Leading Associates

Firms To Watch: Industry focus: Luxury goods

Kalder was founded by luxury goods expert Farid Bouguettaya, who has a strong standing in the space.

Industry focus: Luxury goods in France

Deprez Guignot Associés

The team at Deprez Guignot Associés  has an outstanding reputation for representing leading global brands, professional industries, and luxury fashion houses. Vincent Fauchoux is renowned for handling complex litigation involving IP issues, providing strategic advice and utilising blockchain to assist his clients in protecting their creations. Annabelle Dalex is also a key name in the team; her expertise extends to assistance with misleading commercial practices, unfair competition, and ambush marketing.

Responsables de la pratique:

Vincent Fauchoux


Autres avocats clés:

Annabelle Dalex


Principaux clients

RICHEMONT


PUIG


FEDERATION FRANÇAISE DE LA HAUTE-COUTURE ET DU PRÊT A PORTER


CARTIER


LANCÔME


VAN CLEEF & ARPELS


VILTIER


CHANEL


L’OREAL


PIERRE CARDIN


CASABLANCA PARIS


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisting the Richemont Group on its global IP management.
  • Advising CHANEL on the strategic aspects of intellectual property law, both in advice and in litigation.
  • Assists the FÉDÉRATION DE LA HAUTE COUTURE ET DE LA MODE and its members on strategic IP issues concerning IP innovations.

Joffe & Associés

Joffe & Associés is a popular choice for luxury brands for comprehensive advice. Thomas Leypetre has a  wealth of experience concerning distribution matters, complex contractual projects, joint ventures, sale and the purchase of industrial and production sites, Véronique Dahan advises clients on drafting and negotiating IP rights assignment agreements, content agreements, and licensing transactions as well as IP litigation. Alvyn Gobardhan supports on commercial distribution issues. Joanna Verissel is also a key name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Thomas Leypetre; Véronique Dahan; Alvyn Gobardhan


Autres avocats clés:

Joanna Verissel


Les références

‘Special features: availability, proximity, responsiveness, business-oriented, knowledge of the luxury sector in particular while maintaining reasonable billing.’

‘Thomas Lepeytre: always available for his clients even if the subjects to be dealt with are not major, knows the luxury sector extremely well, pragmatic, business-oriented. He perfectly understands the challenges and constraints of an in-house lawyer.’

‘Joanna Verissel: supports Thomas on certain cases. Very attentive to the client in her support.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Supported LVMH throughout 2024 in the implementation of its partnership agreement with the Comité d’Organisation of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
  • Represented Parfum Christian Dior in connection with the protection and defense of its trademarks and copyright as well as in the drafting of several major ambassadors’ contracts.
  • Assisted Guerlain in the review of their online terms and conditions of sale for a dozen countries across Europe.

Eversheds Sutherland (France) LLP

The team at Eversheds Sutherland (France) LLP acts for a client base spanning the fashion, travel, perfumes and hotels sectors. The team is proficient in advising on data issues, strategic acquisitions, data protection and multi-jurisdictional compliance with regulations. The team is led by Gaëtan Cordier, who is able to draw on his expertise in IP and IT to act for clients in the luxury sector. Emmanuel Ronco left the firm.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gaëtan Cordier


Les références

‘They are very efficient and always available. They have an in-depth knowledge of the business sector of my company and a very strong expertise’

‘Gaetan Cordier is an outstanding lawyer’

Principaux dossiers


FÉRAL

The team at Feral regularly advises on actions to protect trademarks, domain names, designs, copyrights and trade secrets globally, anti-counterfeiting actions, alternative dispute resolution, as well as transactional and regulatory support, dawn raids and data protection compliance. Richard Willemant heads the team. Christiane Féral-Schuhl, who has expertise in IT law, data protection and IP law, is another key name in the space..

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Willemant;


Autres avocats clés:

Christiane Féral-Schuhl;


Les références

‘The team is innovative, responsive and always available even for very urgent matters.’

‘Mr. Richard Willemant: He is proactive and always available and responsive, even in emergencies.’

‘Feral law is a top level law firm, especially suited to handle media IP and new technology issues.’

‘My main point of contact is Mr. Richard Willemant, a great attorney and team leader. Mr. Willemant is an IP and technology law expert and has a large experience in handling international clients. He is kind and available, making him the perfect colleague to work with.’

‘Feral is a boutique that brings high added value in the field of intellectual property and technologies.

‘It is a “Sharp” team, precise and thoughtful in its advice. A precise and individual analysis of each situation. A united team that works by highlighting and protecting their customers. It is innovative, by making available to their customers, in a clear and precise manner, all the new current technological means. This is to guarantee a flawless result and facilitate an adaptation to the intrinsic understanding of their operation.’

