Taylor Wessing > Paris, France > Firm Profile

Taylor Wessing > The Legal 500 Rankings

France > Media and entertainment: Cinema Tier 1

The esteemed team at Taylor Wessing is noted for its cross-media intellectual property expertise, advising on IP exploitation opportunities in cinema and other media. The firm has a stellar roster of French and international clients, assisting in all operational aspects of their IP business. The team is led by Christian Valsamidis, who offers extensive experience in international film financing, and is highly regarded for his IP and banking law expertise within the entertainment industry. Of note, Claire Saint-Laurent-Mantoux acted as lead partner for Comité d’Organisation des Jeux Olympics et Paralympiques, advising on all copyright matters.  

France > Media and entertainment: Television/radio Tier 1

Drawing upon an expansive global network, Taylor Wessing is well-positioned to represent an impressive roster of national and international companies in the entertainment industry in all operational aspects of their IP business. The team assists clients in the full range of media services, from IP assets to the financing and development of creative projects, notably advising Paris 2024 – Comité Des Jeux Olympiques on all copyright matters. The group is led by a quartet of specialists: Christian Valsamidis and Claire Saint-Laurent specialise in IP and banking law within the entertainment industry; Benoît Goulesque-Monaux has dispute resolution, arbitration and litigation expertise; and Marc Schuler  is active in the acquisition of rights and brand management.

France > Insurance Tier 2

Taylor Wessing has a strong contentious insurance practice, representing major insurers, reinsurers and corporates in complex, often multi-jurisdictional claims, notably in the transportation, energy, construction and technology sectors. The firm's expertise further extends to corporate, contractual and regulatory matters, where Yannis Samothrakis brings to bear considerable experience. Pierre-Olivier Leblanc, who is well regarded for his strength in professional indemnity, product liability, industrial risk and subrogation claims, in particular, leads the team, while Marc Schuler is also noted for disputes and regulatory matters in the AI and cyber fields.

France > Intellectual property: Copyright Tier 2

The IP team at Taylor Wessing retains its strong footing within the industry, which is exemplified in its having handled much of the IP work surrounding the 2024 Paris Olympics. Concerning copyright more broadly, the firm handles both litigation and transactional work with a particular flair for the drafting and negotiation of IP-related agreements. The team is led by a quartet of Paris-based partners: Christian Valsamidis, a specialist within the entertainment industry; Claire Saint-Laurent, who has a flair for dealing with clients involved in cinema, audiovisual works, advertising, music, publishing, design, and the arts; seasoned litigator Benoît Goulesque-Monaux, who handles press and liability work; and Marc Schuler, who provides transactional support and expertise on data-related matters.

France > Intellectual property: Trade marks and designs Tier 2

The team at Taylor Wessing regularly advises on cancellations, trademark filing and protection, portfolio management, anti-counterfeit actions, while also handling infringement matters. Marc Schuler is an expert in brand management and in securing IP rights in transactions for both traditional and new media. Inès Tribouillet, who is dual qualified in New York and Paris, advises on protection, exploitation and defence of intangible assets including trademarks, designs, domain names in the digital content, retail, architecture and fashion sectors.

France > Data privacy and data protection Tier 3

The team at Taylor Wessing regularly advises on GDPR compliance programmes, data protection audits and impact assessment including employee system, set-up and support for data protection governance schemes, as well as CNIL investigations and international data sharing contracts. Marc Schuler  handles the full gamut of regulatory, advisory, and transactional issues. Benjamin Znaty is a key port of call for IT software and hardware providers, financial and payment technology providers, e-commerce platforms and digital media industries.

France > Dispute resolution: White-collar crime Tier 3

Taylor Wessing has widespread experience defending senior executives, public servants and also colleague lawyers in high-profile corruption, fraud and other criminal offences investigations and trials. The team regularly acts in matters linked to the public sector, the political sphere and the media field, and also regularly assists companies. The practice is co-headed by senior statesman  Paul-Albert Iweins and Benoît Goulesque-Monaux.

France > Industry focus: Healthcare and life sciences Tier 3

Taylor Wessing regularly advises clients on market access issues, the opening of new enterprises in the pharma industry, and manufacturing agreements. Evelyne Friedel leads the team, and specialises in both competition and commercial issues within the life sciences and healthcare sector. Marc Schuler has longstanding experience in IT and IP law, particularly in relation to data management. Annabelle Lebaudy is well equipped to assist with R&D, licence, and supply agreements, while Marine Boullenger regularly assists clients with compliance programmes.

France > Industry focus: IT and internet  Tier 3

Taylor Wessing has a comprehensive IT and internet practice, covering a broad range of matters across software licensing, computer and video games as well AI-related projects. The team is jointly led by Philippe Glaser, who handles a vast array of computer technology-related litigation and advises on the financing of hardware and software solutions and Marc Schuler , who advises on data protection and the regulatory issues associated with businesses utilising information internally and externally, as well as handling litigation regarding IT and privacy claims.

France > Administrative and public law Tier 4

Under the leadership of Sophie Pignon, who has notable experience in public contracts and regulatory issues (particularly in the energy sector), Taylor Wessing is a frequent presence on significant public procurement mandates. The team advises both lenders and sponsors on the drafting and negotiation of public contracts across an array of sectors, including transport, infrastructure, technology and energy, and also assists with energy-related transactions.

France > Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation Tier 4

France > Employment Tier 4

France > Private equity: venture/growth capital Tier 4

France > Real estate Tier 5

With a strong focus on the hotel, logistics, and offices sectors, Taylor Wessing is highlighted for its strength in real estate corporate transactions. Alfred Fink is well versed in property sale and leasebacks, while Amandine Joulié is well informed regarding property investment and financing.

France > Mergers and acquisitions Tier 6