Credentials
2026
DANCKELMANN AND KERST nominated as IP Team of the Year by LEGAL 500 GERMANY!
On February 20, 2026, the Legal 500 Germany Awards 2026 will be presented at the Frankfurt Marriott Hotel. Now in its third year, this award ceremony recognizes outstanding achievements in the German legal market and honors leading practitioners from law firms and corporate legal departments. We are therefore very proud that DANCKELMANN UND KERST has been nominated as IP Team of the Year this year. This nomination alone is a great honor and recognition of the achievements of DANCKELMANN UND KERST, particularly in the field of unfair competition law. We would like to express our gratitude to our clients, who continually inspire us to achieve new heights. For further information, please visit: https://www.legal500.com/events/germany-awards/.
2025
JUVE Handbook 2025/2026: DANCKELMANN UND KERST again among the leading law firms this year and once again the only law firm with two partners among the “leading names in unfair competition law”!
In the June 2025 edition of the Best Lawyers 2025 ranking, the three IP partners at DANCKELMANN UND KERST, Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart, Dr. Hans-Jürgen Ruhl and Dr. Jan-Felix Isele, were once again listed in the ranking of Germany's most renowned lawyers in the field of intellectual property law. In addition, Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart was also listed in the ranking for IT law and Dr Hans-Jürgen Ruhl in the ranking for data protection. This means that DANCKELMANN UND KERST and its IP partners are now represented in three rankings! Best Lawyers is considered one of the oldest and most highly respected legal reference books in the USA. The annual evaluations of law firms and lawyers are based on assessments by around 1,500 top US lawyers. The Best Lawyers rankings are published in the USA and worldwide by leading newspapers and media outlets, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, New York Magazine and Bloomberg. For Germany, these rankings were published in collaboration with the Handelsblatt.
‘Best Lawyers 2025’: DANCKELMANN UND KERST now represented in three rankings with its IP partners!
In the June 2025 edition of the Best Lawyers 2025 ranking, the three IP partners at DANCKELMANN UND KERST, Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart, Dr. Hans-Jürgen Ruhl and Dr. Jan-Felix Isele, were once again listed in the ranking of Germany's most renowned lawyers in the field of intellectual property law. In addition, Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart was also listed in the ranking for IT law and Dr Hans-Jürgen Ruhl in the ranking for data protection. This means that DANCKELMANN UND KERST and its IP partners are now represented in three rankings! Best Lawyers is considered one of the oldest and most highly respected legal reference books in the USA. The annual evaluations of law firms and lawyers are based on assessments by around 1,500 top US lawyers. The Best Lawyers rankings are published in the USA and worldwide by leading newspapers and media outlets, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, New York Magazine and Bloomberg. For Germany, these rankings were published in collaboration with the Handelsblatt.
Legal500 2025: DANCKELMANN UND KERST once again ranks among the five best law firms in Germany.
In the current Legal500 Germany 2025 ranking, DANCKELMANN UND KERST has once again secured its place in the highest category for competition law, in which only five law firms throughout Germany are listed. In addition, all three IP partners at DANCKELMANN UND KERST, lawyers Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart, Dr. Hans-Jürgen Ruhl and Dr. Jan-Felix Isele, were once again voted among the six ‘leading partners’ in competition law in Germany. This makes DANCKELMANN UND KERST the only law firm to be represented multiple times in this category. According to Legal 500, DANCKELMANN UND KERST is known in the market for, among other things, a large number of successfully conducted landmark cases. Specialisations in related fields such as trademark and copyright law complement the practice group's expertise in competition law, which is reflected in mandates from high-profile and often globally active companies. We are delighted to receive these outstanding awards again this year, which reaffirm our commitment to representing our clients' interests, and would like to quote Legal 500 as follows:
‘The firm guarantees extraordinary performance in the cases it handles. Its commitment goes far beyond what might be expected, and every file is handled with the same intensity and enthusiasm.’
‘A good name that lives up to its promise. A confident approach to issues and tasks. Competent alternative perspectives.’
2024
JUVE Handbuch 2024/2025: DANCKELMANN UND KERST once again ranked among the leading law firms this year and twice among the leading names in competition law!