‘A large, close-knit team with a wide range of advice in different areas. Sometimes working outside their hours. Supported to this day by Richard Willemant, who has always been available and unwaveringly supportive. A lawyer whom I can never thank enough for having and being my advisor. Great successes, thanks to Mr Willemant. Attentive advice, which does not “give up” and does not count its hours.’

‘This team combines extreme added value and a sense of customer issues. Very business oriented and highly technical’

Principaux dossiers


Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.

Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. fields a cross-practice team that is frequently sought after by major international companies in the luxury goods space. The sizeable team includes Franck Audran, who is an M&A and competition law expert, Raphaëlle Dequiré-Portier, who focuses on trademark and copyright disputes; Olivier Diaz, who brings to bear his experience in transactional matters; Thierry Dor, who is an information and digital law disputes expert; Julien Guinot-Deléry, who is a media law expert; and David Jonin and Emmanuel Larere, who are employment and IP law specialists, respectfully.

Responsables de la pratique:

Franck Audran; Raphaëlle Dequire-Portier; Olivier Diaz; Thierry Dor; Julien Guinot-Delery; David Jonin; Emmanuel Larere


Principaux clients

Icicle Paris Mode


Carven France


LVMH


Saverglass


Kering


Pernod Ricard SA


L’Oréal


Aura Blockchain Consortium


Prada


Richemont


Tiffany & Co


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing Icicle and Carven France in an action for copyright infringement brought by FRB 84 and by Mr. Franklin Belingard in France regarding photographs used on Carven’s website.
  • Assisted the Pernod Ricard group in structuring and implementing the Non-Fungible Token (NFT) project of the Whisky Exchange.
  • Advised Kering on the relevant tax implications related to the acquisition, by way of a share deal, of the company owning the iconic and historic Milanese building on Via Monte Napoleone 8.

Valther

As experts in IP and digital law, the team at Valther is sought after by an impressive collection of outstanding names within the luxury arts, museums, perfume, fashion and hospitality spaces. The team is led by Xavier Près, who has a significant wealth of experience advising clients in the luxury art sector, and Vincent Varet, who is an experienced IP litigator. Rhadamès Killy is another key name to note is also qualified to practice in California.

Responsables de la pratique:

Xavier Près; Vincent Varet


Autres avocats clés:

Rhadamès Killy


Principaux dossiers


August Debouzy

The well-respected team at August Debouzy acts for leaders in the luxury fashion, make up, cosmetics, car and sportswear industries. The firm leverages a cross-practice team to advise on the full gamut of IP issues, alongside complex litigation and regulatory advice. Among its sizeable team are Mahasti Razavi, who is a digital law expert; Alexandra Berg-Moussa, who handles contractual work; which is also an area of focus for Florence Chafiol; and real estate specialist Guillaume Aubatier. Laurent CotretVincent Brenot, who is an expert in public and environmental law; Xavier Rohmer and Marie-Hélène Bensadoun; as well as Fabienne Haas, who is an employment law and social security law expert, also bring significant expertise to the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mahasti Razavi; Alexandra Berg-Moussa; Florence Chafiol; Guillaume Aubatier; Laurent Cotret; Vincent Brenot; Xavier Rohmer; Marie-Hélène Bensadoun; Fabienne Haas;


Autres avocats clés:

Thibaut Amourette


Les références

‘Mahasti Razavi’s IT team has perfectly understood the needs and issues of a company in the luxury sector. It is a team that knows how to react quickly, in all circumstances, with advice that is always wise and effective.’

‘We have been working with Mahasti Razavi for many years now and have always been more than delighted with his strong involvement and support during this long relationship. We have also been working with Thibaut Amourette in his team for several years. His experience and the quality of our exchanges make him an asset to the firm.’

Principaux clients

Jesta


Sève


Balmain


Nike


Ferrari


Principaux dossiers


  • Advice and assistance to, and representation of, Balmain in appeal proceedings against an Emirati entrepreneur concerning the rescission of a trademark assignment agreement, in coordination with parallel disputes before various administrative and judicial courts in the Middle East.
  • Provides regular assistance, and representation of, Ferrari as part of its trademark, design and copyright protection strategy against third-party infringers, both in pre-litigation and litigation.
  • Assistance to Jesta Group in a trademark infringement case concerning the use of a casino name, specifically in connection with summary proceedings.

