Trade

Trade and distribution

Our approach

We support entrepreneurs operating in the retail and distribution sector by offering comprehensive legal advisory services. We provide assistance at every stage of business activity — from strategy development and market entry in Poland, through ongoing legal support, particularly in drafting and negotiating contracts, to representation in disputes (including with authorities) and various types of proceedings. 

For whom?

Our services are directed at retail chains — both large-format and specialized — operating in domestic and international markets. We also support other entities involved in the supply chain within the retail and distribution sector, such as manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, logistics companies, and e-commerce platform operators. Our advisory services cover large corporations as well as medium-sized and smaller enterprises expanding their market presence. 

We understand the challenges faced by trading and distribution companies - that's why we offer advice that realistically supports their daily decisions. We are a partner who knows the industry and speaks the language of business.

Natalia Mosurpartner, attorney-at-law
Benefits

We provide entrepreneurs in the retail and distribution sector with comprehensive legal support to enable safe growth and effective market operations. 

Experience proven by practice and business relationships

With many years of experience, we offer solutions that go beyond legal aspects, supporting sales process optimization, cost reduction, and building market advantage. 

Comprehensive and interdisciplinary support

We operate in a one-stop-shop model, combining expertise in commercial law, competition law, and consumer law, as well as tax, intellectual property, e-commerce, and labor law — all in one place. 

Preparedness for domestic and international market challenges

We continuously monitor legal and market changes in the retail and distribution sector, enabling us to effectively advise on adapting operations to Polish and international regulatory requirements. 

Services

We understand the specifics of retail chain operations, including challenges related to supplier relations, consumer regulations, data protection, and compliance. 

Retail space leasing and tenant disputes 

We support retail chains and other commercial space tenants. We advise on negotiating and drafting lease agreements, analyze legal risks, and represent clients in disputes with landlords — both in amicable and court proceedings. We assist in resolving issues related to lease termination, changes in lease terms, claims for non-performance, and settlement of operating costs. 

Trade inspections

We assist clients in preparing for inspections and during proceedings conducted by administrative authorities such as Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK), Trade Inspection, or National Revenue Administration (KAS). We advise on the rights and obligations of inspected entities, help analyze documentation, and represent clients at every stage of the inspection. Our goal is to minimize legal risks and ensure compliance with applicable regulations. We also support post-inspection strategy development and potential appeals. 

Labor law in trade and distribution

We provide labor law advisory services tailored to the specifics of employment in retail chains and distribution centers. We assist in designing organizational structures, shift schedules, weekend and holiday employment rules, and cooperation with seasonal staff. We support the creation of internal regulations, employment contracts, and resolution of labor disputes, ensuring legal compliance and operational efficiency. 

Creation and negotiation of commercial contracts

We assist in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts related to goods trading, distribution, logistics, and services. We ensure clarity, ease of implementation, and legal compliance. We create contracts tailored to the specifics of cooperation with suppliers, logistics operators, and service partners, addressing the operational and business needs of retail networks. We focus not only on legal compliance and protecting our clients’ interests but also on practical aspects — clarity of provisions, ease of implementation, and comprehensibility for all parties involved.

Entering the e-commerce market

We support retail chains in expanding into online sales channels. We advise on choosing the operational model, creating terms and conditions, contracts with IT and logistics service providers, and implementing legally compliant solutions for data protection, consumer rights, and e-commerce platform sales. We help ensure a safe and efficient entry into online retail. 

Environment and waste in retail

We advise retail chains on environmental and waste-related obligations associated with their operations. We support compliance with regulations on single-use packaging (SUP), product fees, BDO (Database on Products, Packaging, and Waste Management) - reporting, and waste management and producer responsibility. We help implement solutions aligned with sustainable development and circular economy principles. 

GDPR and customer relations 

We support retail chains in managing GDPR-related obligations, particularly in the context of customer relations. We advise on lawful personal data processing, handling consumer complaints, marketing communication, and responding to data breach incidents. We help implement transparent privacy policies, information procedures, and consent mechanisms that build customer trust and minimize the risk of sanctions.

Advertising and price presentation

We advise retail chains on compliance of advertising and promotional activities with applicable regulations. We support the creation of marketing messages, promotional materials, and rules for presenting prices and discounts — ensuring they are transparent, lawful, and not misleading to consumers. We help minimize the risk of violations and ensure compliance with consumer regulations and supervisory authority expectations. 

Product marking and labeling

We support retail chains in ensuring product labeling compliance with applicable laws. We advise on creating labels, packaging markings, and product communications — both in physical stores and online. We help ensure clarity, durability, and compliance of information regarding origin, quality grade, manufacturer, or importer, in line with trade standards and EU requirements. 

Competition law 

We advise on matters related to the prohibition of anti-competitive practices, abuse of dominant position, and merger control. We conduct audits and training for sales teams and management, helping maintain compliance and minimize legal risks. We represent businesses before UOKiK (Office of Competition and Consumer Protection) and the European Commission and assist in developing legally compliant business cooperation models. Our goal is not only to protect against legal risks but also to support business growth in the spirit of fair competition. 

Contract advantage and shelf fees

We analyze commercial practices in terms of improper use of contractual advantage and shelf fees. We advise on the compliance of contracts in this context with the provisions of the Act on Competition and Consumer Protection, and represent clients in proceedings before the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK). We assist both in pursuing claims and in proactively securing the interests of parties in commercial relationships. Our goal is to ensure contractual balance and protection against unfair market practices. 

Compliance and legal audits

We conduct comprehensive compliance reviews with legal regulations, including in the areas of personal data protection, competition law, and labor law. As part of legal audits, we identify potential risks and propose corrective solutions. We also offer implementation and updates of internal procedures to ensure legal compliance, employee training, and advisory support in crisis situations. Our actions enable clients to operate in accordance with the law and build a culture of transparency and accountability. 

New technologies in retail

We support the safe implementation of new technologies such as e-commerce, sales automation, B2B/B2C platforms, and AI-based solutions. We advise on compliance with consumer law, personal data protection (GDPR), copyright law, and regulations concerning digital services. We help create terms and conditions, privacy policies, and IT contracts, and support negotiations with technology providers. Our goal is to combine innovation with legal safety.

Training

We offer dedicated legal training for companies in the retail and distribution sector, tailored to operational and contractual specifics. We conduct workshops on competition law, consumer protection, commercial contracts, compliance, and contractual liability. The training is practical — based on real-life examples and current market challenges. Its goal is not only to provide knowledge but also to enhance legal safety and awareness among sales, procurement, and logistics teams.

TEAM

team

Natalia Mosur

Partner

Attorney-at-law

Magdalena Tyrakowska-Szymczak

Partner

Attorney-at-law

Bartosz Kolarz

Manager

Attorney-at-law | OW Legal

Sandra Linek-Petka

Manager

OW Legal

Related services

International desk
Intellectual Property Law (IP)
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