Franchise & Licensing
Germany
09 October 2025
In addition to cross-border civil disputes, Dentons' dispute resolution practice also focuses on complex commercial and corporate conflicts, including post-M&A issues. Here, the team is particularly active in advising clients from the energy, infrastructure, plant engineering, automotive and industrial sectors, which are the focus of practice co-head Thomas Nebel (antitrust, corporate and commercial law disputes). Heiko Heppner, who jointly heads the practice with Nebel, is particularly well versed in contractual and corporate conflicts as well as ICSID proceedings concerning investment protection law, while Matthias Hadding has extensive expertise in proceedings relating to plant engineering.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Heiko Heppner and Thomas Nebel have a good economic understanding and are able to put themselves in their clients' shoes.'
- 'Heiko Heppner is particularly recommended, as he stands out for his international experience and economic understanding. Heiko Heppner's dual training in Germany and the US offers clients particular added value in disputes relating to the US. Heiko Heppner is also an excellent strategist who, in addition to legal aspects, always keeps an eye on the economic, psychological and cultural aspects of international legal disputes.'
- 'The Frankfurt litigation team impresses with the high quality of its briefs and its committed representation in court. The very diverse team with European, Chinese and American lawyers shows particular strength in cross-border disputes with an Asian or US connection.'
- 'The multiple qualifications of team leader Heiko Heppner and his experience with international and cross-border disputes make him and his team excellent litigation representatives in every civil case.'
- 'Heiko Heppner and Thomas Nebel have a good understanding of economics and are able to empathise with their clients.'
- 'Solid and experienced team.'
- 'Heikko Heppner is an experienced and efficient lawyer who achieves results.'
Key clients
- Bundesrepublik Deutschland
- Fresenius Medical Care
- Mercedes Benz Group
- PayPal
- Schaeffler USA
Work highlights
Representation of a German producer of steel products in a directors' and officers' liability proceeding against a former CEO for damages in connection with an antitrust violation.
Representation of an art investor in the assertion and enforcement of claims for return and damages against private individuals and auction houses before German and French courts.
Representation of an investor in asserting compensation claims against a state for expropriation before the European Court of Human Rights.
Practice head
Heiko Heppner; Thomas Nebel
Other key lawyers
Matthias Hadding