DE: Unsolicited E-mail

A new ruling in the German law courts establishes that sending unsolicited e-mail advertising to private consumers is illegal and violates German laws against unfair competition, in particular the regulations concerning dishonest practices. The ruling is in line with previous judgements on unsolicited telephone and fax advertising. In all cases, said the courts, the prior consent of the recipient individual is required. However, the issue of the legality of business-to-business e-mail advertising remains unresolved.