Aramis > Paris, France > Firm Profile
Aramis Offices
9 RUE SCRIBE
75009 PARIS
France
Aramis > The Legal 500 Rankings
France > Intellectual property: Patents Tier 2
Aramis‘s patents team handles a broad range of patents matters, representing major clients in infringement and injunction actions in addition to ownership disputes across Europe. Licensing, R&D and consortium agreements are among the key mandates in the department's workload. Practice head Benjamin May is an experienced litigator with a strong record representing well-known pharmaceutical clients, while Louis Jestaz provides support on both contentious and non-contentious matters.Practice head(s):
Benjamin May
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Benjamin May: coordinator – mastery of procedural timing and anticipation of work at different stages.’
Key clients
Enyx
Zentiva
Belmoca
Fresenius Medical Care
Allergan/AbbVie
Arcadophta
BVI France
INRIA
Amphenol Socapex
Angus International
Tereos
Eiffage
Work highlights
- Successfully defended Enyx’s interest in a patent dispute against its competitor Novasparks on high-speed trading technologies, both in France and in the US.
- Represented Zentiva in a major pan-European patent dispute over Eli Lilly’s Alimta drug.
- Advised Belmoca on pan-European patent litigation related to a Nespresso-compatible coffee capsule initiated by Douwe Egberts.
France > Administrative and public law Tier 3
The well-regarded Etienne Amblard leads a solid practice at Aramis. The team assists several major French companies as well as public sector entities and is appreciated for its strong public procurement and litigation expertise. The practice notably handles work in the fields of energy, transport (rail) and telecoms. It has recently assisted several bidders in responding to tender offers regarding new major airport concessions. The practice also has solid regulatory expertise and advises on urban law issues linked to large transport infrastructure projects. Associate Kévyn Gillet provides additional support.Practice head(s):
Etienne Amblard
Other key lawyers:
Kévyn Gillet
Testimonials
‘Etienne Amblard and his collaborators provide a concrete and practical approach.The availability and responsiveness of this team makes it a key partner.’
‘Etienne Amblard and his collaborators have a personal and very practical approach to business issues. Etienne Amblard puts himself in the shoes of his clients and their challenges, which allows him to obtain strategic and extremely specific recommendations.’
‘Precise knowledge, listen to customer needs and great availability and engagement with the client at critical moments.’
‘Extensive knowledge. Simple and effective customer relations’.
‘The team is very responsive to requests. The team is able to think outside the box. Customer needs are really taken into account. The conclusions are often original and very well reasoned legally.’
‘Aramis has advanced skills and quickly masters the technical “internal” aspects of a file, which is useful in a specialized sector such as the railways. Billing is always fair. Answers are complete.’
‘Etienne Amblard and his team benefit from a rare experience in public law and an in-depth knowledge of the “business” issues of his clients. Etienne is a trusted partner in complex and sensitive cases. Excellent interpersonal skills and impeccable work ethic.’
‘Small, close-knit and available team, great at anticipating clients’ expectations.’
Key clients
Ville de Paris
Agorastore
SNCF Gares & Connexions
SNCF Voyageurs
EDF
Egis Airport
Hello Paris
Mobilier national
Société du Grand Paris
Thaï Union
Citelum
Caisse des dépôts et consignations
Syndicat Mixte Autolib’
Tunnel Euralpin Lyon Turin
Carrefour
Emovis
Télio Group
Office des postes et télécommunications de Polynésie française
Tahiti Nui Telecom
VOMM
Work highlights
- Representing Syndicat Mixte Autolib’ (SAVM) in a litigation related to “Autolib” concession termination (electric car sharing programme).
- Advising Hello Paris consortium, as the operator of CDG Express, on the conclusion of a contract for rolling stock supply.
- Represented Egis Airport and Caisse des dépôts et consignations in an urgent proceeding in relation to the renewal of the airport concession of Tahiti.
France > Industry focus: Energy Tier 3
AramisPractice head(s):
Cédric de Pouzilhac; Etienne Amblard
Testimonials
‘A perfect understanding of energy issues amongst team members who are always available or accessible, and always very educational and innovative.’
‘Cédric De Pouzilhac is friendly, accessible, available and relevant, with a legal vision and strategy. He is also distinguished by his very fine and pragmatic analyses, by his ability to embrace different issues and to work in collaborative mode both with his team and with us. He helps his clients grow through the relevance of his analyses!’
‘The Aramis lawyers with whom we have been able to work are excellent. They perfectly master their subject both on the substance and on the procedural aspects.’
‘Aramis lawyers are available and attentive. They show great serenity and inspire great confidence. Their knowledge and mastery of the sector are important and standout factors.’
‘An efficient and responsive team.’
‘Very committed and available lawyers, who adapt and increase their skills in areas that are not necessarily familiar to them at the start of matters.’
Key clients
EDF S.A.
