France: International Courts & Tribunals

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 EU General Court has issued a significant ruling regarding Crocs' design rights, examining the validity and scope of protection for the iconic footwear design. This case explores the boundaries of design protection in the European Union and raises important questions about what elements of a product design can be legally protected.

Senior in-house counsel and arbitration practitioners gathered during Paris Arbitration Week 2026 to examine the evolving landscape of dispute resolution in major construction and infrastructure projects. The discussion explored critical strategic decisions facing parties in large-scale infrastructure disputes, from selecting appropriate resolution mechanisms to optimizing costs and ensuring enforceability across jurisdictions. Drawing on historical context and contemporary practice, the session addressed h