The trade marks department of the boutique firm Armengaud Guerlain is a prominent player in the market, providing robust defence for a diverse client base consisting of both French and international clients, including blue-chip companies, SMEs, and individuals spanning five continents. The department is co-led by the firm’s founder and former president of AAPI, Stéphane Guerlain, along with Catherine Mateu, the founder of the international and Ibero-American desks. This dynamic team possesses extensive expertise in cross-border litigation and contract matters, with a proven track record in handling issues related to infringement, disputes over intellectual property ownership, as well as due diligence and licensing concerns. Marguerite Higgons, who specialises in soft IP litigation, left in July 2023 to found her own IP boutique.

With the capability to provide specialised expertise at both local and multi-jurisdictional levels across all aspects of intellectual property, the trade mark and designs practice at Baker McKenzie remains a premier choice for clients in the pharmaceuticals, luxury, lifestyle, entertainment, and technology sectors. Led by Virginie Ulmann, a seasoned professional in drafting and negotiating IP agreements, the team adeptly manages a wide spectrum of advisory and contentious work. Renowned for its mastery in trade mark portfolio management and extensive experience in handling cases involving unfair competition, the team excels in resolving complex and significant IP disputes across civil, criminal, and administrative courts. The team is further bolstered by the presence of litigation expert Nathalie Marchand and Pauline Celeyron, highly regarded for her skill in trade mark portfolio management.

Benefiting from a robust global presence with a footprint in major markets worldwide, the IP department at DLA Piper maintains its position as a leading force in the French market, offering comprehensive support to clients with domestic, international, and cross-border needs. The team, under the leadership of complex litigation expert Frank Valentin, is highly sought after by top-tier multinationals and high-profile companies, particularly within the TMT and life sciences sectors, boasting distinguished expertise in trade mark clearance, prosecution, and litigation. Valentin’s leadership is complemented by the contributions of Cédric Meiller, a specialist in the protection and enhancement of IP trade mark assets, and Floriane Chartier-Chanot, who assists both French and international clients across various intricate technology domains in matters related to trade marks.

Havard Duclos & Associés, a dynamic boutique firm specialising exclusively in IP matters, delivers strategic counsel to a select group of blue-chip clients, aiding them in safeguarding their intellectual property rights and optimising the licensing and exploitation of those rights throughout Europe. The practice is led by Sophie Havard Duclos, a seasoned IP litigation specialist with previous experience at a leading international law firm. She is ably supported by her fellow partners, Constance Percevaux and Pauline Casanova, who have risen through the ranks from associates. Together, they possess a wealth of expertise in handling infringement, unfair competition, and parasitism cases, while also offering comprehensive representation before French courts in civil, criminal, and commercial IP litigation.

Recognised in the market for its outstanding work on behalf of renowned internet and technology players, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP’s trade marks team has established itself as the go-to firm for Google in France since 2003. Led by Alexandra Neri, the team provides comprehensive support to clients, addressing a wide range of both contentious and non-contentious matters. Their extensive experience includes handling high-value and high-profile IP/TMT disputes before both French and European courts, as well as representing clients before the French Data Protection Authority (DPA). Additionally, the firm offers advisory support, aiding clients in navigating regulatory issues, addressing data protection concerns, and effectively managing and enforcing trade mark portfolios. The practice also benefits from the contributions of Sébastien Proust, head of electronics, who brings a wealth of experience in rights protection, licensing, and dispute resolution. Proust has played a pivotal role in several landmark cases that have helped shape the evolving application of trade mark law in the context of advertising referencing and the “right to be forgotten” concept in France.

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP houses one of the most extensive IPMT practices in the French market. Their trade marks team is well-versed in providing guidance on a broad spectrum of issues, encompassing both transactional matters like brand management and disputes that involve intricate multi-jurisdictional litigation, arbitration, and mediation before French courts and the French Intellectual Property Office. They are frequently entrusted with handling IP matters alongside corporate transactions. At the helm, the team is co-led by three accomplished experts: Marie-Aimée de Dampierre, an authority in the securitisation of trade mark rights and mediation proceedings; David Taylor, a specialist in internet-related trade mark protection; and Jane Seager, a seasoned expert in brand protection. They are routinely sought after by major clients for advice on sensitive and often cross-border trade mark cases, priding themselves on providing clients with a comprehensive one-stop-shop service. The team’s capabilities have recently been further strengthened with the addition of highly skilled associates Anna Revidi (October 2022) and Claire Bratel (May 2023).

