Capabilities

Consumer goods, distribution, international trade

In the field of consumer goods, distribution, and international trade. Our expertise covers a wide range of services to secure commercial transactions, protect trademarks, and manage complex disputes. We address issues such as unfair competition, consumer protection, and tax aspects related to customs, VAT, and transfer pricing. Our team also supports clients in structuring distribution contracts, mergers and acquisitions, and restructurings, with a particular focus on European and international regulations.

Areas of Practice

Litigation

We handle disputes in international trade, distribution, and consumer goods. Our interventions cover complex litigation involving distribution contracts, unfair commercial practices, and disputes related to consumer protection.

Abrupt Termination of Commercial Relationships

We assist clients in conflicts arising from abrupt termination of commercial relationships, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and safeguarding corporate interests in sensitive transactions.

Unfair Competition

We defend businesses facing unfair competition and economic parasitism, whether related to trademarks, e-commerce, or goods distribution, applying industrial property principles and market regulations.

Economic Parasitism

In cases of economic parasitism, we help clients protect their rights against practices involving copying or counterfeiting, whether in advertising, products, or services, by offering tailored legal solutions.

Distribution Contracts

We structure and negotiate distribution contracts, particularly in buy-sell arrangements, to ensure compliance with local and international regulations while protecting trademarks and optimizing commercial relationships.

International Arbitration

We advise and represent clients in international arbitration proceedings related to commercial contracts, transfer pricing disputes, and unfair competition. Our recognized expertise allows us to handle disputes in complex and international sectors.

Domestic Arbitration

We also handle domestic arbitration for commercial disputes, abrupt termination of business relationships, and conflicts between partners in distribution contracts, ensuring quick and effective resolution.

ADR & Mediation

We promote alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and mediation to help clients find amicable solutions, particularly for disputes involving unfair competition, economic parasitism, and management of relationships with commercial agents.

Consumer Protection

Our consumer protection experts assist businesses in complying with European and local regulations, including GDPR, as well as advertising and reputation laws, to guarantee transparent and fair commercial practices.

Factoring

We advise clients on factoring solutions for managing trade receivables, securing cash flow, and optimizing financial positions, including integrating securitization solutions for commercial receivables.

Securitization of Commercial Receivables

We assist in structuring and optimizing securitization of commercial receivables, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and offering customized solutions to improve liquidity and risk management.

Customs, VAT, and Transfer Pricing

We support clients in managing tax aspects of international trade, including VAT, transfer pricing, and customs controls, as well as compliance with REACH regulations to ensure lawful international business practices.

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)

We handle mergers and acquisitions, structuring transactions, assessing legal risks, and ensuring compliance with regulations related to industrial property, competition, and distribution.

Restructuring

We assist clients in restructuring processes, including corporate law adaptations, to efficiently manage business relationships and meet challenges in distribution and international trade.

Corporate Law

We provide specialized advice in corporate law, particularly for companies operating in the distribution and consumer goods sectors, addressing governance, financing, and compliance with local and international regulations.

Commercial Leases

We assist clients in negotiating and managing commercial leases, protecting their interests, and optimizing contractual terms, especially in the e-commerce and physical distribution sectors.

Examples of Support

Advice on Commercial Contracts

We advised a client on drafting its general terms and conditions of sale and negotiating its annual supply and logistics contracts with the retail industry in France, ensuring compliance with new emergency measures against inflation in consumer goods.

Support in Negotiating a Franchise Agreement with a French Manufacturer

We assisted an international group over several months in drafting and negotiating a franchise agreement with a French macaron manufacturer for the opening of a boutique within one of their hotel complexes abroad. The agreement addressed intellectual property and know-how-related aspects.

Notification of an Acquisition Transaction for a Trademark Portfolio

A leading fashion company in France acquired a portfolio of trademarks associated with a retail chain following the liquidation of the company managing this portfolio. The French Competition Authority required ex-post notification of this transaction after an internal debate on the notifiability of acquisitions involving trademark portfolios and intangible assets. We supported our client throughout the notification procedure with the Competition Authority.

Support in a Market Investigation

We assisted an automotive technology company during a market investigation conducted by the Competition Authority following a third-party complaint regarding certain behaviors by operators active in the publication and commercialization of software for the automotive industry in France.

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