Descriptive saisie-contrefaçon

Definition : Descriptive saisie-contrefaçon

The descriptive saisie-contrefaçon is the form of saisie-contrefaçon in which the judicial officer describes the products, processes or documents alleged to be infringing, without taking them away. It is provided for in Article L. 615-5 of the Intellectual Property Code. In practice, it is the most common form in patent matters.

The object of the descriptive saisie-contrefaçon

The judicial officer draws up a report describing what he or she finds. He or she thus records the technical features of a product, the operation of a machine or the steps of a process. He or she may photograph, film and copy documents. Likewise, he or she may take samples, which then brings the measure closer to the saisie-contrefaçon with physical seizure. The officer is often assisted by a technical expert chosen by the applicant but independent of it.

Preparing the application

First, the application presents the patent, its claims and the indications of infringement. Second, it precisely defines the operations authorised, since the judicial officer can do nothing beyond the order. Third, it organises the protection of the seized party's trade secrets, for example by sequestration of sensitive documents. A poorly drafted application exposes the seizure to retraction or nullity.

Execution and follow-up

The descriptive seizure is executed by surprise, upon presentation of the order. The seized party cannot oppose it, but may have its reservations recorded. It may subsequently challenge the order through an application to retract it. In addition, the applicant must bring the action on the merits within the statutory period, on pain of nullity of the seizure. The report then constitutes the central exhibit of the infringement proceedings.

The descriptive seizure and the UPC

Before the Unified Patent Court, the comparable measure is the preservation of evidence under Article 60 of the Agreement. However, it is in principle inter partes, which clearly distinguishes it from the French seizure. The choice between the two instruments is a matter of evidentiary strategy. See our page saisie-contrefaçon attorney and our analysis of the evidence before the UPC. The text of Article L. 615-5 is available on Légifrance.

What to remember

La saisie descriptive suffit dans la plupart des dossiers de brevets : elle établit la structure du produit ou le déroulement du procédé sans désorganiser l’entreprise visée, ce qui la rend plus difficile à faire rétracter. Sa valeur dépend entièrement de la précision de la requête et des compétences techniques de celui qui assiste le commissaire de justice.