If a dispute arises with a foreign business partner, e.g. regarding alleged claims arising from a contract, it is advisable from the point of view of the German contracting party to think about possible procedural scenarios at an early stage in case an agreement fails. If, contrary to the agreements made, it is to be expected that the foreign partner intends to file a lawsuit in the home country, you should immediately consider filing a preventive so-called negative declaratory action at the agreed German place of jurisdiction.