Allen & Overy LLP is renowned for its expertise in the gaming sector, offering game publishers full-service support across the spectrum of copyright issues, while also being sought after by major film and TV studios. Alexandre Rudoni, who leads both the copyright team and the gaming, interactive and entertainment group, is a trusted adviser to several of the gaming industry’s leading names and under his leadership the team advises on a range of litigious and commercial matters, including anti-piracy and IP enforcement, in addition to licence and transfer contract negotiations and the copyright aspects of M&A transactions. Senior associate Andrea Dufaure is admitted both in France and New York and is experienced in handling litigious copyright matters before the French courts.
Intellectual property: Copyright in France
Allen & Overy LLP
Practice head(s):
Alexandre Rudoni
Other key lawyers:
Andrea Dufaure
Testimonials
‘Stellar team.’
‘Alexandre Rudoni is a star in the games industry.’
‘I use Allen & Overy for all of my video game work in France. Their advice is always timely, practical and well reasoned. My clients are not looking for a legal tome on an issue, they just want to know the best options available to them, and that is where A&O’s team thrives.’
Key clients
Nintendo
Epic Games
Netflix
Primark
Nikon
Riot Games
Focus Home Interactive
Work highlights
- Represented Nintendo in civil litigation against hosting company Dstorage, which operates 1Fichier.com, concerning unlawful copies of video games.
- Advised Epic Games, a leading global video game publisher, on a variety of IP matters.
- Assisted Netflix in a number of disputes involving the protection of the La Casa de Papel series, including copyright claims in France.
August Debouzy
August Debouzy assists its clients in a wide range of copyright matters, advising on developments in European IP law and carrying out compliance audits and risk assessments to ensure companies fulfil their obligations under EU directives governing copyright. The firm has a strong cross-border practice and makes uses of its network of international firms to support clients seeking to enforce their IP rights in France and across Europe. Led by TMT expert Mahasti Razavi and media, art and white-collar criminal law specialist Basile Ader, the practice group also assists in drafting copyright licence agreements and is active in civil and criminal litigation before the courts, including infringement claims and seizures. Counsel Amélie Tripet focuses her practice on copyright, media and communication law and is sought after for the drafting of contracts and representation before courts.
Practice head(s):
Mahasti Razavi; Basile Ader
Other key lawyers:
Amelie Tripet
Key clients
Première Media
Meridiam
Work highlights
- Assisted Première Media in a dispute related to ownership of rights to set photographs of famous movies from the 1950s and 1960s.
- Assisted a consortium of Meridiam, GIP and Groupe Caisse des Dépôts in the carve-out of certain New Suez activities resulting from the sale by Veolia, in particular regarding the transfer and licensing of certain IP rights.
Bird & Bird
Bird & Bird provides clients from the TMT, entertainment, sport and life sciences sectors with advice on a range of copyright issues, leveraging the firm’s international presence to handle complex cross-border matters. The practice group, led by Yves Bizollon, Géraldine Arbant and Anne-Charlotte Le Bihan, is able to assist companies with the registration, protection and commercialisation of their copyrights, in addition to drafting copyright licences and agreements. The team’s members are also regularly called upon to represent clients in contentious matters before French and European courts, where they handle matters concerning copyright infringement and unfair competition. Counsel Frédérique Bocqueraz specialises in handling international copyright matters and assessing damages in infringement proceedings.
Practice head(s):
Geraldine Arbant; Yves Bizollon; Anne-Charlotte Le Bihan
Other key lawyers:
Frédérique Bocqueraz
Key clients
Vitra
Petit Bateau
Uniqlo Europe
OnOff
Salomon
Seb
Take-two interactive software, inc
Rockstar Games
Work highlights
- Represented Vitra in copyright infringement claims against various infringers.
- Advised Uniqlo Europe on a copyright infringement, unfair competition and free-riding action brought by Agnes Trouble and company CMC.
- Represented Take-Two Interactive Software in video game copyright infringement litigation against mod menu developers.
Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.
Companies operating in the fashion, art and architecture industries regularly instruct Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. on a spectrum of litigious and commercial copyright matters at the French and EU level, with the firm’s Brussels office assisting in European cases. Under the leadership of Raphaëlle Dequiré-Portier, Emmanuel Larere, Jean-Hyacinthe de Mitry and Julien Guinot-Deléry, the practice represents clients in infringement, unfair competition and contractual disputes, in addition to advising on copyright licence and image rights agreements. Furthermore, the practice group assists producers, agencies and the individuals they represent in the collection and payment of royalties relating to the use of their IP.
Practice head(s):
Raphaëlle Dequiré-Portier; Emmanuel Larere; Jean-Hyacinthe de Mitry; Julien Guinot-Deléry
Key clients
Rouje
L’Oréal
Paris 2024/Olympic Games and Paralympic Games
Agence France Presse (AFP)
Comédie-Française
Ubisoft
Fondazione Prada
Christian Dior Couture
Experienced Capital Management
Herrmann Global
Carven
Drouot
Orange/OCS
Work highlights
- Advised Agence France Presse (AFP) on the French implementation of the EU Directive on copyright in the Digital Single Market and successfully obtained the first enforcement in France of the new neighbouring rights on press content.
