This message to all businesses affected by the imposed closures and curfews is a ray of hope in a dark time of crisis: According to § 1104 f ABGB (Austrian Civil Code), rental fees are (partially) waived if the tenant cannot (partially) use the rented premises “due to extraordinary circumstance”, e.g. “fire, war or an…

The challenges facing businesses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions issued by the Austrian government are many and various. We have put together a brief bullet-point overview of some non-performance issues that have and will continue to seriously affect many businesses – as well as their staff and stakeholders – in…

  UPDATE: Further information on the impact of COVID-19 on the non-performance of businesses UPDATE 26/03/2020:  The bill effectively suspending most legal actions except in cases of utmost urgency has been passed by Austrian Parliament and its measures are currently in effect. View the bill in German here.     ORIGINAL POST 19/03/2020: To curb the spread of…

An Austrian tabloid recently published the following remedy to “relieve rheumatic pain” in its Healthy Living column: “Freshly grated horseradish can help to reduce the pain caused by rheumatism. The affected areas are first rubbed with vegetable oil or lard, then the grated horseradish is placed on top and pressed. This can be left on…

All victims with causally-connected damages can claim damages from cartel infringers In its December, 2019 decision (C-435/18), the ECJ followed the opinion of Advocate General Kokott and held that damages claims against cartelists are not limited to suppliers and customers on the affected market. “Any loss which has a causal connection” can be claimed by…