks and sales activities for third parties.
This can be the case faster than one would like, especially with Ebay users. As a commercial provider, you must then have a correct imprint, grant a right of withdrawal, comply with numerous information obligations and much more. In addition, the UWG and trademark law are applicable to commercial traders.
If you have received a warning letter from Lupedi UG, please send it to me without obligation. I will get back to you immediately on what the next steps might be. Very important. Do NOT rashly issue a cease-and-desist declaration and do NOT talk to the law firm issuing the cease-and-desist letter in advance. However, it is important that you adhere to any deadlines.
Marian Härtel is a lawyer and entrepreneur specializing in copyright law, competition law and IT/IP law, with a focus on games, esports, media and blockchain.