- Assisted L’Oréal in discussing ways to fight counterfeiting in the NFT industry and the role of platforms such as marketplaces.
- Advised the Paris 2024 Organising Committee on the safeguarding of copyrights related to major sports events and various matters in the context of audio-visual content production.
Taylor Wessing
The Taylor Wessing copyright team is frequently instructed on both national and cross-border matters. The department has a dedicated media and entertainment group focused on supporting traditional and digital media clients, which it advises on licensing, distribution, IP protection and regulation issues. Beyond the media, the practice is also active in assisting the advertising and marketing, gaming and apps, and music sectors, working alongside the firm’s tax, corporate and distribution practice groups to provide full-service advice on corporate transactions, including the transfer of intangible assets. The firm offers its clients management tools to help manage and protect their copyrights, while also representing them before French and EU courts in infringement claims, IP ownership disputes and licensing issues. The group is led by Christian Valsamidis, Claire Saint-Laurent Mantoux, Benoît Goulesque-Monaux and Marc Schuler.
Practice head(s):
Christian Valsamidis; Claire Saint-Laurent Mantoux; Benoît Goulesque-Monaux; Marc Schuler
Key clients
Radar Films
Mediawan
Wallimage
Mandarin Television
Europacorp
Balenciaga
RATP
Banijay Group (Zodiak Media)
Adobe
Dailymotion
Fox Entertainment
Farfetch
Webedia
Comcast
Spotify
TikTok
Rammstein
Hugo Toro Agency
Paris Society
Condé Nast
Work highlights
- Assisted Balenciaga with a Web3/NFT project and to launch branded NFT products.
- Represented German group Rammstein in a lawsuit filed by Music Unit and the group Ninja Cyborg based on copyright infringement regarding the title “Deutschland.”
- Assisted Adobe with the management of third-party copyright infringement claims brought against its licensees and in relation to its Adobe Stock services.
UGGC Avocats
UGGC Avocats handles the full spectrum of copyright-related matters, advising on litigious and transactional issues for clients in the fashion and luxury, pharmaceutical, design, consumer goods, sport, music and publishing sectors. The team frequently supports companies with the registration, management and protection of their copyrights and domain names and is also active in drafting licence and assignment agreements, in addition to helping clients exploit their IP via advertising and sales advice. On the contentious front, the firm assists in anti-counterfeiting and anti-cybersquatting actions, as well as unfair competition proceedings in France and within the EU, while also offering out-of-court mediation services. The team is led by digital economy and IP agreements specialist Anne-Marie Pecoraro, licensing expert Elisabeth Logeais and Corinne Khayat, who is an experienced IP and competition law litigator. The department also includes Rodolphe Boissau, who focuses his practice on IP in the technology sector.
Practice head(s):
Anne-Marie Pecoraro; Corinne Khayat; Elisabeth Logeais
Other key lawyers:
Rodolphe Boissau
Testimonials
‘UGGC has a very experienced IP team, with vast knowledge on local and international IP law.’
‘I work with the team around Anne-Marie Pecoraro and Rodolphe Boissau. I strongly recommend her. The practice is unique foremost by the agility of the practice: services adapted to clients, in-depth knowledge of clients’ sectors, responsiveness and high quality work even to tight deadlines. They strive to innovate through innovative fee proposal structures, including predictable budget brackets.’
‘Anne-Marie Pecoraro is unquestionably the “Grand Lawyer of the market” in this area. She has the qualities of a great lawyer (agile, intelligent, a formidable strategist, etc.) and is a woman of action, strong in her expertise and convictions. She is capable of facing giants and is by far the best in copyright.’
‘Rodolphe Boissau is excellent and of the highest level.’
‘Anne-Marie Pecoraro is an expert in her field. She knows how to handle both copyright and trademark matters, and she is always available to assist with good service orientation. Everyone in her team is fluent in English, which is very helpful when communicating and working together.’
‘With UGGC we always have a firm that is attentive and available. They have sharp knowledge in the fields in which we work, handling copyrights, licenses, and other matters we require.’
‘Always attentive, present during our various exchanges and negotiations with our customers. Easy exchange and accessible information sharing.’
‘Anne-Marie Pecoraro demonstrates acute knowledge and extensive experience in her field. Her availability, dynamism, the relevance of her advice and the fact she is always at the forefront of innovations and legal news make her a remarkable adviser.’
Key clients
Paris 2024
Elsevier – Springer/SCI-HUB – Libgen
Diageo Plc
Solinest
Frédéric Lyphoudt (Archikonsol Project)
Chloe Saada
SEIU
Huit-Douze SA
Gainerie 91
Incopro
Manfred Thierry Mugler
Work highlights
- Advised Elsevier – Springer/SCI-HUB – Libgen in connection with new litigation targeting around 100 domain names leading to sites infringing the copyright of the client’s publishers.