In the latest edition of the JUVE Handbuch Wirtschaftskanzleien (Handbook of Commercial Law Firms), DANCKELMANN UND KERST is again – as in many years in a row – listed among the leading German law firms in competition law (JUVE Handbuch Wirtschaftskanzleien 2024/2025). In addition, attorneys Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart and Dr. Jan-Felix Isele are once again ranked among the ten leading names in Germany in competition law. Thus, DANCKELMANN UND KERST is the only law firm represented twice in this category. JUVE points out: “With its procedural expertise, the Frankfurt law firm's IP practice is one of the best in the market.” Traditionally, JUVE also once again highlights the IP partners of DANCKELMANN UND KERST Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart, Dr. Jan-Felix Isele and Dr. Hans-Jürgen Ruhl as frequently recommended lawyers for competition law. The 27th edition of the JUVE Handbuch Wirtschaftskanzleien has now been published. It is an important reference work, especially for companies, but also for lawyers. It is researched and written by an independent editorial team. The evaluations are based on a survey of lawyers, including BGH (German Federal Court of Justice) lawyers, clients, but occasionally also legal academics and judges, in order to determine their perception and assessment of the market and specific law firms.
‘Best Lawyers 2024’: DANCKELMANN UND KERST now represented by three IP partners
The June 2024 edition of the Best Lawyers 2024 ranking now lists three IP partners from DANCKELMANN UND KERST: Partners Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart and Dr Jan-Felix Isele were once again listed in the ranking of Germany's most renowned lawyers in the field of intellectual property law, while Dr Hans-Jürgen Ruhl was listed in the field of data protection. Best Lawyers is considered one of the oldest and most highly respected legal reference books in the United States. The annual evaluations of law firms and lawyers are based on assessments by around 1,500 top US lawyers. The Best Lawyers rankings are published in the USA and worldwide by leading newspapers and media outlets, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, New York Magazine and Bloomberg. For Germany, this ranking was published in collaboration with the Handelsblatt.
Legal500 2024: DANCKELMANN UND KERST once again ranks among the five best law firms in Germany.
In the current Legal500 Germany 2024 ranking, DANCKELMANN UND KERST has once again secured its position in the highest category, ‘Tier 1’, for competition law, in which only five law firms throughout Germany are listed. In addition, all three IP partners at DANCKELMANN UND KERST, lawyers Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart, Dr. Hans-Jürgen Ruhl and Dr. Jan-Felix Isele, were once again voted among the ‘leading names’ in competition law in Germany. According to Legal 500, DANCKELMANN UND KERST has earned its excellent reputation through successful landmark cases, among other things. We are delighted to receive these outstanding awards again this year, which reaffirm our commitment to representing our clients' interests, and would like to quote Legal 500’s references as follows:
'In my more than 40 years of professional experience, I have never come across a law firm that handles cases so competently and systematically, with the highest level of expertise and objectivity, and brings them to a successful conclusion. For this, they deserve extraordinary praise and an excellent rating.'
'I can highly recommend Hans-Jürgen Ruhl to anyone involved in a dispute relating to competition law and intellectual property law. His calm and competent approach makes you feel that you are in good hands and well looked after. '
‘Nikolaus Rehart: In addition to his reliable and always up-to-date legal expertise, we value his experience as an experienced litigator. He is a welcome discussion partner due to his comprehensive understanding of business operations. Finding a solution together is guaranteed.‘
2023
JUVE Handbuch 2023/2024: DANCKELMANN UND KERST once again among the leading law firms in competition law!
In the latest edition of the Juve Handbuch Wirtschaftskanzleien (Juve Handbook of Commercial Law Firms), DANCKELMANN UND KERST is once again listed among the leading German law firms in competition law, as it has been for many years (‘JUVE Handbook of Commercial Law Firms’ 2023/2024). According to Juve, the IP partners at the Frankfurt-based law firm have repeatedly underlined their excellent reputation as litigators in competition law. In addition, Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart, as has been the case for years, and now also Dr. Jan-Felix Isele are ranked among the ten leading names in competition law in Germany. As is tradition, JUVE once again highlights the IP partners at DANCKELMANN UND KERST, Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart, Dr. Jan-Felix Isele and Dr. Hans-Jürgen Ruhl, as frequently recommended lawyers in competition law. The ‘JUVE Handbook of Commercial Law Firms’ is now in its 26th edition. It is an important reference work, especially for companies, but also for lawyers. It is researched and written by an independent editorial team. The ratings are based on surveys of lawyers, including Federal Court of Justice lawyers, clients, and in some cases also legal academics and judges, in order to determine their perception and assessment of the market and specific law firms.
