--- title: "Intellectual Property" id: "2051" type: "expertise" slug: "intellectual-property" published_at: "2026-01-26T10:29:13+00:00" modified_at: "2026-07-29T10:01:29+00:00" url: "https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/expertise/intellectual-property/" markdown_url: "https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/expertise/intellectual-property.md" excerpt: "Protecting, enhancing, and defending your intangible assets Trademarks, content, know-how, and data now define a company’s value, its capacity for innovation, and its exposure to risk. Counterfeiting, shifting European regulations, and evolving digital business models all compel executives and legal..." taxonomy_language: - "English" taxonomy_post_translations: - "pll_697741f96220e" taxonomy_tax_expertise: - "Intellectual Property" taxonomy_tax_famille_expertise: - "Advisory" - "Transactional" --- ## Protecting, enhancing, *and defending your intangible assets* Trademarks, content, know-how, and data now define a company’s value, its capacity for innovation, and its exposure to risk. Counterfeiting, shifting European regulations, and evolving digital business models all compel executives and legal departments to anticipate, protect, and capitalize on these strategic resources, both in France and abroad. We turn this complexity into actionable strategies. Copyright, trademarks, designs, trade secrets, domain names: our technical expertise is grounded in deep sector knowledge (media, luxury, culture, technology, health) and strengthened by collaboration with our Digital, Data Protection, Competition, and Tax teams. Each case draws on this integrated expertise to anticipate regulatory developments (AI Act, Data Act, DSA, DMA) and manage operations in France and internationally. We advise international groups, scale-ups, creative houses, investment funds, and cultural institutions in building their portfolios, negotiating licenses, and defending their rights. ## *our*Capabilities ### (01) Protection and Management of Intellectual Property Rights Building a strong IP portfolio requires informed choices from the outset. We define protection strategies in France and abroad, conduct clearance searches, file trademarks and designs, manage oppositions, and handle invalidity proceedings before the INPI, EUIPO, and WIPO. Active portfolio monitoring, coordinated filing strategies across jurisdictions, and representation before IP offices ensure the long-term protection of your rights. Each decision aims to strengthen the economic value of your assets. ### (02) Strategic Counsel and Regulatory Compliance The AI Act mandates content traceability, the Data Act expands data access, the DSA increases platform accountability, and the DMA regulates dominant ecosystems: Europe’s new regulations are reshaping the landscape. We help clients design and implement strategies aligned with these developments. Protection of AI-generated content, licensing of datasets, interoperability clauses, and ownership of algorithms are all part of our operational and forward-looking approach. ### (03) Contracts and Rights Exploitation Maximizing the value of intangible assets demands well-structured contracts. We draft and negotiate exclusive and non-exclusive licenses, full or partial assignments, coexistence agreements, know-how transfers, and publishing, audiovisual production, and digital adaptation agreements. Working closely with our Labor & Employment team, we secure the transfer of employee and management rights to ensure creations remain under full internal control. Every clause anticipates contractual developments and preserves future flexibility, whether for domestic or international exploitation. ### (04) Media, Digital, and Art Law Publishers, producers, streaming platforms, galleries, auction houses, artists, agencies, and cultural institutions: we advise stakeholders across the entire value chain. We manage copyright and neighboring rights, image rights, online reputation protection, and crisis response in the media sphere. Our work also includes monitoring digital content, combating defamation and disinformation, and safeguarding e-reputation against coordinated or diffuse attacks. ### (05) Audit and Valuation of Intangible Assets Mergers, acquisitions, fundraising, or restructuring all require an accurate mapping of intangible assets. We identify existing rights in France and abroad, verify ownership, assess economic value, and pinpoint contractual or regulatory vulnerabilities. Working with our Corporate and Tax teams, we deliver actionable recommendations to enhance valuation, secure transactions, and organize asset governance. These audits inform strategic decision-making and reduce legal uncertainty. ### (06) Customs Seizures and Anti-Counterfeiting Enforcement Protecting a market requires controlling its flows. We prepare applications for intervention with French and European customs authorities, coordinate the detention of suspected goods, and assist clients throughout ensuing judicial proceedings. Working closely with customs, law enforcement, and judicial bodies, we identify illicit distribution channels, trace international supply networks, and take action to neutralize counterfeiters. This approach safeguards product integrity and protects commercial positions in France and abroad. ### (07) Intellectual Property Training We share our expertise through customized programs for legal departments, sales teams, executives, creators, and students. Training covers filing strategies, contract drafting, litigation management, regulatory compliance, and portfolio monitoring. Built around real cases and industry examples, these sessions strengthen internal legal awareness and enhance the operational autonomy of teams facing intellectual property and digital challenges in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment. Collective excellence at the service of the *highest standards.