[Interview] How Does Mediation Work?

France has enacted its first substantive reform of arbitration law since 2011 through Decree No. 2026-741, introducing targeted modernizations to enhance its position as a leading arbitration hub. The amendments introduce a duty of proportionality, expand judicial support powers, establish standalone recognition proceedings, and modernize procedural rules including electronic awards and streamlined challenge procedures. These changes represent the initial phase of a three-stage reform process that will ulti

The International Chamber of Commerce has introduced significant revisions to its Arbitration Rules, effective June 1, 2026, marking a strategic shift in international dispute resolution procedures.

France publishes its first proposals for reform of its arbitration law in fifteen years, introducing measures to modernise, improve efficiency and clarify key concepts

France has introduced a new Economic Activity Court system with a significant financial requirement: companies filing claims over €50,000 must pay a Contribution to Economic Justice of 3-5% of their claim value, capped at €50,000-€100,000. This reform fundamentally changes litigation strategy for businesses operating in France's commercial courts.

Diffamation : Faites Attention (Video)

Twelve commercial courts in France have been transformed into Economic Activity Tribunals (TAE) as part of a four-year experiment, introducing a mandatory "contribution for economic justice" fee for companies filing claims exceeding €50,000. This new financial charge, validated by the Constitutional Council with important reservations, aims to discourage abusive litigation while encouraging alternative dispute resolution.

On March 11, the Criminal Chamber of the French Supreme Court (Cour de cassation) handed down four rulings that drastically narrow the scope of French legal privilege.

The Paris Local Division of the Unified Patent Court addressed critical jurisdictional questions regarding the interplay between UPC proceedings for provisional measures and parallel national French actions involving supplementary protection certificates. The court examined whether it was "first seized" under Brussels I recast regulations and whether related national proceedings warranted staying the UPC case or declining jurisdiction.

The French Court of Cassation has established a critical limitation on enforcing arbitral awards against State-linked entities when EU financial stability objectives are at stake. In a landmark ruling involving Greece's asset management vehicle HCAP, the Court held that while creditors may generally pursue assets of State emanations, this doctrine must yield when enforcement would undermine EU-mandated restructuring and stabilization programs. This decision fundamentally reshapes enforcement strategy for ar

Partner Emmanuel Gaillard (Paris-International Arbitration) delivered concluding remarks at a symposium held in Paris on 27 June 2013 on the Financial Aspects of Arbitration.