- Advised Frédéric Lyphoudt (Archikonsol Project), who has created a console that is part of a concept and an artistic direction, to protect his IP and copyright, and to take proper account of third party IP rights, notably copyrights at stake.
- Assisted Thierry Mugler, a famous fashion designer and creator of high-quality perfumes, in the protection of his intellectual property rights.
Armengaud Guerlain
Armengaud Guerlain is adept at handling cross-border copyright matters, making use of its international network to advise on both contentious matters before the French courts and transactional matters, including due diligence. Founding partner and practice co-head Stéphane Guerlain is an IP disputes specialist, representing clients in copyright and unfair competition litigation, while fellow practice head Catherine Mateu assists start-ups, multinationals, investors and non-profits in French and EU IP matters. Promoted to partner in May 2022, Marguerite Higgons provides strategic, contentious and contractual IP advice.
Practice head(s):
Stéphane Guerlain; Catherine Mateu; Marguerite Higgons
Key clients
Castorama – Kingfisher
Banque Transatlantique
Bouygues
1906 Collins
K2A
Fluidra
Acturus
Musidor
IKEA
Grosfillex
D&D
Daunat
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie‘s copyright team advises publishing, technology, music, film and digital media companies on both contentious and transactional IP matters, supporting clients in copyright protection, licensing and agreements in addition to collective IP management strategies. Furthermore, the team has extensive experience in advising clients on compliance issues relating to EU directives. The practice group is regularly instructed on copyright disputes, ranging from enforcement of rights and cases of infringement to issues arising from service agreements. Practice head Virginie Ulmann specialises in the drafting and negotiating of IP agreements, while Nathalie Marchand is an experienced IP litigator.
Practice head(s):
Virginie Ulmann
Other key lawyers:
Nathalie Marchand
Testimonials
‘The main asset of the Baker McKenzie team is its understanding of business issues related to intellectual property.’
‘We work with Virginie Ulmann, whom we trust due to her professionalism, her ability to listen, the quality of her analysis and advice and the results obtained. Moreover, the entire team around Ulmann is the reflection of her professionalism.’
Key clients
Bumble
Estate of Consuelo de St Exupery
ServiceNow
Work highlights
- Advised Bumble on IP due diligence (trade marks, copyright) in relation to the acquisition of Fruitz.
- Assisted ServiceNow with the acquisition of a company specialised in the field of mapping and geolocation inside buildings.
- Represented the Estate of Consuelo de Saint-Exupéry, which promotes the works of Consuelo de Saint-Exupery, the wife of the writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, in various projects in connection with her works.
Dentons
Dentons is a popular choice for pharmaceutical, luxury goods and TMT clients seeking to protect their copyrights in both France and the EU. The team is able to assist with commercial and contractual IP matters, including applications to the French Patent and Trademark Office and subsequent appeals. Loïc Lemercier leads the team and is a litigation specialist, representing clients in licence disputes, injunctions, seizures and infringement claims. Isabelle Leroux is a key contact for matters concerning industrial, literary and artistic IP.
Practice head(s):
Loïc Lemercier
Other key lawyers:
Isabelle Leroux
Key clients
Devialet
AKRO (Firmenich)
LEROY MERLIN
Novozymes
UTAC
MICHEL VIVIEN
Groupe Lactalis
Olivier Lapidus
Polaroid (PLR IP Holdings LLC)
Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
Schneider Electric SA (France)
Supreme (Chapter 4 Corp DBA Supreme)
The Coca-Cola Company
Cassina S.p.A.
CLT-UFA/RTL Television GmbH/RTL Group
Fontaine Limited (the CREED perfume)
IDEAT Editions
JoyPac (JP Group Ltd)
Meije SAS
Merial/Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health France
MG Freesites Ltd.
Mitsubishi Corp.
Work highlights
- Represented JoyPac (JP Group Ltd.) in its defence in an action concerning alleged copyright infringement, unfair competition and free riding over the distribution of a mobile game, initiated by Voodoo SAS.
- Represented publisher IDEAT Editions in a copyright dispute against another French magazine.
- Advising AKRO (Firmenich) regarding the creation of perfumes and the protection of fragrances created by a master of perfumery, Olivier Cresp.
Havard Duclos & Associés
Established in September 2022, Havard Duclos & Associés was formed out of the IP department of Laude Esquier & Associés. Name partner Sophie Havard Duclos leads the new firm, focusing on copyright litigation in addition to unfair competition matters. She is joined by Pauline Casanova, whose practice is based around the protection of intangible assets, and Constance Percevaux, who represents clients involved in civil and criminal IP proceedings.
Practice head(s):
Sophie Havard Duclos
Other key lawyers:
Pauline Casanova; Constance Percevaux
Key clients
Christian Dior Couture
Danone
Accor
FRED
AMI Paris
Work highlights
- Assisted AMI Paris with the negotiation and drafting of many copyright-related contracts.
- Assisted Nike with the French customs seizure of shoes and clothes infringing its copyrights and design rights.
- Acted on behalf of Christian Dior Couture to defend its copyrights on various creations.