* Team [Mahasti Razavi ( Managing Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/mahasti-razavi/) [Basile Ader ( Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/basile-ader/) [Grégoire Desrousseaux ( European Patent Attorney, Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/gregoire-desrousseaux/) [François Pochart ( European Patent Attorney, Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/francois-pochart/) [Marc Mossé ( Senior Counsel )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/marc-mosse/) [Eden Gall ( Counsel )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/eden-gall/) [Amélie Tripet ( Counsel )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/amelie-tripet/) [Inès Bouzayen ( Senior Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/ines-bouzayen/) [Charlotte Chen ( Senior Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/charlotte-chen/) [Candice Dupin ( Senior Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/candice-dupin/) [Robin Nini ( Senior Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/robin-nini/) [Marie Edelstenne ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/marie-edelstenne/) [Jeanne Morel-Fourrier ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/jeanne-morel-fourrier/) [Ariane Seyed-Movaghar ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/ariane-seyed-movaghar/) Précédent Suivant ## Contact Us ## *our*References Intellectual Property #### Cosmetics Group – Acquisition and IP Agreements Advised a global cosmetics leader on the acquisition of a complex portfolio of trademarks, copyrights and domain names, and on negotiating cross-licensing, coexistence and partial assignment agreements. Intellectual Property #### Luxury Automotive Brand – Trademark and Copyright Protection Advised a luxury car manufacturer on pre-litigation matters involving unauthorized use of its trademarks and designs by third parties, including replicas, rental companies, and unlicensed artistic or commercial uses. Intellectual Property #### Luxury Goods Company – Use of AI-Generated Content in Advertising Advised a premium brand on the use of AI-generated artistic content in advertising materials and assisted in reviewing service agreements with creative agencies to strengthen warranties and manage AI-related risks. *Rankings*& Recognitions m - (01)Best Lawyers 2027 – France Technologies Media IP - (02)Best Lawyers 2027 – France Technologies Media IP - (03)IAM 2026 – France Litigation [More distinctions](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/distinctions/?search_tax-expertise%5B%5D=intellectual-property) ## *Latest* News [03/07/26 Legal Article 1 min Albert Camus Collection: August Debouzy Advises Camus Heirs in Historic Transfer of Literary Archive to French State August Debouzy advised Mr. Jean Camus on the transfer to the French State of an exceptional collection of archives, carefully preserved since 1960. Albert Camus’ heirs were determined to ensure its long-term preservation and accessibility, and chose to permanently entrust this major literary heritage to public stewardship.](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/albert-camus-collection-august-debouzy-advises-camus-heirs-in-historic-transfer-of-literary-archive-to-french-state/) 01 01 Précédent Suivant [Find our latest news](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/hub/) News ## *FAQ* ### (01) How does a law firm specializing in intellectual property protect your trademarks, patents and creations? Protecting intellectual property rights requires a comprehensive strategy combining registration, monitoring and enforcement. Article L. 712-1 of the French Intellectual Property Code grants trademark registration an exclusive right of use for ten years, renewable indefinitely. For patents, Article L. 611-2 confers a twenty-year monopoly from the date of filing in exchange for disclosure of the invention. We build IP portfolios aligned with our clients’ commercial strategy: trademark filings (INPI, EUIPO, WIPO), patents (EPO, PCT), designs, copyright and database rights. Each framework is designed to provide maximum protection across the relevant markets. ### (02) How can you develop and monetize an intellectual property portfolio through licensing or assignment? Intangible assets represent a growing share of company value and can be monetized through licences, assignments or contributions. Drafting a licence agreement requires precise definition of the scope of rights granted (exclusivity, territory, duration, sublicence), royalties and licensee obligations. In M&A transactions, we conduct intellectual property due diligence to assess the portfolio’s solidity, identify risks (lapsed trademarks, challengeable patents, third-party rights) and negotiate appropriate contractual warranties. Tax optimization of intellectual property royalties is also a strategic issue. ### (03) How can you anticipate the intellectual property challenges raised by artificial intelligence and technological innovation? The emergence of generative AI raises unprecedented questions about ownership of works, protection of training data and patentability of AI-assisted inventions. Directive (EU) 2019/790 on copyright in the Digital Single Market, applicable since 7 June 2021, introduced specific exceptions for text and data mining, governing research and commercial uses. We advise technology companies on protecting their innovations, structuring software development contracts, managing data rights and complying with emerging regulations. ### (04) How can you defend your intellectual property rights and respond to infringement or free-riding? Counterfeiting and free-riding expose the company to direct revenue losses and reputational damage. Seizure orders, granted ex parte by the president of the judicial tribunal under Article L. 332-1 of the French Intellectual Property Code, enable evidence of infringement to be secured before any action on the merits. We manage IP enforcement strategies: bailiff reports, seizure orders, interim relief, actions on the merits before specialized courts, customs procedures and office proceedings (oppositions, cancellations, revocations). Each action is calibrated to obtain compensation and stop the infringement. ### (05) Why choose August Debouzy as your law firm for intellectual property? Industrial groups, technology companies, luxury and fashion brands, publishers, creators and start-ups entrust us with protecting, developing and defending their intangible assets. Our approach integrates protection strategy advice, drafting and negotiating licence and assignment agreements, M&A due diligence, and contentious defence before courts and offices. Working with our competition, digital and tax teams, we cover the entire lifecycle of intellectual property assets.