French Patent and UPC Local Counsel | Dhenne Avocats
You are leading a patent matter from abroad and need local counsel in France or before the UPC. We agree the local role, evidence strategy, timetable and approval process with you. The scope and budgets by phase are defined with lead counsel. See how we coordinate.
The need
A European patent dispute is often fought on several territories at once. Lead counsel, based in Munich, London, New York or Tokyo, needs a French relay who knows the procedure before the Paris Judicial Court, the practice of the saisie-contrefaçon, the provisional measures and the procedural rules of the Unified Patent Court, and who reports quickly and clearly. Lead counsel also expects a French reading of the decisions and of academic commentary, and a local opinion when a strategic decision is being prepared.
How we act
- Representation before the Paris Judicial Court and the Paris Court of Appeal in infringement, revocation and interim proceedings.
- Representation before the Unified Patent Court, in particular before the Paris local division and the central division, by a registered representative.
- Conduct and defence of saisie-contrefaçon proceedings, in France and in support of foreign proceedings.
- Local opinions on French law and on UPC case law, written in English or in French.
- Coordination with lead counsel: a shared timetable, agreed reporting formats and regular check-ins.
- Protective letters, monitoring of actions and tracking of decisions handed down.
How we work
First, a conflict-of-interest check and an agreement on scope: a one-off task, a full engagement or availability in case of urgency. Next, a written operating mode setting out languages, response times, formats and approval channels. Finally, predictable fees based on budgets by phase. The firm works in French, English and German.
Who it is for
Foreign law firms and patent attorney firms, legal departments of non-French groups exposed to the French market or to the UPC, companies seeking counsel independent from the large international platforms, and correspondents looking for reciprocity of quality.
A few matters that illustrate our practice
Medical devices: infringement action before the UPC
Representation of a medical device manufacturer in an infringement action before the Unified Patent Court, alongside a foreign firm. Work on the analysis of the patent, the demonstration of the alleged infringement and the remedies sought.
Chemistry: anticipating provisional measures before the UPC
Advice to a chemicals company preparing its defence against a risk of provisional or evidentiary measures before the Unified Patent Court. Preparation of the defence ahead of any filing, in coordination with a foreign firm.
Analyses and publications to go further
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a French attorney to act before the Unified Patent Court?
No. A lawyer authorised to practise before a court of a Contracting Member State may represent a party before the UPC. The Paris local division accepts French and English as languages of proceedings, subject to the applicable rules. Knowledge of the forum, procedural timetable and local practice remains essential to coordinating the case.
How is the work coordinated with our firm?
Lead counsel keeps control of the case. The firm acts under a written operating mode and reports in the agreed formats, with no direct contact with the end client outside the defined channels.
Do you act in urgent matters?
Yes, for saisies-contrefaçon, interim proceedings and provisional measures before the UPC, subject to conflict checks and the agreed availability.
Discuss your matter
To discuss a cooperation, contact the firm.