Summary:
The German Federal Cabinet has approved a draft bill to modernize product liability law, titled ‘Gesetzentwurf zur Modernisierung des Produkthaftungsrechts.’
The purpose is to expand the rules for product liability, making it easier for individuals to claim compensation for damages caused by defective products.
Key takeaways include extending product liability to software and artificial intelligence systems, holding those who significantly modify products liable as manufacturers, ensuring accountability of non-EU manufacturers and other actors like online platforms, and simplifying the process for claiming compensation by introducing presumptions and requiring disclosure of evidence while protecting business confidentiality.