Distribution

Our team regularly litigates in distribution-related disputes before national courts and national and international arbitration panels. We assist clients in claims related to termination indemnities; the parallel trade or transit of luxury goods and spirits; the validity or invalidity of non-competition clauses; product defects and liability; and price fixing and maintenance claims.

In collaboration with our competition law colleagues, we also support our clients when issues arise in relation to selective or exclusive distribution networks, pricing policies (also in a dominance context), and vertical and/or horizontal cooperation agreements.

We have extensive experience with clients from many industry sectors and have a particular focus on the automotive, telecommunications, consumer goods, life sciences and biotechnology, and tobacco industries.

Product Marketing: Market Access and Withdrawal

Our product compliance – liability team helps clients maximize their business growth and minimize risk by identifying and complying with legal requirements for products manufactured and distributed within the EU.

We advise on concerns related to product marketing (such as potential non-compliance with legal obligations and product defects) and we determine whether action is required. We help our clients to devise an appropriate response to product safety issues. We notify the appropriate authorities on behalf of the client, drawing from our experience in various EU member states.

We also handle product recalls, often in many different member states. Where needed, we represent clients before administrative authorities and in court.

We have privileged relationships with Crisis Communication managers allowing clients to benefit from a full package of coordinated legal and PR services in times of crisis.

Internet Sales

Whenever clients wish to sell through the internet, we help them with all the legal aspects related to the creation of a website and provide day-to-day counseling on all issues relating to their online presence. We ensure compliance with legislation on e-commerce, telecommunications, competition, consumer protection and market practices. We also advise on information obligations, e-advertising, e-contracting, distance selling, data protection, online terms of use and other related matters.

Collaboration

We work closely with experienced colleagues from other disciplines (including competition law, intellectual property, labor and employment, and international trade) and in other jurisdictions (across Europe, Asia, and the U.S.), and we frequently act as coordinating counsel in the context of cross-border distribution networks covering multiple jurisdictions.