Momentum Avocats
Momentum Avocats advises companies in a range of sectors, from luxury goods and IT to to defence, on copyright matters, assisting them from the beginning to the end of a project and providing support on their obligations and liabilities under both French and EU IP law. The practice group is highly experienced in litigious copyright matters, where it represents clients enforcing their IP rights before French and EU courts, attempting to defend their e-reputation and making claims of unfair competition. The team is led by Julie Carel, who focuses her practice on the structuring of IP rights; IT and media specialist Julien Canlorbe; and Jean-Sébastien Mariez, who advises clients on the protection of their IP and securing of their business interests.
Practice head(s):
Julie Carel; Julien Canlorbe; Jean-Sébastien Mariez
Testimonials
‘Innovative, young and experienced at the same time, with a diversity of clients.’
‘Jean-Sébastien Mariez: experience, seniority, 360 degree approach and advice.’
‘A highly specialised team.’
Osborne Clarke
Osborne Clarke‘s copyright practice is sought after by book and music publishers, broadcasters and digital platforms for advice on a range of matters, including commercial arrangements and IP licencing contracts in addition to wider IT, data and regulatory issues. The team is led by Claire Bouchenard and Xavier Pican and also advises on copyright disputes, supporting clients in domestic and cross-border litigation and pre-litigation negotiations pertaining to copyright infringements, unfair competition claims and contractual issues.
Practice head(s):
Claire Bouchenard; Xavier Pican
Testimonials
‘It’s always a pleasure to work with lawyers from Osborne Clarke in France because of their knowledge of our industry, readiness to assist in any legal matter that may arise, and friendly approach. They always meet the deadlines and provide clear and extensive answers. Fee estimate is always agreed and, if needed, adjusted in advance.’
‘Claire Bouchenard: Her quick response times ensure we feel confident that the matter will be handled properly and on time.’
Key clients
Atelier Choque Legoff
HarperCollins
La Jolie Prod
RTE
Thomas Pomerolle
PopSockets
Work highlights
- Assisting HarperCollins on a regular basis with legal issues related to IP and media law, in particular with the negotiation of publishing contracts, rights clearance issues and reviews of promotional material and books.
- Assisted La Jolie Prod in reviewing its contracts with clients in order to protect its IP rights on its works.
- Assisted Réseau de transport d’électricité with drafting and negotiating R&D and industrial agreements and a partnership and license agreement with Washington State University.
Pinsent Masons LLP
The Pinsent Masons LLP IP team focuses on supporting clients with soft IP matters, advising companies in the technology, life sciences, retail and art sectors on copyright licencing agreements. The department is also equipped to advise companies on pre-litigious and litigious matters before the French courts. The team is regularly instructed on cross-border issues, with the Paris office frequently working alongside its UK and German counterparts to support clients active in multiple jurisdictions. Team leader Emmanuel Gougé is admitted in France and England and Wales and focuses his practice on multi-jurisdictional matters, in particular copyright and technology transfer agreements.
Practice head(s):
Emmanuel Gougé
Key clients
Teva Pharmaceuticals
Accord Healthcare
Griesson de Beukelaer
Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons is able to leverage its international presence to take on complex, cross-border copyright disputes, including high-value claims pertaining to the infringement of rights and seizure of counterfeit goods. Advising a spectrum of clients ranging from IT and telecoms to fashion and retail and with particular knowledge of the wine and spirits sector, the firm is also able to advise global brands on transactional copyright matters. Soft IP specialist Sarah Bailey, who is admitted in France and England and Wales, leads both the firm’s IP and cross-border brands team, which also includes litigation specialist Marina Cousté.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Bailey
Other key lawyers:
Marina Cousté
Key clients
Ticket for change
Work highlights
- Advised a client on the potential rights of action against a series of recently minted NFTs and the most efficient and cost-effective manner to have them removed from sale.
- Advised a client on the application of the Berne Convention and the right for a foreign plaintiff to seek redress through the French courts for an infringement of a work of applied art first disclosed in Hong Kong.
- Advised the editor of strategic software in a dispute with the French authorities regarding the ownership of IP in development works.
Taliens
Taliens‘ copyright practice was strengthened by the January 2022 addition of partner Grégoire Triet, who handles disputes in the fashion and luxury goods sectors, and counsel Tougane Loumeau, from Gide Loyrette Nouel. They join a team of specialists including Clara Steinitz, who advises on the protection and commercialisation of IP rights, and litigation specialist Jean-Frédéric Gaultier. The practice group advises clients from the TV and film and luxury goods sectors on infringement issues and assists them in protecting their IP from unfair use.
Practice head(s):
Clara Steinitz; Jean-Frédéric Gaultier; Grégoire Triet
Testimonials
‘Exceptional team with extensive experience in a wide spectrum of intellectual property and patent law issues. Work quality is of a standard similar to those of the largest international firms.’
‘The firm perfectly handles domestic and international clients with a cost-effective and qualitatively excellent approach.’
‘Jean-Frédéric Gaultier is one of the French lawyers most capable of managing foreign clients, a very effective communicator.’
