IT Forensics · OSINT

Forensically documenting competitive analysis using open sources – conducting competitively relevant research in a forensically traceable manner

In disputes concerning unfair competition, the disclosure of trade secrets or trade mark infringements, publicly available information about a rival company can provide important clues.

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We research such information exclusively in the context of an existing legal or internal corporate matter and document each source in a way that can be traced.

Why LanCologne?

Since its foundation, LanCologne has specialised in professional IT forensics. Our staff have decades of experience in the field of information technology and assist companies, solicitors, private individuals and, on a regular basis, the courts in the technical investigation of complex digital matters.

Our OSINT investigations are always carried out as a complementary component to existing IT forensic, legal or internal corporate enquiries. Every step of the investigation and every piece of digital evidence found is documented and, where technically possible, archived to ensure traceability even if the original online content is subsequently altered or deleted.

Our services

We research publicly available information relevant to competition concerning a rival company and document it in a manner that is forensically verifiable for the specific legal issue at hand.

Typical areas of application

Investigating suspected cases of unfair competition
Support in proceedings relating to the disclosure of trade secrets
Documentation of trade mark infringements
Supplement to disputes under competition law
Judicial and non-judicial expert reports
Collaboration with solicitors and companies

This is how a competitive analysis is carried out

Once the specific legal issue has been clarified, publicly available information on the company in question is systematically researched, archived and compiled into a clear and comprehensive report.

Why is competitive analysis relevant to forensic investigations?

Information that is publicly available may serve as independent, verifiable evidence in competition law proceedings.

Prompt archiving is particularly important in this context, as online content relevant to competition is often altered or removed at short notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it generally permissible to carry out research into a rival company?+
The analysis of publicly available information is, in principle, permitted; the legal assessment in a specific case is a matter for the client’s legal advisers.
Is social media content from rival companies also included?+
Provided it is publicly available and relevant to the research question, yes.
How is the traceability of the research ensured?+
By keeping a complete record of the source, the date and time of retrieval and, where possible, an archived copy of each search result.

LanCologne – IT Forensics OSINT Cologne

Do you require a professional OSINT investigation into „forensically documenting competitive analysis using open sources"? LanCologne can assist you with the transparent, documented analysis of publicly available digital sources to complement your IT forensic, legal or internal corporate enquiries.

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