Joining a model declaratory action as a consumer

If many consumers are similarly affected by the possible misconduct of a company, the model declaratory action can be used to clarify the most important facts and legal issues in a bundled manner. In this way, many individual court proceedings can be avoided.

Instead of going to court yourself, you can join a model declaratory action. You can then assert your claims against the company on the basis of a judgment or settlement from this action.

Model declaratory actions can only be brought by certain consumer associations. The judgment issued in the model declaratory action proceedings is binding for all consumers who have validly registered. You can only register your claims once the model declaratory action has been filed and published in the register of actions. You can register your claims up to the end of the day before the first date of the model declaratory action.

Registration is free of charge and you do not need a lawyer. However, you must observe certain formal requirements when registering. It is best if you use the online forms provided on the website of the Federal Office of Justice and fill them out correctly and completely, i.e. including all mandatory information, so that your registration is effective.

The time during which your claims are registered in the register of actions is not included in the limitation period. This means that if you have effectively registered your claims, you do not run the risk of your claims becoming time-barred while you wait for the outcome of the model declaratory action.

Requirements

Your claims or legal relationships must depend on the same factual and legal conditions that are examined in the model declaratory action (the objectives of the declaratory action must be the same). This means that your individual case must not be different from the model declaratory action.

What documents do I need?

• No documents required