Key clients
Amazon Studios
Paramount (fka ViacomCBS)
Fondazione Prada
Burger King
Richemont
Valentino
Dolce & Gabbana
Work highlights
- Defended Valentino in an action alleging that its VLTN branding infringed copyright, successfully persuading the court that the adverse party’s designs could not be protected by copyright.
- Defended Prada’s contemporary art foundation in a copyright infringement suit concerning a Jeff Koons sculpture it owns, culminating in the court allowing Prada to keep the sculpture.
- Advised Amazon and other major international film and TV production companies on copyright issues.
VARET PRÈS KILLY
VARET PRÈS KILLY further strengthened its IP practice with the January 2022 hire of Rhadamès Killy, who advises clients at the crossroads of sports and IP law. He joins the group's leadership team of Xavier Près, who represents clients in copyright litigation regarding artistic and audiovisual works, and Vincent Varet, who assists clients from the luxury goods, publishing and software sectors with contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm has a strong track record in advising galleries in regard to disputes revolving around artists’ moral rights.
Practice head(s):
Xavier Près; Vincent Varet; Rhadamès Killy
Testimonials
‘The team is very present and professional.’
‘Vincent Varet knows how to tackle difficult issues head-on while remaining reassuring.’
‘Vincent Varet: speedy, responsive, available, humorous, patient, benevolent, clear comments and explanations, great precision, reliable analysis, recommendations and advice, transparent.’
Key clients
Musée du Louvre
Philharmonie des enfants
Musée national des arts asiatiques, Guimet
Ville de Vichy
Centre national du Livre
Vercken & Gaullier
Vercken & Gaullier‘s copyright team is well versed in protecting the literary and artistic rights of its clients and has represented TV companies, major online brands and publishers before French and European courts. The team is jointly led by EU copyright and data protection specialist Florence Gaullier; Edouard Mille, who advises entertainment-sector clients on contentious and non-contentious IP matters; and collective rights management expert Gilles Vercken. The practice is active in lobbying campaigns at the national and EU level, in addition to its focus on contractual negotiations with collective rights holders.
Practice head(s):
Florence Gaullier; Edouard Mille; Gilles Vercken
Other key lawyers:
Emilie Fraisse
Testimonials
‘Perfect expertise, great responsiveness.’
‘Very good knowledge of texts and case law in the field of intellectual property and collective management of neighboring rights and copyright, great relationship/network, precision in recommendations, strategic vision. The quality of service is always there. Remote collaboration is well integrated, and good use of technologies. Diversity is present in the team.’
‘Gilles Vercken: Brilliant, tenacious, inventive, sense of anticipation and great tactical sense. Florence Gaullier: precision and rigor in analyses, imaginative in solutions, high sense of negotiation, reliability.’
Key clients
Adami
Bouygues Telecom
Hachette Livre
Onclusive
Kantar
Deezer
Bob Sinclar
The DØ
TF1
Elsevier Masson
Groupe Bayard
Work highlights
- Advised a major French television broadcaster on several projects concerning NFTs or involving the Metaverse.
- Advising Ravel’s Estate and Benois’ Estate in proceedings against SACEM (Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers of Music) aiming for the acknowledgement of the co-author’s quality for the ballet Bolero of Alexandre Benois.
- Advising FEVEM and its members on its negotiation with the CFC, a French collective management organisation of book and press publishers and with all other right holders.
ADVANT Altana
The team at ADVANT Altana advises across the breadth of copyright issues, assisting with the drafting of copyright and distribution agreements, carrying out rights audits and providing pre-litigation support to clients. Under the leadership of practice heads Pierre Lubet and Jean-Guy de Ruffray the firm is also regularly instructed in litigious matters, representing clients in rights infringement claims, contract enforcement and anti-counterfeiting measures.
Testimonials
‘I am very happy with the legal services I receive from ADVANT Altana.’
‘Jean-Guy de Ruffray gives excellent professional support in a litigation before the court in Paris.’
‘A stable, reactive and very attentive team. Strong ability to understand the issues in our sector of activity.’
Key clients
ALDI
Adami
Ducati
Moulin Rouge
Minebea Intec France
The Rumor Mill
SPRE
Viz Media Europe
BCTG Avocats
Under the leadership of Gaëlle Bloret-Pucci, the copyright team at BCTG Avocats has represented clients from the luxury goods, sport and music sectors in litigation pertaining to the unauthorised use of primarily audiovisual IP. The firm also advises a number of notable names in regard to advertising campaigns, ensuring that companies do not invite copyright claims from third parties, and provides advice on commercial contracts that involve copyright and image right issues.
Practice head(s):
Gaëlle Bloret-Pucci
Key clients
Nike
EG LABO/STADA Group
UBber
ACAST
SiDoMusic
Bersay
Bersay advises luxury goods, media and cinema-sector clients on a wide array of copyright matters, providing valuations, carrying out audits and assisting with the exploitation of IP assets. The team is led by commercial agreements and litigation expert Claire Poirson and data protection specialist Frédéric Lecomte, who joined the firm in November 2021.
