Glossary · Austria and Germany
Electronic court communication
Electronic court communication is the regulated electronic exchange with courts and other designated bodies. A transmission provider performs technical functions within the relevant system. Transmission and legal representation are distinct roles.
Distinguish the concepts
Uploading a file, sending an email and making a formally valid court filing are not equivalent. The authorised channel, procedural requirements and demonstrable receipt matter. A technical acknowledgement does not establish substantive correctness or authority to represent a party. Retain documents and responses with the case.
Jurisdiction and scope
Austria identifies transmission providers and JustizOnline as ERV access routes. Germany applies its own rules for electronic documents and secure transmission channels. An Austrian participant code is not general authority to file with German courts. The actual recipient, procedure, formalities and representation requirements remain decisive.
Illustrative business example
A business prepares a filing and checks the court, parties, amount, attachments and channel. After transmission, the responsible person reviews responses and records receipt. Errors are resolved rather than treating the case as filed merely because someone clicked Send.
Common questions
Does a transmission provider replace a lawyer?
Technical delivery does not replace required legal representation or substantive review.
Is ordinary email sufficient?
Do not assume so. Use the channel authorised for the particular procedure.
What should be retained?
Filed version, attachments, sending and receipt confirmations, plus error and service messages linked to the correct case.
Related topics
Sources and basis
- Österreich: Elektronischer Rechtsverkehr
- Deutschland: elektronische Dokumente
- Österreich: ERV-Kundmachungen
Content reviewed on 23 September 2026. Procedural information and our contractual terms are separate foundations. The individual case remains decisive.
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