‘Best Lawyers’: DANCKELMANN UND KERST once again represented by two IP partners
In the June 2023 edition of the ‘Best Lawyers’ ranking, two IP partners from DANCKELMANN UND KERST Rechtsanwälte are once again listed: Partners Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart and Dr Jan-Felix Isele have once again been listed in the ranking of Germany's most renowned lawyers in the field of ‘Intellectual Property Law’, with Dr. Jan-Felix Isele appearing for the 13th time. Best Lawyers is considered one of the oldest and most respected legal reference books in the United States. The annual evaluations of law firms and lawyers are based on assessments by around 1,500 top US lawyers. The Best Lawyers rankings are published in the USA and worldwide by leading newspapers and media outlets, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, New York Magazine and Bloomberg. For Germany, this ranking was published in collaboration with the Handelsblatt.
Legal500 2023: DANCKELMANN UND KERST once again ranks among the five best law firms in Germany.
In the current Legal500 Germany 2023 ranking, DANCKELMANN UND KERST has once again secured its position in the highest category, ‘Tier 1’, for competition law, in which only five law firms throughout Germany are listed. In addition, all three IP partners at DANCKELMANN UND KERST, lawyers Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart, Dr. Hans-Jürgen Ruhl and Dr. Jan-Felix Isele, were once again voted among the ‘leading names’ in competition law in Germany. DANCKELMANN UND KERST – according to Legal 500 – is known for numerous successfully conducted landmark cases and its active lecturing and publishing activities. We are delighted to receive these outstanding awards again this year, which once more confirm our commitment to the interests of our clients.
2022
JUVE Handbuch 2022/2023: DANCKELMANN UND KERST once again among the leading law firms in competition law!
In the latest edition of the Juve Handbuch Wirtschaftskanzleien, DANCKELMANN UND KERST is once again listed among the leading German law firms in competition law, as it has been for many years (‘JUVE Handbuch Wirtschafts-Kanzleien’ 2022/2023). According to JUVE, the IP practice is one of the top addresses in the market when it comes to competition law. In addition, as has been the case for years, JUVE once again ranks lawyer Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart among Germany's leading advisors in competition law. In keeping with tradition, JUVE once again highlights Danckelmann & Kerst's IP partners Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart, Dr. Jan-Felix Isele and Dr. Hans-Jürgen Ruhl as frequently recommended lawyers in competition law. The ‘JUVE Handbook of Commercial Law Firms’ is now in its 25th edition. It is an important reference work, especially for companies, but also for lawyers. It is researched and written by an independent editorial team. The ratings are based on surveys of lawyers, including Federal Court of Justice lawyers, clients, and in some cases also legal academics and judges, in order to determine their perception and assessment of the market and specific law firms.
Best Lawyers: DANCKELMANN UND KERST once again represented by two IP partners
In the 2022 edition of the Best Lawyers ranking published at the end of June 2022, two IP partners from DANCKELMANN UND KERST Rechtsanwälte are once again listed: Partners Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart and Dr Jan-Felix Isele were once again listed in the ranking of Germany's most renowned lawyers in the field of ‘Intellectual Property Law’, with Dr Jan-Felix Isele being listed for the 12th time. Best Lawyers is considered one of the oldest and most respected legal reference books in the United States. The annual evaluations of law firms and lawyers are based on assessments by around 1,500 top US lawyers. The Best Lawyers rankings are published in the USA and worldwide by leading newspapers and media outlets, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, New York Magazine and Bloomberg. For Germany, this ranking was published in collaboration with Handelsblatt on 24 June 2022.
Legal500 2022: DANCKELMANN UND KERST once again ranks among the six best law firms in Germany.
In the current Legal500 Germany 2022 ranking, DANCKELMANN UND KERST has once again secured its place in the highest category, ‘Tier 1’, for competition law, in which only six law firms throughout Germany are listed. In addition, all three IP partners at DANCKELMANN UND KERST, lawyers Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart, Dr. Hans-Jürgen Ruhl and Dr. Jan-Felix Isele, were once again voted among the ‘leading names’ in competition law in Germany. DANCKELMANN UND KERST – according to Legal 500 – enjoys an excellent reputation thanks to numerous successfully litigated landmark cases. The three partners of the Frankfurt boutique, Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart, Jan-Felix Isele and Hans-Jürgen Ruhl, are also very active in commentary literature and lectures. We are delighted to receive these outstanding awards again this year, which once more confirm our commitment to representing the interests of our clients.
2021
JUVE Handbuch 2021/2022: DANCKELMANN UND KERST once again among the leading law firms in competition law!