HOYNG ROKH MONÉGIER’s team excels in cross-border IP litigation, benefiting from a multinational European team that provides expert advice from a European perspective. Co-headed by Sophie Micallef and Marie Georges-Picot, the trade mark team caters to a diverse client base spanning various industries, including aeronautics, digital security, life sciences, pharma, and telecommunications, among others. They offer a comprehensive array of services related to the enforcement, use, and protection of trade marks, trade names, designs, and geographical indications. Notably, they assist some of the world’s most renowned brands and are involved in high-profile trade mark cases and unfair competition litigation before French civil, commercial, criminal, and European courts. Denis Monégier du Sorbier complements the team with his extensive experience in advising on unfair competition and parasitic behavior issues and his vast expertise in handling European litigation.

Jones Day is a recognised leader in trade mark and design disputes and transactions across France and Pan-Europe. They offer their expertise on an international scale, capitalising on the harmonisation of intellectual property laws within the EU to provide coordinated multi-office teams that advise and contribute to complex, multi-jurisdictional matters. The team, co-led by litigation expert Emmanuel Baud and IPO handling specialist Edouard Fortunet, adeptly manages a spectrum of both contentious and non-contentious issues, including infringement proceedings, revocation actions, license agreements, and due diligence related to M&A transactions and joint ventures. They possess notable sector-specific knowledge, particularly in the wine and spirits industry, and have established experience in the life sciences sector.

Arenaire, a boutique firm exclusively dedicated to intellectual property, serves a diverse clientele comprising major companies, innovative SMEs, and high-profile clients hailing from various industries, with notable expertise in the fashion, luxury, technology, and pharmaceutical sectors. Co-headed by Pierre Massot and Lentini Thibault, the trade mark practice has earned a stellar reputation, benefitting from the extensive experience of both leaders in trade mark law, encompassing design protection and counterfeiting matters. The team also boasts significant activity in the realm of IP litigation, with a track record of handling cases related to customs litigation. Mythili Thaya further supports the team, having made substantial contributions to encourage the European Court of Justice to revise its case-law regarding the concept of similarity of signs in the context of well-known trade marks, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of their protection.

Candé Blanchard Ducamp is a powerhouse dedicated exclusively to intellectual and industrial property litigation, offering unwavering support and counsel to French and international giants spanning industries as diverse as luxury, construction, insurance, banking, and technology. Co-led by two exceptional specialists, Julien Blanchard, an expert in infringement-seizure proceedings, and Claire Herissay-Ducamp, a seasoned anti-counterfeiting authority, the team is resolute in defending their clients’ intangible assets. They engage in a wide array of legal proceedings, from battling infringement and unfair competition to arbitration, with appearances before French and European courts and active involvement with the French and European patent offices. Even in retirement, the firm’s third founding partner, Patrice De Candé, remains dedicated to the field, actively participating in IP-related conferences.

The Paris-based Dentons team excels in handling both local and multi-jurisdictional matters. The team are entrusted with significant cases on behalf of esteemed clients like Apple Inc, Supreme, and Zama, offering comprehensive capabilities within both the French and European Union domains. Loïc Lemercier, an expert in trade mark-related litigation and advisory, leads the team. Its client portfolio extends across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, luxury, internet, and technology. The practice actively engage in infringement litigation and provide crucial assistance in structuring licensing contracts. Noteworthy individuals within the practice include Isabelle Leroux, who possesses expertise in anti-counterfeiting and piracy matters, and Chen Gu, a qualified attorney in both French and Chinese law.

The DTMV & Associés IP team excels in a wide spectrum of matters, offering adept representation to an array of clients that encompass some of the world’s most renowned global entertainment companies, highly esteemed luxury brands, and businesses in diverse sectors such as publishing, food, energy, and travel. The team is co-headed by a formidable lineup, including Thierry Mollet-Viéville, Pascal Lefort, Eleonore Gaspar, Thomas Cuche, and Laurine Janin-Reynaud, all based in Paris, as well as Grimaud Valat, situated in Lyon. This boutique firm stands out for its robust litigation capabilities, boasting significant expertise in handling complex issues related to unfair competition and infringement proceedings, both on a domestic and international scale. They represent clients before French and EU courts, as well as trade mark offices, making them a formidable force in the field.

