Dentons has advised Blue Code International AG on the tax implications of launching Blue Code in Germany. The payment solution, which allows users to make cashless payments using their mobile phone, will be piloted at the world-famous Oktoberfest in Munich. Blue Code is already well established in Austria, and is available at numerous retailers, including the REWE supermarkets. The implementation marks an important step in the company’s strategy to enter the German market.

To use the payment system, users need to download an app and connect to a bank account once. The user can access the app either with a personal code or a touch ID. The app then provides a one-time code valid for four minutes, and this code is scanned at the checkout counter, transferred via Bluetooth to a vending machine or entered at the online checkout to apply the payment. Blue Code handles data anonymously and only serves as a connector to the user’s personal bank account.

A Dentons team headed by partner Michael Graf from Frankfurt provided comprehensive tax advice to Blue Code.
Adviser Blue Code International AG:

Dentons (Frankfurt): Michael Graf (partner, lead), Marcus Seiboth (Counsel, both Tax)