Baker McKenzie

The team at Baker McKenzie has a solid footing within the luxury goods industry and is routinely instructed to advise on corporate acquisitions, refinancings, IP asset protection and supply chain distribution. Katia Boneva-Desmicht has particular experience advising on the reorganisation of exclusive and selective distribution networks at an EU level and also handles disputes related to luxury brands. M&A expert Hugo Sanchez De La Espada and Léna Sersiron, who brings competition expertise to the team, are other names to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Katia Boneva-Desmicht; Hugo Sanchez De La Espada;


Autres avocats clés:

Léna Sersiron;


Principaux clients

CAPRI HOLDINGS


Children Worldwide Fashion (CWF)


Club Med


ESTEE LAUDER


General Motors


Gold Filled Cordoba


Hôtel Prince de Galles


Kadine (ESSENTIEL ANTWERP)


KKR


LANCASTER


L’ORÉAL


Louvre Hotels


Moët-Hennessy and Société Jas Hennessy & Co.


Movenpick Group


Prince de Galles


PUIG


QATAR LUXURY GROUP


Sandaya


SNCF / Orient Express


Tai Ping


TAPESTRY GROUP


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisting Lancaster on numerous issues regarding the protection and defence of their intellectual property rights including portfolio management.
  • Advised the Radisson Hotel Group in the context of their negotiation of several off-plan lease and other agreements with their respective owners, in relation to the future hotel to be opened within the iconic “Tour Triangle”.

Dentons

The team at Dentons handles the spectrum of matters from IP to employment issues, private equity transactions, compliance, risk advisory matters and complex contentious issues for clients in the luxury goods space. The team is led by Sandra Hazan who is a digital economy, international taxation and transfer pricing expert. Other key names include IP litigator Loïc Lemercier, who has a focus on trade mark law, and Katell Déniel-Allioux, who is an expert in employment law. Isabelle Leroux is also noted.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sandra Hazan


Autres avocats clés:

Katell Déniel-Allioux; Loïc Lemercier; Isabelle Leroux


Principaux clients

Plaza Athénée/Le Meurice


Assouline Publishing


Casablanca


Cassina SPA


Olivier Lapidus


Michel Vivien


Supreme


The Row


Verlinvest France SAS


Supreme


Cassina Spa


Olivier Lapidus


Devialet


Revolve Group Inc.


Hotel Plaza Athénée


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Dorchester Collection (Plaza Athénée and Le Meurice Hotels) on the implementation of a new system to propose housing to Plaza Athénée and Le Meurice hotels’ employees.
  • Advised Assouline Publishing, a leading high luxury French publishing company on a step-by-step progressive equity transaction with LVMH.
  • Advised Casablanca on three copyright infringements pre-litigation and litigation disputes against: (i) Monaco; (ii) Dior and (iii) the Ritz Hotel Paris.

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP has been kept busy recently handling financing and transactional matters as they pertain to the luxury goods industry, but its expertise also extends to IP matters, as well as tax and employment issues. IP expert Marie-Aimée de Dampierre; Etienne Drouard , who advises on the IT aspects of deals; and employment expert Thierry Meillat , are the key names.

Responsables de la pratique:

Marie-Aimée de Dampierre; Etienne Drouard; Thierry Meillat


Principaux clients

Artémis Group & Artémis Domaines


Roundshield


Osesam


The Independents


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Artémis Domaines on the sale of Champagne Henriot to Terroirs et Vignerons de Champagne (TVEC).
  • Advised Roundshield on French law financing aspects for the acquisition by a joint venture between Altitude Resort Development and RoundShield of several companies.
  • Advised The Independents on its acquisitions of Kennedy and Atelier LUM.

Momentum Avocats

Founded in 2020, the team at Momentum Avocats has particular strength advising clients in the luxury brands sphere operating in the wine and spirits, fashion, luxury real estate and cosmetics sectors. The team regularly assists with crisis management, IP issues, risk assessments as well as contract drafting. Key names are litigator Julie Carel; Julien Canlorbe, who is a specialist in the protection and defence of trademarks; and Jean-Sébastien Mariez, who protects his clients from  regulatory and litigation risks.

Responsables de la pratique:

Julie Carel; Julien Canlorbe; Jean-Sébastien Mariez


Les références

‘Very competent, dynamic and very pragmatic team.’

 

Principaux dossiers


Taliens

Taliens has strong IP credentials in the luxury goods space and is experienced in advising on brand management and trademark protection. Jean-Frédéric Gaultier, Clara Steinitz and Grégoire Triet are the practice heads.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jean-Frédéric Gaultier; Clara Steinitz; Gregoire Triet


Principaux clients

Heaven Hill Distilleries


Red Bull GmbH


Principaux dossiers


  • Defended Red Bull GmbH against third-party trade mark applications and managed all IP-related inquiries and disputes in France.
  • Represented Heaven Hill Distilleries in a successful opposition before the French Trade Mark Office to protect its iconic Hpnotiq liquor brand