In the latest edition of the Juve Handbuch Wirtschaftskanzleien (JUVE Handbook of Commercial Law Firms), DANCKELMANN UND KERST is once again listed among the leading German law firms in competition law. According to JUVE, the IP practice is one of the most renowned units when it comes to fundamental disputes under the UWG (German Unfair Competition Act). Competitors praised the ‘in-depth knowledge of case law’ and negotiation skills. In addition, the firm's trademark law practice is continuously developing. In addition, as has been the case for many years, JUVE once again ranks lawyer Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart among Germany's leading advisors in competition law. Likewise, JUVE has traditionally highlighted Danckelmann & Kerst's IP partners Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart, Dr. Jan-Felix Isele and Dr. Hans-Jürgen Ruhl as frequently recommended lawyers in competition law. The ‘JUVE Handbook of Commercial Law Firms’ is now in its 24th edition. It is an important reference work, especially for companies, but also for solicitors. It is researched and written by an independent editorial team. The ratings are based on surveys of lawyers, including Federal Court of Justice lawyers, clients, and in some cases also legal academics and judges, in order to determine their perception and assessment of the market and specific law firms.
Legal500 2021: DANCKELMANN UND KERST ranks among the five best law firms in Germany. In addition, all three IP partners – attorneys Rehart, Dr. Ruhl and Dr. Isele – are listed in the Legal500 ranking among the ‘leading names’ in competition law!
In the current Legal500 ranking – Germany and EMEA – DANCKELMANN UND KERST has once again secured its place in the highest category, ‘Tier 1’, in which only five law firms in all of Germany are listed. In addition, all three IP partners at DANCKELMANN UND KERST, lawyers Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart, Dr. Hans-Jürgen Ruhl and Dr. Jan-Felix Isele, were voted among the ‘leading names’ in competition law in Germany. According to Legal500 – Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart, Dr. Hans-Jürgen Ruhl and Dr. Jan-Felix Isele – have been working together for over 20 years and are an extremely well-coordinated team. In addition to their extensive forensic work, including regular appearances in the most important Federal Court of Justice proceedings, they are also among the most established names in academic literature.
2020
JUVE Handbuch 2020/2021: DANCKELMANN UND KERST has been delivering consistent performance for years – once again awarded 4 stars in competition law!
In the latest ranking of leading German law firms in competition law, DANCKELMANN UND KERST has once again been awarded four stars, confirming the consistently high level of performance of recent years for 2020/2021 (‘JUVE Handbuch Wirtschafts-Kanzleien’ 2020/2021). According to JUVE, the excellent reputation and thus the appeal of the IP practice is based on its extensive experience in unfair competition proceedings, which is regularly sought after by new clients. According to JUVE, the firm is strong in litigation in competition law, as well as in providing advice in the run-up to disputes. For the 20th time in a row, Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart has been named one of Germany's leading advisors in competition law by JUVE. In keeping with tradition, JUVE once again highlights Danckelmann & Kerst's IP partners Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart, Dr. Jan-Felix Isele and Dr. Hans-Jürgen Ruhl as frequently recommended lawyers in competition law.
Best Lawyers: DANCKELMANN UND KERST once again represented by two IP partners
In the 2020 edition of the ‘Best Lawyers’ ranking published at the end of June 2020, two IP partners from DANCKELMANN UND KERST Rechtsanwälte are once again featured: partners Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart and Dr Jan-Felix Isele were listed in the ranking of Germany’s most renowned lawyers in the field of intellectual property law. Best Lawyers is considered one of the oldest and most respected legal reference books in the USA. The annual evaluations of law firms and lawyers are based on assessments by around 1,500 top US lawyers. The Best Lawyers rankings are published in the USA and worldwide by leading newspapers and media outlets, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, New York Magazine and Bloomberg. For Germany, this ranking was published in collaboration with Handelsblatt on 26 June 2020.
Legal500 Germany: DANCKELMANN UND KERST ranks among the best law firms in competition law!
In the current Legal500 Germany 2020 ranking, DANCKELMANN UND KERST has made it into the highest category, ‘Tier 1’, in competition law, placing it among the top six law firms in Germany in this field. Legal500 particularly praised DANCKELMANN UND KERST for its extensive litigation practice, which often involves representation in landmark cases. According to Legal500, the trio consisting of Nikolaus Konstantin Rehart, Hans-Jürgen Ruhl and Jan-Felix Isele has been working together for around 20 years and thus offers an exceptionally well-coordinated and comprehensive advisory team. We are delighted to receive this award, which confirms our commitment to representing the interests of our clients.
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DANCKELMANN UND KERST
Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft mbB
Lise-Meitner-Straße 4
60486 Frankfurt am Main
phone: +49 69 92 07 27 0
fax: +49 69 92 07 27 60
email@danckelmann-kerst.de