Create a bespoke document in minutes,聽or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership聽of your information
Arbitration Agreement
I need an arbitration agreement that outlines the process for resolving disputes between two parties, specifying that arbitration will be conducted in Berlin under the rules of the German Arbitration Institute, with each party bearing its own costs and the arbitrator's decision being final and binding.
What is an Arbitration Agreement?
An Arbitration Agreement is a binding contract where two parties agree to resolve their disputes through private arbitration instead of going to German courts. Under German civil law, these agreements let parties choose qualified arbitrators to hear their case and make final, legally enforceable decisions.
German businesses often use arbitration to handle commercial conflicts more quickly and privately than traditional litigation. The process follows the German Arbitration Act (Book 10 of the Civil Procedure Code), which ensures fair proceedings while giving parties more flexibility in choosing arbitrators, location, and procedural rules. Many international companies doing business in Germany prefer arbitration because it offers confidential dispute resolution and enforceable decisions across borders.
When should you use an Arbitration Agreement?
Consider adding an Arbitration Agreement when negotiating substantial business contracts in Germany, especially for international trade relationships or high-value transactions. These agreements prove particularly valuable in industries like manufacturing, technology licensing, and construction, where complex disputes can seriously impact operations.
German companies benefit most from arbitration when dealing with sensitive intellectual property matters, when confidentiality is crucial, or when specialized technical expertise is needed to resolve disputes. The agreement becomes essential before signing major supply contracts, joint venture deals, or when working with partners from different legal systems. Including it early prevents costly court battles and maintains business relationships by providing a clear dispute resolution path.
What are the different types of Arbitration Agreement?
- Employee Arbitration Agreement: Used specifically for employment disputes, covering workplace conflicts and labor issues under German labor law
- Agreement To Arbitrate Disputes: General commercial arbitration agreement suitable for business-to-business relationships and transactions
- Mutual Agreement To Arbitrate: Balanced format ensuring equal rights for both parties, commonly used in partnerships
- Arbitration Confidentiality Agreement: Emphasizes privacy protection during dispute resolution, crucial for sensitive business matters
- Arbitration Loan Agreement: Specialized version for financial disputes in lending relationships
Who should typically use an Arbitration Agreement?
- Business Owners: Draft and incorporate Arbitration Agreements into their commercial contracts, especially in international trade relationships
- Corporate Legal Departments: Review and customize agreements to align with company policies and German arbitration law
- Human Resources Managers: Implement employment-related arbitration provisions in German labor contracts
- External Legal Counsel: Advise on agreement structure and enforce compliance with German Civil Procedure Code requirements
- Industry Associations: Develop standardized arbitration clauses for specific sectors like construction or technology
- Arbitration Institutions: Administer proceedings and provide rules referenced in these agreements
How do you write an Arbitration Agreement?
- Party Details: Gather full legal names, addresses, and registration numbers of all involved parties
- Scope Definition: Identify specific types of disputes to be covered under German arbitration law
- Arbitration Rules: Choose between DIS (German Institution of Arbitration) rules or other institutional rules
- Venue Selection: Determine the arbitration seat and language for proceedings
- Cost Allocation: Decide how arbitration costs will be shared between parties
- Time Limits: Set clear deadlines for initiating arbitration and appointing arbitrators
- Document Review: Use our platform to generate a customized agreement that meets German legal requirements
What should be included in an Arbitration Agreement?
- Written Form: Clear documentation of parties' agreement to arbitrate, meeting German Civil Code requirements
- Scope Clause: Precise definition of disputes covered by the agreement
- Arbitrator Selection: Process for choosing arbitrators and specifying their number
- Governing Law: Explicit choice of German law and applicable arbitration rules
- Venue Details: Specification of arbitration seat and proceedings language
- Confidentiality Terms: Clear provisions on privacy of proceedings and outcomes
- Cost Distribution: Framework for allocating arbitration expenses
- Enforcement Clause: Statement on binding nature and enforceability of arbitral awards
What's the difference between an Arbitration Agreement and an Agency Agreement?
A key distinction exists between an Arbitration Agreement and a Agency Agreement in German law. While both involve dispute resolution, they serve fundamentally different purposes and operate under distinct legal frameworks.
- Primary Purpose: Arbitration Agreements focus exclusively on dispute resolution through private arbitration, while Agency Agreements establish a business relationship where one party acts on behalf of another
- Legal Framework: Arbitration falls under Book 10 of the German Civil Procedure Code, whereas Agency Agreements are governed by the German Commercial Code (HGB)
- Scope of Authority: Arbitration Agreements only cover dispute resolution procedures, but Agency Agreements define ongoing business representation rights and duties
- Enforcement Mechanism: Arbitration decisions are final and legally binding across EU borders, while Agency Agreement disputes may still require court intervention
- Duration: Arbitration Agreements activate only when disputes arise, but Agency Agreements govern continuous business relationships
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
骋别苍颈别鈥檚 Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here鈥檚 how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; 骋别苍颈别鈥檚 AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a 拢1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.