Practice head(s):
Claire Poirson; Frédéric Lecomte
Key clients
METabolic EXplorer
Work highlights
- Advised METabolic EXplorer on the drafting and negotiation of the know-how and IP rights licensing agreements and the supply agreements of raw materials, as well as any other transfers of IP rights.
CMS Francis Lefebvre
CMS Francis Lefebvre is able to leverage its international presence to handle cross-border copyright matters, including collective copyright management in music, TV rights clearances, anti-piracy and pre-litigation infringement actions. Florentin Sanson‘s team assists clients from the film and TV, technology and music sectors, advising on copyright contracts and protections for firms and individuals, in addition to disputes and enforcement actions.
Practice head(s):
Florentin Sanson
Deprez Guignot Associés
Deprez Guignot Associés‘ IP department specialises in assisting the luxury goods sector in contentious copyright matters, including anti-counterfeiting proceedings and parasitism claims, in addition to advising global brands on IP management planning. The team is led by Vincent Fauchoux, Frédéric Dumont and Jean-Daniel Bouhénic, and also offers IT services to protect and manage clients’ IP rights and contents.
Practice head(s):
Vincent Fauchoux; Frédéric Dumont; Jean-Daniel Bouhénic
Key clients
Richemont Group
Puig
Federation Française de la Couture
Cartier
M6
Van Cleef & Arpels
Shiseido
Chanel
L’Oreal
Pierre Cardin
Work highlights
- Advised the Richemont Group on its global IP management.
- Advised Chanel on strategic aspects of intellectual property law, both in advice and in litigation.
- Advised the Federation Française de la Couture and its members on strategic IP issues concerning IP innovations (blockchain, Metaverse, NFTs).
DLA Piper
The DLA Piper copyright team specialises in handling cross-border matters, advising a number of leading technology, media and entertainment brands on matters ranging from copyright infringement and counterfeiting to copyright protection contracts and IP assignment agreements. Team leader and litigation specialist Frank Valentin is regularly instructed by TMT and life sciences-sector companies.
Practice head(s):
Frank Valentin
Testimonials
‘Always available, highly committed and worked collaboratively with us.’
‘Open, listened well and showed intellectual agility and commitment and ability to adapt and deliver even within tight deadlines.’
Key clients
Amazon
Brooks Sports
Exacompta Clairefontaine
Microsoft Corporation
Richemont International Lt (Cartier)
Spin Master Toys UK Ltd
DTMV & Associés
DTMV & Associés is a boutique firm with a strong IP practice, advising clients on international copyright contracts, with a particular focus on the film and TV industry. The firm has also represented clients before the courts in Paris, seeing success in both civil and criminal proceedings pertaining to cross-border copyright infringement and parasitism claims. Thierry Mollet-Viéville, Pascal Lefort, Eléonore Gaspar, Thomas Cuche and Laurine Janin-Reynaud make up the team alongside Grimaud Valat, who joined the firm in February 2022 and heads the new Lyon office. Julien Grosslerner departed the firm in April 2022.
Practice head(s):
Thierry Mollet-Viéville; Pascal Lefort; Eléonore Gaspar; Thomas Cuche; Laurine Janin-Reynaud; Grimaud Valat
Franklin
A range of contentious and non-contentious copyright matters feature in Franklin‘s workload. The firm is a popular choice among a number of international clients from the consumer, luxury goods and technology sectors seeking assistance in copyright filings as well as infringement and unfair competition proceedings. Sandra Strittmatter leads the team and is experienced in both transactional and litigious copyright matters in the fashion, luxury goods, and food and beverage industries.
Testimonials
‘Sandra Strittmatter is an excellent lawyer. She always has the business aspect in mind in the issues she examines, she knows how to take into account the commercial, marketing and communication aspects to deliver an appropriate service. Finally, Sandra Strittmatter is perfectly at ease in transnational cases (especially with the US, UK, Germany and Italy).’
‘The team is very competent and attentive to its clients.’
‘Sandra Strittmatter offers expert, pragmatic advice to her clients.’
Key clients
Martell & Co
Champagne Perrier-Jouët
Airwair International Limited
Siemens SAS
Work highlights
- Advising Martell & Co and Champagne Perrier-Jouët on a regular basis on contract and IP law in the context of marketing and communication-related agreements.
- Advising Airwair International on the protection and enforcement of its IP rights in France.
- Advising Siemens on a regular basis in relation to IP law.
Féral
With strong ties to the Canadian and Japanese markets, Féral is able to advise multinational clients from sectors ranging from software to luxury goods. Richard Willemant handles cross-border copyright litigation before the civil and criminal courts, while founding partner Christiane Féral-Schuhl is a qualified mediator in addition to handling IP, IT and media matters. Farid Bouguettaya‘s practice is at the confluence of IP and technology law.
Other key lawyers:
Richard Willemant; Christiane Féral-Schuhl; Farid Bouguettaya
Harlay Avocats
Harlay Avocats' IT, IP and commercial department advises clients on the full spectrum of copyright matters, covering international copyright and image protection as well as IP transactions and the drafting of contracts for licence and partnership agreements. The group, led by Sabine Lipovetsky, Fabrice Perbost and Dominique Mallo, also covers contentious matters such as copyright infringement, unfair competition and counterfeiting.
