Higher Regional Court Confirms Legitimacy: FOCUS Health Doctor Seals “TOP Doctor” and “Recommended Doctor” Allowed to Stay

On May 22, 2025, the Higher Regional Court of Munich delivered a significant verdict: the well-known doctor seals “FOCUS TOP Doctor” and “FOCUS Recommendation” may continue to be used. This overturns the previous ruling from February 2023 by the Munich Regional Court, which had declared the seals inadmissible. The lawsuit filed by the Centre for Protection Against Unfair Competition has been dismissed.

FOCUS Health welcomes the ruling, which reinforces trust in the editorial integrity and quality of the FOCUS doctor lists. The editorial team emphasizes that the awards are based on objective, neutral criteria and cannot be purchased – a core argument supporting their credibility.

The court made it clear: the methodology behind the awards is appropriate and clearly understandable for consumers. This transparency was key to the court’s decision.

FOCUS Health’s lists are seen as a crucial resource for patients seeking qualified specialists. Doctors who receive these distinctions may rightfully display them with pride.

The seals are awarded based on an in-depth methodology developed by an independent team of experts. It includes criteria such as medical experience, reputation, and patient orientation. The evaluation process is published in detail in each edition of FOCUS Health and can be accessed online at focus-gesundheit.de.

Although the ruling is not yet legally binding, it sends a strong signal in favor of transparency and quality journalism in healthcare.