Lawyer for Startups – Trademarks, Contracts
, and Digital Law
What We Do for You
Three practice areas. One law firm.
For founders in the tech, creative industries, and creator economy sectors.
Protect Your Brand & IP
Trademark registration in Germany, the EU, and the U.S. Protect your name, logo, and products—before someone else does.
Terms and Conditions, GDPR, and Platform Law
GDPR-compliant terms of service for your app, SaaS, or platform. Custom-drafted, not off-the-shelf.
Contracts, Incorporation, and Investors
Articles of Association, Term Sheets, and Investment Agreements—so you know what you're signing.

Attorney Juliette Sarvan de Castro
; Attorney Patrick Rehkatsch
We're in on it. From the initial idea to the exit.

Attorney Juliette Sarvan de Castro
; Attorney Patrick Rehkatsch
We're in on it. From the initial idea
to the exit.
The Problem
These mistakes cost startups time, money—
and sometimes their business.
Trademark not protected
You're using your name publicly—but someone else has already registered it.
Consequence: Cease-and-desist Letter & Rebranding
No Founders' Agreement
Who owns how many shares? What happens if a co-founder leaves the company?
Episode: Conflict Within the Team
Off-the-Shelf Terms and Conditions
Copied or generated terms and conditions don't fit your business model.
Consequence: No Protection in the Event of a Dispute
IP Not Regulated
Who owns the rights to the code, design, or content your team created?
Consequence: Uncertain Property Rights
Unaudited Investor Agreement
Liquidation preference, vesting, anti-dilution—small clauses with a big impact.
Consequence: Loss of Control During the Exit
No Data Protection Policy
A missing or incorrect privacy policy—a real risk even before launch.
Consequences: Fines & Warning Letters
When You Need a Lawyer
Seeking advice early on costs a fraction of what a lawsuit would cost
1.
Before the company was founded
Check the trademark, draft an NDA, clarify the legal structure—before you commit.
2.
Before the launch
Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, Legal Notice—Go Online Legally.
3.
In front of the investor
Review the term sheet, negotiate the investment agreement, and understand the clauses.
4.
Before the First Hiring
Draft employment contracts, IP clauses, and NDAs for employees properly.
"Legal mistakes made early on are more costly than the legal advice itself."
Our Services
Everything Your Startup Needs Legally.
Your #1 Protection
Brands & IP
- Trademark Registration DE, EU, USA
- Protection of Names, Logos, and Products
- Trademark Search & IP Strategy
- License Agreements & Copyright
Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy
- Terms and Conditions for Apps, SaaS, and Platforms
- Privacy Policy in Accordance with the GDPR
- Cookie Consent & Legal Notice
- Digital Services Act & AI Regulation
Incorporation & Contracts
- GmbH & UG Articles of Incorporation
- Founders' Agreement with Vesting
- NDA / Non-Disclosure Agreement
- Managing Director Contract
Investors & Equity Investments
- Term Sheet & Investment Agreement
- Convertible Note
- VSOP & ESOP Programs
- Support funding rounds
Sample Contracts for Founders
- GmbH Articles of Incorporation + Declarations
- Founder Agreement Vorlage
- NDA Template for Download
- Influencer Collaboration Agreement
KI-Recht Creator Economy
- The EU AI Act for Startups
- Influencer Collaboration Agreements
- Music Tech & Fashion Tech Law
- Copyright in Digital Products
Why Rehkatsch?
The startup lawyers who really know your industry.
We aren't just another law firm that handles GmbH incorporations and VSOPs. We're a law firm that
combines startup law with trademarks, IP, AI, social media, music, and the creator economy.
Specialists in the Creative Industries & Tech
Trademark law, copyright law, AI law, and influencer law are not peripheral issues for us— they are at the heart of our work.
Digital & In Person
No paperwork, no waiting. We work via WhatsApp, video call, or phone. Fast, clear, and without legal jargon.
Cologne, Berlin, and internationally
Offices in Cologne and Berlin. Consulting services throughout Germany. Also available in English or Spanish—for international entrepreneurs in Germany.
Clients
What Our Clients Say
Over 5,000 cases handled—in the fields of music, film, sports, tech, and the creator economy.
Gepostet auf Google![]()
FrankTrustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist.
Ich habe die Kanzlei Rehkatsch beauftragt, nachdem ich wegen einer ehrlichen Google-Rezension über die Behandlung meiner mittlerweile verstorbenen Katze massiv unter Druck gesetzt wurde. Die Gegenseite hatte sogar einen Antrag auf Unterlassung (einstweilige Verfügung) beim Landgericht Köln eingereicht, um meine Bewertung löschen zu lassen. Die Kanzlei hat mich fachlich brillant und menschlich empathisch vertreten. Das Ergebnis spricht für sich: Die Gegenseite musste ihren Antrag vor dem Landgericht Köln zurückziehen und übernimmt nun sämtliche Kosten. Gerechtigkeit siegt am Ende eben doch, wenn man bei der Wahrheit bleibt und die richtigen Experten an seiner Seite hat. Da meine Rezension den Tatsachen entspricht, wurde sie als rechtmäßig bestätigt und bleibt online. Ich kann diese Kanzlei uneingeschränkt jedem empfehlen, der sich gegen unberechtigte Abmahnungen zur Wehr setzen will. Herzlichen Dank für die großartige Arbeit!Gepostet auf Google![]()
Reiner DingesTrustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist.