Enedis
Izivia
Citelum
Syndicat Mixte Autolib’
Tahiti Nui Telecom
La Poste
Renault Group
Encevo
Electricité de Strasbourg
Dalkia
Tamini
Work highlights
- Representing EDF in a multi-counterpart litigation about the performance of a force majeure clause related to the Covid-19 situation within the scope of French regulated access to nuclear energy (ARENH).
- Representing Izivia in expert proceedings initiated against the manufacturer and the supplier of 200 electric charging stations in France, with relation to product liability.
- Representing Enedis, in charge of the distribution of electricity within 95% of the French territory, in a class action brought by approx. 150 plaintiffs concerning the implementation of an intelligent electric metering system.
France > Industry focus: IT and internet Tier 3
Benjamin May, who specialises in internet, IT and IP law, leads the practice at Aramis alongside David Roche, who was promoted to partner in January 2022. It is particularly well-equipped to advise on the negotiation and drafting of IT contracts and strategic partnerships, supporting the relevant legal and operational teams of its notable clients. It is also experienced in advising on cybersecurity issues and GDPR compliance.Practice head(s):
Benjamin May; David Roche
Other key lawyers:
Marianne Long
Testimonials
‘Strong responsiveness and great pragmatism given by real legal practitioners, whose consultations and advice always adapt to fit to the reality on the ground. They are very specialized in IT, technology and the evolution of the law concerned.’
‘Benjamin May and his collaborators are strong in their availability, attentiveness, professionalism, responsiveness, sharpness and pragmatism.’
‘I enjoyed working with Aramis on the GDPR implementation within my company, they are available, responsive and competent.’
‘Marianne Long specialises in GDPR, and made herself available for each of our questions and answered them in a relevant, efficient and solid way.’
Key clients
Apple
IRP AUTO
Twitch
FrenchSys
Solarisbank
Paylib
Société Générale
Hermès Sellier
Bessé
The Fork
Evernex
Stripe
Work highlights
- Assisting IRP AUTO in the complete rebuilding of its information system, including in the negotiation and drafting of multiple contracts with several providers and in providing advice regarding the legal, financial and IT consequences of such migration.
- Assisting Twitch with its day-to-day legal issues, including regarding applicable regulations to online and free bets, communication and hate-combat on the Internet.
- Assist FrenchSys in the negotiation of service agreements as well as in the drafting and implementation of protocols for the schemes they deal with.
France > Intellectual property: Trade marks and designs Tier 3
Aramis‘s IP team handles trade mark litigation before the French and European courts, representing clients from the cosmetics, biotech and life sciences sectors in infringement and unfair competition proceedings. The firm maintains ties with a number of counterparts across Europe and the US, allowing it to support clients engaged in global disputes. Benjamin May leads the team, focusing on contentious trade mark issues and also advising on contractual matters. Florent Mattern is noted for his litigation experience, while Louis Jestaz is adept at handling cross-border trade mark cases.Practice head(s):
Benjamin May
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team works nimbly and effectively to review legal matters, gathering all necessary facts and conducting thorough research to provide the best possible guidance to their clients. Through collaborative efforts they help clients achieve the best possible outcome.’
‘Benjamin May has provided excellent service with regard to trade mark prosecution matters, as well as trade mark clearance searches, and negotiating trade mark agreements with third parties. He is diligent, thorough, and efficient.’
‘Aramis is extremely responsive, client-focused and excellent litigators.’
‘Benjamin May – extremely easy to work with and provides sound commercial advice.’
‘The Aramis team are experts in intellectual property litigation. They have been able to digest and organise large amounts of data, collaborate with multiple teams, and quickly respond to legal issues. Most importantly, they have formulated and executed effective legal strategy in view of complex scenarios. The Aramis team also stands out because of their clear and timely client communication.’
‘Benjamin May, Louis Jestaz and Florent Mattern form a strong and cohesive team, complimenting each other’s skills in strategy, drafting, and evidence analysis.’
Key clients
Molo Design
Allergan/AbbVie
Lidl (HelloBody + Carré Blanc + Lindt + Clos de Caille)
Verweij Fashion
For Goodness Sake
Eiffage
Qonto
Maison des Fleurs
Work highlights
- Representing Molo Design Ltd. in a worldwide dispute related to the infringement of its internationally renowned industrial designs, against Chanel and its suppliers.
- Represented Allergan (members of AbbVie) in a complex worldwide trade mark case.
- Representing Lidl France in cross-border litigation versus Lindt & Sprüngli AG for trade mark infringement, including its 3D trade mark consisting of a gold chocolate rabbit.
France > Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation Tier 4
Practice head(s):
Cédric de Pouzilhac; Aurélien Condomines; Benjamin May
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Cédric de Pouzhilac and his associate Marion Carrega are very great professionals who fully master litigation. They also understand the industrial world very well – they know the railway industry very well, which is a major asset. They also show great availability and flexibility.’
‘Great team and very competent’.
‘Great professionalism and knowledge of matters’.
‘Ability of the firm to structure a team according to the complexity of a file.’
‘Marion Carrega is an excellent lawyer, highly regarded for her litigation practice.’
