France: International Law

L'Arabie saoudite rejoint le système de Madrid pour l'enregistrement international des marques, ouvrant de nouvelles opportunités de protection pour les titulaires de marques. Cette adhésion au Protocole de Madrid permettra aux entreprises de désigner l'Arabie saoudite dans leurs demandes internationales à partir d'octobre 2026.

France has reformed its foreign direct investment regime, broadening the scope of the 10% voting-rights threshold to capture French entities listed on nearly all regulated markets worldwide. The changes, effective August 17, 2026, extend FDI notification requirements to include major third-country exchanges through EU equivalence decisions and six specifically named markets, significantly expanding the reach of French investment screening for non-European investors.

The French Navy has intercepted a Russian oil tanker operating under a Cameroonian flag off the coast of Sicily, marking another enforcement action against vessels suspected of evading international sanctions.

European sanctions against Russia now extend to trademark filings at France's INPI, creating new compliance requirements and restrictions for intellectual property practitioners and businesses operating in affected jurisdictions. Understanding these regulatory changes is essential for managing trademark portfolios and ensuring compliance with evolving sanctions regimes.

French authorities have detained and fined a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker operating in violation of international sanctions. The vessel's owner faced charges for failing to comply with maritime regulations and refusing to follow official orders, resulting in significant financial penalties before the ship's release.

The French Navy has intercepted a Russian oil tanker operating under a Cameroonian flag off the coast of Sicily, marking another enforcement action against vessels suspected of evading international sanctions.