Under the guidance of Nathalie Hadjadj-Cazier, a renowned authority in IP rights registration and defense, Fieldfisher’s IP department excels in a wide spectrum of contentious and non-contentious matters. The team demonstrates formidable expertise in trade mark litigation, encompassing infringement proceedings, customs controls, and domain names. It also excels in areas such as unfair competition, trade secret misappropriation, and other unfair trade practices. With a robust technical infrastructure, the team efficiently manages extensive IP portfolios, fostering seamless collaboration with all the firm’s offices globally and international partners in various countries, providing clients with a comprehensive and international legal service.

Kern & Weyl, a specialised IP boutique firm, offers legal guidance to businesses of all sizes, ranging from startups to multinational corporations in diverse industries, including fashion, luxury goods, food, hospitality, automotive, and healthcare. Co-led by the esteemed experts Tania Kern in national and international anti-counterfeiting, Claire Weyl, specialising in trade mark litigation, Florence Houisse in video games and the web, and Giulia Cortesi, who spearheads the Italian division with extensive experience in Franco-Italian matters, the firm regularly manages cross-border cases, with a strong focus on trade mark-related litigation. Beyond litigation, they provide services encompassing out-of-court settlement negotiations, arbitration, and comprehensive support in contracts and licensing.

Linklaters’ IP department, led by Pauline Debré, places a robust emphasis on trade mark litigation, demonstrating proficiency in both national and cross-border cases. The team also possesses valuable experience in managing the IP facets of M&A transactions, ensuring seamless transitions for trade mark portfolios. What sets this team apart is its systematic cross-practice approach, fostering close collaboration with colleagues in competition, arbitration, corporate, tax, and public law, providing a distinct advantage over other IP boutique firms. Notably, the team maintains a close synergy with our antitrust experts across Europe and the US, responding effectively to the increasing significance of antitrust considerations in commercial strategies, particularly within the pharmaceutical and telecommunications sectors.

Momentum Avocats, an independent law firm, excels in delivering innovative solutions to legal and business challenges within the realms of intellectual property and information technology law, with a strong emphasis on European and international perspectives. Co-led by Julien Canlorbe, a specialist in intricate litigations and issues related to trade mark protection and defense, Julie Carel, an expert in the strategic structuring of trade mark estates, and Jean-Sébastien Mariez, with a focus on ICT service activities, the team is renowned for its adept handling of complex trade mark litigation. Their expertise shines in the fashion and luxury sectors, where they also excel in assisting with new trade mark registrations, IP portfolio management, and marketing arrangements.

Osborne Clarke’s IP department is a comprehensive centre for trade mark-related matters, offering profound expertise in both litigation and portfolio & asset management. The firm excels in handling opposition proceedings, infringement cases, and addressing issues related to unfair competition. Additionally, they are highly skilled at negotiating coexistence, partnership, and reseller agreements, all with a distinct trade mark focus. Co-headed by Claire Bouchenard, an expert in advertising and marketing with a strong emphasis on trade mark matters, and Xavier Pican, who specialises in complex technology matters relevant to industrial sectors undergoing digital transformations, the team serves a diverse clientele across various industries, including life sciences, energy, tech, media, entertainment, fashion, real estate, and sports.

Leveraging notable expertise in the fields of new technologies, electronics, life sciences, retail, and transportation, Pinsent Masons LLP‘ IP department is renowned for its adept handling of both contentious and non-contentious matters directly linked to trade mark infringement, parasitism, and unfair competition. Guided by Emmanuel Gougé, a dual-qualified practitioner in England and Wales and a seasoned soft IP litigator, the team excels in managing cross-border issues, with a particular emphasis on trade mark-related cases involving France, Germany, and the UK. Another distinguished team member is Virginia de Freitas, who specialises in unfair competition matters and is known for her representation of clients in the context of R&D and collaboration agreements.

