Companies are having to devote considerable attention to the coronavirus crisis at the present time. However, in view of the current turbulence affecting business, it is equally important to be aware of any legal disputes that may lie ahead. Success in future litigation could depend crucially on preserving the necessary evidence now. Waiting too long or getting stuck in proceedings that have been paused due to the pandemic could mean that the evidence is unavailable later. In such situations, the German Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) provides for independent evidentiary proceedings.