Mein Eindruck: 5 Sterne werden der Betreuung und Information voll gerecht. Mit kompetenter und professionellen Handhabung meiner Markenschutz Anliegen wurde ich bestens begleitet. Immer erreichbar und individuell angepasst an die Sachlage, bin ich sicher, eine perfekte Kanzlei für mein Anliegen gefunden zu haben.Gepostet auf Google![]()
Sport-Studio Aggertal - Fitness in LohmarTrustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist.
Danke für die schnelle Unterstützung! Super freundliches Team!Gepostet auf Google![]()
Jörg KrusekampTrustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist.
Top Beratung, Sehr kompetentGepostet auf Google![]()
Malte M.Trustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist.
Wirklich eine sehr kompetente, freundliche und ausdrücklich einfühlsame Unterstützung, die mir hier zuteil wurde. Zudem eine zügige und unkomplizierte Kommunikation. Ein herzliches Dankeschön an alle Beteiligten!Gepostet auf Google![]()
Christiane AltenbeckTrustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist.
Mir wurde sehr sehr gut weiter geholfen. Daumen hoch!Gepostet auf Google![]()
Patrick BaumfalkTrustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist.
Ich bin selbst Rechtsanwalt und habe Herrn Rehkatsch bereits mehrfach Mandanten vermittelt. Die Rückmeldungen waren durchweg positiv: kompetent, engagiert und lösungsorientiert. Auch im kollegialen Austausch stets verlässlich, professionell und fair. So wünscht man sich die Zusammenarbeit unter Kollegen – klare Empfehlung!Gepostet auf Google![]()
Dennis BastovaniTrustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist.
Ich hatte eine ausgezeichnete Erfahrung mit dieser Kanzlei. Das Team ist äußerst organisiert, freundlich und verfügt über tiefgehendes Fachwissen im Bereich Musikrecht. Sie nehmen sich die Zeit, das Anliegen und die individuellen Bedürfnisse ihrer Mandanten genau zu verstehen und bieten kompetente, maßgeschneiderte Beratung. Die Kommunikation war stets klar und professionell. Wer eine zuverlässige und engagierte Anwaltskanzlei im Musikrecht sucht, ist hier in den besten Händen. Absolut empfehlenswert!Gepostet auf Google![]()
FarazTrustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist.
Sehr kompetent, hilfsbereit und auch immer erreichbar. Vor allem sehr freundlich!Gepostet auf Google![]()
MAK ManagementTrustindex überprüft, ob die Originalquelle der Bewertung Google ist.
Super Anwalt!
Costs & Initial Consultation
Transparent. No fine print.
You know in advance what you'll pay—whether it's an initial inquiry, a consultation, or project work.
How much does the consultation cost?
Initial Inquiry (Non-binding)
Free
Initial Consultation (without documentation)
Starting at 250 €
Initial Consultation (including document review)
Starting at 500 €
Projects (Brand, Terms and Conditions, Contracts)
Fixed price upon agreement
All prices are subject to applicable sales tax. · A quote is always provided before work begins.
Start Now
Initial inquiry is always free
How much does the consultation cost?
Initial Inquiry (Non-binding)
Free
Initial Consultation (without documentation)
250 €
Initial Consultation (including document review)
500 €
Projects (Brand, Terms and Conditions, Contracts)
Fixed price upon agreement
Start Now
Free Initial Inquiry
Contact
How to Reach Us
Choose the option that works best for you—we'll get back to you quickly.
Schedule an appointment
Right in our calendar—select your preferred date
What'sApp
Quick Questions, Quick Answers
Phone
Available directly Mon–Fri
Write to us about what's on your mind
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions from Founders
Answers to the questions we're asked most often.
How much does a lawyer cost for startups?
An initial, no-obligation inquiry is free of charge. An initial consultation costs €250 (without documents) or €500 (with document review). For specific projects such as trademark applications, articles of incorporation, or terms and conditions, we’ll provide you with a transparent quote—so you’ll know exactly what to expect in advance.
As a startup, when should I hire a lawyer?
Yes—and you should do so before you start using it publicly. The first to register it has the rights. A trademark search costs very little, but rebranding after receiving a cease-and-desist letter costs a great deal. We recommend registering your trademark at the same time you incorporate your business.
What is the difference between a GmbH and an UG?
You can start a UG (limited liability company) with as little as €1 in share capital—it’s more affordable and faster. A GmbH requires €25,000 and has greater public standing. A GmbH is often the better choice for meetings with investors. We’ll determine which option is right for you during our initial consultation.
Do I need terms and conditions right from the start?
As soon as you have your first customers or users—it depends. Even during the beta phase. Incorrect terms and conditions can lead to a cease-and-desist letter or result in you losing your case in a legal dispute. You need terms and conditions if you want to establish and define certain rules, such as changes to the legal landscape. Seek advice on whether terms and conditions make sense for you.
Do you also advise international startups?
Yes—we also provide consulting services in English, Spanish, or French and assist international entrepreneurs with entering the German market—from company formation to trademark registration and all the way through to an exit.
Can you also help with the investor agreement?
Absolutely. We review and negotiate term sheets, investment agreements, and convertible loans. Legal guidance is especially crucial during investor meetings—the terms agreed upon there will often affect you for years to come.
Ready to build your startup in a legally sound way?
Ask us your questions—we'll work with you to figure out what you need.
