2025-08-26 - LD Munich - NEC v. TCL

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The Munich LD granted a law firm's application under Rule 262.1(b) RoP for access to written pleadings in concluded NEC v TCL SEP proceedings. The court confirmed that Rule 262.1(b) imposes only a formal requirement for a 'reasoned request' with no increased substantive threshold. In concluded proceedings, a general public interest suffices; the applicant need not demonstrate specific reasons. The court rejected NEC's straw man and abuse allegations, holding that even if the applicant might advise parties in related proceedings, this would increase rather than decrease the interest in access. Access was limited to redacted versions respecting Rule 262.2/262A confidentiality orders, with personal data redacted under GDPR. The court adopted a phased approach: pleadings first, then exhibits on request.