Practice head(s):
Sabine Lipovetsky; Fabrice Perbost; Dominique Mallo
Key clients
Co-operative Isigny Sainte Mere
Made4aWoman
Sipromad
Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE)
Tereos
Herald Avocats
Herald Avocats advises clients, particularly record labels, on claims of copyright infringement and counterfeiting, representing them before French and European courts, in addition to acting as mediators between parties. The firm also offers clients advice on non-contentious issues, including the drafting of licence and assignment agreements and the purchase of copyrights from third parties. The practice group is led by a team consisting of Richard Milchior, Juliette Félix, Jean Castelain and Jérémy Cardenas.
Practice head(s):
Richard Milchior; Juliette Felix; Jean Castelain; Jérémy Cardenas
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP specialises in representing technology and media companies before French and EU courts pertaining to claims concerning the misuse of intellectual property. Under the leadership of Alexandra Néri, the practice group also routinely advises on the development of anti-counterfeiting policies, IP compliance and issues of data protection.
Practice head(s):
Alexandra Neri
Key clients
Forseti
Molotov
Work highlights
- Advising FORSETI on the framework of a dispute against Lexis Nexis, Dalloz, Lexbase, and other traditional editors of legal information.
- Advising MOLOTOV on multi-jurisdictional litigation against several TV channel editors.
Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP
As part of the firm’s wider IP, media and technology practice, Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP‘s copyright group is able to provide clients with the full range of IP advice, with a particular focus being the bringing and defending of copyright infringement claims before the courts. It also offers mediation services. The practice is led by global firm chair Marie-Aimée de Dampierre. Stanislas Roux-Vaillard, David Taylor and Jane Seager are further names to note. Olivia Bernardeau-Paupe departed the firm for Dechert LLP in January 2023.
Practice head(s):
Marie-Aimée de Dampierre
Other key lawyers:
Stanislas Roux-Vaillard; David Taylor; Jane Seager
Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP
Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP advises companies operating across the life sciences, publishing, advertising and entertainment industries on contentious copyright and image right matters, and also assists in domain name disputes. Stefan Naumann is admitted in France and California and leads the practice group, supporting clients with transactional matters, including distribution and merchandising agreements, in addition to handling copyright disputes.
Practice head(s):
Stefan Naumann
Key clients
Coorstek Bioceramics
Warner Bros Entertainment Inc.
Hanna Barbera
Ecobank
Kering
Samsung
For Goodness Sake
Paramount
Fresenius Medical
Joffe & Associés
Joffe & Associés strengthened its IP offering through the March 2022 merger with EDV Avocats, adding experienced intangible assets and data protection expert Emilie de Vaucresson to its ranks. She joins IP contracts specialist Véronique Dahan in leading the team, which advises clients primarily from the luxury goods sector on contracts for the use of IP assets, as well as disputes revolving around ownership of IP rights and infringement seizures.
Practice head(s):
Véronique Dahan; Emilie de Vaucresson
Testimonials
‘We had the opportunity to work with Emilie de Vaucresson. The team was efficient and very responsive on various subjects that we had to carry out together.’
‘Emilie de Vaucresson has a deep knowledge of our business and knows how to guide us towards pragmatic solutions. Her responsiveness and pedagogy on technical subjects are highly appreciated internally.’
JP Karsenty & Associés
JP Karsenty & Associés‘ IP team supports clients ranging from automotive to luxury goods companies with the management of their copyrights, advising them on the protection of their IP and representing them in cross-border disputes. Litigators Martine Karsenty-Ricard and Béatrice Moreau-Margotin lead the practice.
Practice head(s):
Martine Karsenty-Ricard; Béatrice Moreau-Margotin
Testimonials
‘A skilled and very prompt team of excellent lawyers with a team leader, Martine Karsenty-Ricard, always available, very skilled and very good in her job.’
‘Béatrice Moreau-Margotin, together with her team, is an excellent specialist on IP matters. She is calm, focused and available. She has an extensive experience on her speciality and a business-minded approach.’
‘It is for us a specialised niche firm with great professionals in this sector of activity.’
Klein Wenner
Klein Wenner‘s copyright practice specialises in advising clients in the technology and media sectors, assisting them in non-contentious matters relating to international licence agreements and contracts, as well as image rights. The practice group, which is jointly led by Laurent Badiane and Matthieu Bourgeois, also represents clients in court proceedings, primarily involving copyright infringement claims in addition to unfair competition matters.
Practice head(s):
Laurent Badiane; Matthieu Bourgeois
Testimonials
‘There is real teamwork within the firm and everyone’s opinion is taken into account. Matthieu Bourgeois and his team were always available. No lead was ignored and everything was perfectly explained and transcribed in the conclusions given to the prosecution. The pleading was perfectly prepared, orchestrated and executed.’
‘I appreciated the seriousness and the rigour of the firm. They were very precise in their requests for documents and exhibits. Their explanations were perfectly understandable to a person uninitiated in law. There were no unpleasant surprises and everything was anticipated. The people are very available and reactive in cases of urgent need.’
