1. What are the principal statutes regulating advertising generally?

In Germany, advertising is not governed by a comprehensive law. The Unfair Competition Act (UWG) constitutes the central framework of Rules governing market behaviour and refers in particular to advertising. The UWG seeks to protect consumers, competitors and other market participants against unfair commercial practices. Also, a variety of Sector-specific regulations apply to advertising and marketing for specific products and services, and within different communication channels. In addition, specific professional guilds have published codes of conduct to maintain the guilds' integrity. The codes are only obligatory for the members of those guilds. 

Moreover, additions or restrictions may depend on the communication channel used.

Broadcasting is, in particular, subject to advertising limitation rules. Restrictions can be found in the State Media Treaty (MStV), the media laws of the states and