Schmidt Brunet Litzler’s IP team combines advisory and litigation expertise, providing support to clients in the fashion, media, and e-commerce sectors. Additionally, they are increasingly assisting startups in managing their trade mark portfolios, which includes drafting coexistence, license, and distribution agreements, along with registering new trade marks with both French and EU IP offices. Under the guidance of Delphine Brunet-Stoclet, an accomplished litigator, the firm regularly takes on cases involving trade mark defense before French courts and the ECJ, representing clients aiming to halt ongoing infringements. Notably, Marie André-Nivet leads the firm’s trade mark prosecution practice and oversees global IP portfolios while also heading the firm’s Marseille office.

As an integral part of the firm’s international IP group, Simmons & Simmons’ department in France harnesses its global network to comprehensively address a wide spectrum of IP issues, providing a distinctive blend of trade mark and design expertise. Under the leadership of soft IP specialist Sarah Bailey, the team boasts proficiency in both contentious and non-contentious matters, encompassing activities like handling invalidity and revocation proceedings, defending against trade mark degeneration, managing portfolios, and offering substantial litigation expertise. Frédérique Potin enhances the practice with his pharmaceutical background, enriching the team’s profound sector-specific knowledge, especially in areas such as pharmaceuticals and life sciences. Notably, Marina Cousté, a former co-head, retired in April 2023.

Benoliel Avocats houses a formidable IP team known for its exceptional trade mark advisory services, catering to esteemed French clients and international corporations alike. Led by Sylvie Benoliel-Claux, the practice showcases its prowess in litigating before both French and European courts, backed by extensive experience across diverse sectors, including the automobile, audiovisual, food, jewelry, and pharmaceutical industries. The team also distinguishes itself by providing strategic counsel on trade mark portfolios, benefiting from the expertise of Anne-Sophie Leroi and Sonia Benali-Kaleva.

Cabinet Bouchara Avocats is a go-to choice for prominent French and international clients, with a specialised emphasis on the fashion industry, delivering steadfast support in the protection of their trade mark rights. Vanessa Bouchara, fluent in both English and French, spearheads the team, enabling them to deftly manage contentious issues, encompassing infringement, parasitism, and unfair competition cases. Furthermore, the firm offers expert counsel on trade mark registrations and demonstrates excellence in formulating and negotiating IP contracts, with the valuable support of Adèle Maier and Louise Lacroix.

The CMS Francis Lefebvre team is renowned for providing tailored IP advice, particularly in technology, media, and communications. Co-led by Anne-Laure Villedieu and Jean-Baptiste Thiénot, the team handles both contentious and non-contentious matters. Sabine Rigaud heads the trade mark and design division, specialising in IP rights for luxury, ready-to-wear, and cosmetics companies. Rigaud’s team excels in reorganising intangible asset portfolios in collaboration with their skilled tax department, supported by Anaïs Arnal for trade mark-related matters, negotiations, contracts, and litigation.

Formed through the union of KGA Avocats and Wenner, Klein Wenner’s IP practice, under the joint leadership of Laurent Badiane and Mathieu Bourgeois, focuses on trade marks with a keen understanding of merchandising, licensing, adaptation rights, remakes, and video games. The team adeptly handles both non-contentious and contentious matters, representing clients before civil and criminal courts, particularly in infringement proceedings. Supported by a global network of local firms, the team collaborates with foreign counterparts, showcasing cross-border expertise. Its diverse activities extend to areas such as data protection, technology, media, and sports.

Osmose’s trade marks and designs practice offers expert support to mid-sized companies and international groups across a range of industries, spanning consumer products, food and beverage, insurance, entertainment, automotive, and advertising. Co-led by Alexandra Le Corroncq and Alexis Vichnievsky, the team provides comprehensive assistance, addressing day-to-day business concerns, handling contentious matters like counterfeiting and unfair competition before both French courts and IP offices, and strategically guiding clients through audits and negotiations for the purchase and sale of intangible assets.

VARET PRÈS KILLY, a boutique law firm, is widely recognised for its comprehensive intellectual property expertise, particularly in the field of trade marks. Co-headed by Xavier Pres and Vincent Varet, the practice serves a diverse clientele that includes publishers, luxury goods companies, and cultural institutions. They offer valuable support in both transactional and contentious aspects of trade mark law, assisting clients in negotiating agreements, managing portfolios, and vigorously representing them in litigation, ensuring the safeguarding of their intellectual property rights.