Key clients
Agence du Numerique en Sante
Time Bomb Record Label
MATHEMATIC
SPLIIIT
DAK MOVIES
Dimitri Nganda (Hiro)
Work highlights
- Assisted the IT and health department of the ANS, a French Public Agency charged with developing health information systems, notably regarding a comparative study of eight “free” or “proprietary” licences for the use of health terminology.
- Representing SPLIIIT in a legal action initiated by Netflix, Apple, Disney and Spotify alleging that its activity constitutes acts of infringement and unfair competition.
- Assisted MATHEMATIC, an animation and motion design studio, regarding the drafting of contracts for the transfer of rights between it and an English writer/director in Los Angeles with a view to producing an animated series.
LPA-CGR avocats
LPA-CGR avocats combines IP and IT law expertise to offer clients advice on architectural copyright claims, assisting in the drafting of IP rights agreements, in addition to contentious infringement claims. Furthermore, the firm has acted in a number of cases pertaining to software licencing and distribution agreements. The team is led by IP, computer, personal data and internet law specialist Prudence Cadio and also includes Romain Viret, who focuses on patent disputes.
Practice head(s):
Prudence Cadio
Other key lawyers:
Romain Viret
NEXT AVOCATS
NEXT AVOCATS advises clients from the audiovisual, performing arts and software sectors on a range of copyright matters, handling contractual negotiations and rights assignments, in addition to infringement litigation. The team is headed by contracts and ticketing specialist Étienne Papin and Stéphanie Foulgoc, who handles litigation in addition to identifying and protecting copyrights.
Practice head(s):
Stéphanie Foulgoc; Étienne Papin
Key clients
Moment Factory
PRODISS
Sage
Mikros Technicolor
Work highlights
- Wrote the book “Les Contrats du Spectacle,” covering issues concerning contracts for the production of shows and associated rights for PRODISS.
- Assisted Moment Factory with negotiating copyright licenses and assignment agreements with venues, composers, artists and collective management organisations.
- Assisted PRODISS and the producers of shows in the preparation of their hearing by the Ministry of Culture for the publication of a report on livestreams.
Schmidt Brunet Litzler
Delphine Brunet-Stoclet leads the IP practice at Schmidt Brunet Litzler, which represents clients in the jewellery, media and furniture sectors in both pre-litigation mediation and court proceedings. In addition, the firm handles contractual matters, assisting with the drafting of licence agreements and helping clients to ensure that their intellectual property is protected, both in France and abroad.
Practice head(s):
Delphine Brunet-Stoclet
Testimonials
‘A team with remarkable experience in the field of intellectual property protection related to the world of furniture, design and decoration.’
‘Delphine Brunet-Stoclet has a very strong understanding of the design and creative professions, which makes her analyses accurate and effective.’
‘Creative in their approach to litigation and in explaining the history of our products when compiling copyright defence cases.’
Key clients
JJA
Swarovski
ADORISA Group
Le VIA
Drugeot Manufacture
L’Ameublement Français
JAKOB MAUL
Cyria
Marie Poniatowski – STONE Paris
CVL Creations du Val de Loire
Stim Media
Piaton
Physiobell’
EPS Barthelemy
Vitry Frères
Caron
Vidame
Atelier Hugo Delavelle
Generik
Actually
LE MEDIA
Squair
Squair‘s IP team specialises in several niche areas, providing copyright advice in relation to street, performing and tattoo artists in addition to representing TV and entertainment clients, which they support with licensing and contractual matters. The firm is also active in contentious matters, representing clients in infringement cases. The team is jointly led by Chloé Brotons, Caroline Chancé, Nicolas Le Pays du Teilleul and Quentin Renaud.
Practice head(s):
Chloé Brotons; Caroline Chancé; Nicolas Le Pays du Teilleul; Quentin Renaud
Testimonials
‘The Squair team is very responsive and particularly close to our needs, with significant human contact, which allows us to fully understand our expectations and our files.’
‘They are experts in their field.’
‘Nicolas Le Pays du Teilleul is an excellent lawyer who provides a quick, clear and effective response.’
‘Quentin Renaud’s analyses are always legally relevant. He is also attentive to the authors, producers and distributors of whom he becomes a partner. The team is agile in its invoicing policy and knows how to adapt to the resources of each client.’
‘Available and technically excellent, Quentin Renaud knows how to associate his subject with the elaboration of a global file strategy and not be content with being a “support” subject. Benevolent and ethical, he maintains an excellent relationship with the clients I have entrusted to him.’
Key clients
La Condamine
Legistia
D&D SàrL
Victor Bonnivard Architectes
Ukio
Combo
Les Sherpas
Alex Legal
African Arty
SMT Performances
Delvy
Hubeecar
3J Développement
Work highlights
- Advised Combo, a well-known street artist, against a major French political party and its leader in a copyright infringement case.
- Assisted interior designer Victor Bonnivard with regards to copyright valorisation while refurbishing luxury hotels in Paris (Hilton).