Key clients
EDF S.A.
ALSTOM SA
VOMM Impianti e Processi SpA
Techint
Cobra Europe
Enedis
Izivia
Rizzani de Eccher
Dalkia
Encevo
Electricité de Strasbourg
Work highlights
- Representing EDF in a litigation about the performance of a force majeure clause related to the COVID-19 situation within the scope of French regulated access to nuclear energy (ARENH).
- Representing Techint SpA in construction litigation.
- Representing Cobra Europe (Rema Tip Top Group) in a post-M&A dispute for breach by the vendors of their commitments.
France > EU, competition and distribution Tier 4
Aramis’ practice head Aurelien Condomines regularly advises agri-food client InVivo and bank Natixis on competition matters, supported by associate Pierre Galmiche. For InVivo, the firm takes on merger control for multiple matters, including a cross-border acquisition which involved filings before 12 authorities. As well as overseeing other merger control work, the practice provides day-to-day distribution advice.Practice head(s):
Aurélien Condomines
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Grohe
XPO Logistics
Natixis
Hermes
Firmenich
Cromology
Primonial
Keolis
Henry Schein
Carrefour
Système U
InVivo
Hasbro
Fayat
Work highlights
- Assisted InVivo, France’s biggest union of co-operatives, with the merger filing to the European Commission of its acquisition of Soufflet, a major actor in the agricultural and agri-food industries.
- Assisted InVivo with the antitrust aspect of its merger of InVivo Retail with the SPAC 2MX Organic.
- Assisted BPCE and Natixis with the antitrust aspect of its sale to Avril of Soufflet Alimentaire, following the acquisition of Soufflet in 2021.
France > Mergers and acquisitions Tier 5
Practice head(s):
Raphaël Mellerio; Alexis Chahid-Nouraï; Anne-Hélène Le Trocquer
Testimonials
‘Adaptability and availability.’
‘Raphaël Mellerio is an international expert in cross-border M&A operations and knows how to advise us in a complete, professional and always adequate manner. We have always appreciated the collaboration with Aramis which we will continue to engage in the future.’
‘Our privileged relationship is unquestionably with Raphaël Mellerio, whom we greatly appreciate because of his great professional knowledge, his flexibility and his vision which is always adequate with our strategy. Raphaël is a great professional whom we warmly recommend.’
‘High quality work. Very diligent team. Attentive and with an excellent commercial understanding.’
‘Raphaël Mellerio is our point of contact. He is truly amazing. Not only within M&A but also other corporate law/commercial issues.’
‘Raphaël Mellerio is highly appreciated by our managers who see him as a true partner. He not only has an excellent professional background but he is also very comfortable (both from a technical and human point of view) in the conduct of our operations, both domestic and cross-border. He is always available and we appreciate his constructive and always courteous approach.’
‘Remarkable technique, unrivalled analytical finesse, top-notch listening and business understanding.’
Key clients
La Poste (French Post Office)
Renault
Tata Steel
Fayat
Eiffage
Bpifrance Investissements
Tereos
Keolis
Bayard
Thai Union Group
KraftHeinz
Bridgestone
Unique Heritage Media
IKKS
Babilou
Centre Vinicole – Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte (CV-CNF)
Beaver Visitec International (BVI)
Asendia
emagine
Taleo Consulting
Enyx
Ilex
Spice Enterprises
Spirit
Ariane
Work highlights
- Advised Fayat on the acquisition of NXO, a leading French service group, integrating and managing companies’ digital systems, from the industrial investor Butler Industries.
- Advised Asendia, a joint venture between La Poste and Swiss Post, on the acquisition in full of eShopWorld, an Irish company and leading global e-commerce platform.
- Advised Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte (Centre Vinicole – Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte) on its merger with Champagne Castelnau (Coopérative Régionale des Vins de Champagne).
France > Real estate
Aramis > Firm Profile
The firm: Aramis was created in 2006 by Aurélien Condomines, Benjamin May and Raphaël Mellerio, three senior lawyers in major international law firms having practiced in France and abroad. Since its creation, the firm has grown from three partners to 10 today and 30 lawyers altogether. The key features of the firm is managed growth and human size, a large spectrum of practice areas for businesses, involvement, pragmatism and simplicity.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Corporate/M&A | Raphaël Mellerio | ||
Corporate/M&A | Alexis Chahid-Nouraï | ||
Corporate/M&A | Anne-Hélène Le Trocquer | ||
Antitrust and economic law | Aurélien Condomines | ||
Intellectual property | Benjamin May | ||
Franchising | Raphaël Mellerio | ||
Franchising | Aurélien Condomines | ||
IT | Benjamin May | ||
IT | David Roche | ||
Tax | Nelson Da Riba | ||
Employment | Frédéric Milcamps | ||
Commercial litigation | Benjamin May | ||
Commercial litigation | Aurélien Condomines | ||
Arbitration | Cédric de Pouzilhac | ||
Public law | Etienne Amblard | ||
Restructuring and insolvency | Vincent Pellier |