Local counsel in France for patents and the UPC
Foreign law firms and international legal departments need a correspondent in France who can act before the Paris Judicial Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction over patents, and before the Paris local division of the Unified Patent Court. Dhenne Avocats acts as local counsel in France for patents and the UPC, in coordination with the client’s lead counsel, in their language and on their timetable.
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, preliminary measures and the Rules of Procedure of the Unified Patent Court, and who reports quickly and clearly. Lead counsel also expects a French reading of decisions and commentary, and a local opinion when a strategic decision is being prepared.
What we offer
- 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.
- Carrying out and defending saisies-contrefaçon, 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: shared timetable, agreed reporting formats, regular calls.
- Protective letters, monitoring of actions and tracking of decisions handed down.
How we work
First, a conflict check and an agreement on scope: one-off intervention, full engagement or availability in case of emergency. Then a written operating mode setting out languages, response times, formats and approval channels. Finally, predictable fees based on budgets per phase. The firm works in French, English and German, and has a working knowledge of Japanese.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is a French lawyer required to act before the Unified Patent Court?
No. Any lawyer authorised to practise in a Contracting Member State may represent a party. However, proceedings before the Paris local division are conducted in French by default, unless otherwise agreed or ordered, and knowledge of local practice is a real advantage.
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 emergencies?
Yes, for saisies-contrefaçon, interim proceedings and provisional measures before the UPC, subject to conflict checks and the agreed availability.
To discuss a cooperation, contact the firm.