»Retention of Title and Fiduciary Transfer of Ownership for Security Purposes in German, Austrian, and Swiss Law with consideration of the Principle of Publicity«: This study compares the legal status and practice of the two instruments of secured transaction in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The key issue is the conflict between publicity and the practical needs of commerce, which is implemented differently by the reviewed legal systems. The conflict is depicted both through the specifically examined legal instruments and on an abstract level. Additionally, the study addresses potential future legal developments.