Franchise & Licensing
Germany
09 October 2025
In addition to representing clients in international arbitration proceedings, often involving states, Dentons' German arbitration practice also handles commercial and investment arbitration proceedings, with other focus areas including contractual and corporate disputes as well as ICSID proceedings pertaining to investment protection law. Here, practice head Heiko Heppner is the key contact and also a renowned expert for international arbitration law, particularly with regard to China. Plant engineering disputes are also a mainstay for Matthias Hadding. Thomas Nebel (antitrust, corporate and commercial disputes) joined Hogan Lovells International LLP in December 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Dentons' international arbitration team is dominated by Heiko Heppner. His experience with large-scale arbitration proceedings in Europe, Asia and North America makes his diverse team one of the best in the world. Particularly noteworthy is the internationality of Heiko Heppner's team, which includes German, Chinese and French lawyers.'
- 'The collaboration with Heiko Heppner's team is always smooth and his services are of the highest standard.'
- 'Heiko Heppner is the outstanding international arbitration partner at Dentons. His dual training as a German and US lawyer and his triple qualification as a German, US and English lawyer make him one of the leading arbitration lawyers.'
- 'Heiko Heppner's experience in large-scale arbitration proceedings in Asia, Europe and North America makes him an excellent party representative and arbitrator for complex cross-border disputes.'
- 'The team is also characterised by diverse cultural backgrounds, which are particularly helpful in arbitration proceedings all over the world, and not only because of associated language skills.'
- 'Heiko Heppner's excellent cross-examinations of economic and technical experts are particularly noteworthy. Heiko Heppner also has particular experience in investment disputes and other arbitration proceedings involving state parties.'
Key clients
- Bundesrepublik Deutschland
- Fresenius Medical Care
- Mercedes Benz Group
- PayPal
- Schaeffler USA
Work highlights
Representation of a manufacturer of printing products in the assertion of damages claims against an African state in an ICC arbitration.
Representation of an international manufacturer of industrial chemicals as claimant in an ICC arbitration concerning the rescission of an EPC contract.
Representing the German subsidiary of a global water supply technology company in an ad hoc arbitration sitting in Paris under UNCITRAL Rules.
Practice head
Heiko Heppner
Other key lawyers
Matthias Hadding