Dreyfus

Enhance Your Intangible Assets with the IP Strategy Diagnostic

At Dreyfus, we understand the critical importance of protecting and valuing your company’s intangible assets. This is why we offer tailored support through the IP Strategy Diagnostic, an initiative supported by Bpifrance.

What is the IP Strategy Diagnostic?

The IP Strategy Diagnostic, implemented by Bpifrance, is designed to assist innovative Start-ups, SMEs, and mid-sized companies. It provides financial aid covering 80% of consulting costs, up to a maximum of €10,000 excluding VAT. This initiative aims to develop a suitable intellectual property (IP) strategy, enabling the valuation of your intangible assets such as patents, trademarks, designs, software, and data.

Objectives of the IP Strategy Diagnostic

The primary goal of the IP Strategy Diagnostic is to strengthen your IP strategy, which is essential for your company’s growth. Key objectives include:

 

Identifying and evaluating your assets : Determine the strengths and improvement areas of your intangible assets.

Securing professional relationships : Protect IP aspects in your interactions with clients, partners, and employees.

Developing an action plan : Implement concrete steps for the protection and valuation of your assets, aligned with your commercial strategy.

Competitive analysis : Understand the IP strategies of other market players and anticipate potential challenges.

 

 Implementation Process

The IP Strategy Diagnostic process involves several stages :

 

  1. Initial assessment : Analyze existing intangible assets in relation to your projects and market.
  2. Strategy definition : Develop an IP strategy with specific actions to protect and value your assets.
  3. Implementation and training : Propose suitable training and implement the recommended actions.

 

 Costs and Funding

The total cost of this service ranges from €3,000 to €10,000 excluding VAT, depending on your company’s complexity and specific needs. With Bpifrance’s subsidy covering 80% of the costs, you can receive financial support ranging from €2,400 to €8,000 excluding VAT.

 Eligibility Criteria

 

The IP Strategy Diagnostic is available to independent Start-ups, SMEs, and mid-sized companies registered in France, with fewer than 2,000 employees. To benefit, a prequalification phase with an expert recognized by Bpifrance is required. Once validated, you can submit your funding request through your online Bpifrance account.

 

 Dreyfus Expertise

With over 30 years of experience, Dreyfus is renowned for supporting companies in protecting and valuing their intangible assets. Our experts assist you in:

 

– Feasibility assessment of your projects : Analyzing objectives, markets, strengths, and constraints.

Development of your IP strategy : Creating and managing your IP portfolios.

Valuation of your assets : Conducting audits, evaluations, and providing investor advice.

–  Protection of your assets : Managing disputes, opposition, arbitration, and mediation.

Contract drafting : Negotiating and drafting IP-related agreements and business contracts.

–  Competitive intelligence : Technical and legal monitoring.

Training and awareness : Custom training programs to meet your needs.

 

 Conclusion

At Dreyfus, we are committed to helping you optimize the value of your intangible assets and secure your operations with a well-defined intellectual property strategy. Contact us to learn more about our support and how we can assist you in benefiting from Bpifrance’s IP Strategy Diagnostic.

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Plagiarism of art by fashion: inspiration or violation of intellectual property?

In a world where the lines between different artistic disciplines are becoming increasingly blurred, fashion designers often draw inspiration from art to bring their collections to life or to promote their brands.

 

This issue echoes the recent dispute between the brand Zadig&Voltaire and artist Julian Charriere over a promotional video for the brand that features a flaming fountain, similar to the one captured by the artist in his “And Beneath it all Flows Liquid Fire” video in 2019.

 

Many fashion designers are inspired by works of art to create their collections and advertising campaigns. However, some of them cross the line and copy the work of established artists almost exactly, without giving them the credit they deserve. This practice is not only ethically questionable, but can can also be harmful to the original artists in terms of violating their intellectual property (“IP”) rights.

 

 

  1. Legal issues of intellectual property in fashion and art

 

Copyrighting protects original works of the mind, whether they are literary, musical, graphic, plastic or photographic creations. Fashion designers may be tempted to take inspiration from a work of art to design a new piece or an advertising campaign, but it is essential to consider the legal issues related to IP.

 

Plagiarism, or mindless copying of a work, is a violation of copyright. In the case of fashion, it can mean using a work of art without permission to create prints, patterns or even the shape of a garment. If the copying is obvious, the original artist can sue for damages.

 

The fine line between fashion and art is even more blurred as many luxury brands have launched their own art foundations such as the Cartier Foundation or the Louis Vuitton Foundation.

 

However, it is important to note that copyright does not protect ideas, only their expression. Thus, taking inspiration from a work of art in order to create a fashion piece is not necessarily illegal, so long as the creation is suitably original and does not directly copy the work in question. Additionally, some artists occasionally can collaborate with fashion designers, such as Louis Vuitton, who recently worked with Japanese artist Yakoi Kusuma to produce a new collection as well as to transform the Louis Vuitton store in Paris, now decorated with a monumental silhouette of the artist.

 

  1. Consequences of intellectual property infringement

 

IP infringement can have negative consequences for artists and the fashion industry.

 

Plagiarism robs original artists of recognition and fair compensation for their work. When a piece of work is copied without permission, the original artist is not credited or paid for their work. This can lead to a loss of income for artists, causing them to abandon their creative work or settle for less than their talent.

 

In addition, intellectual property infringement hinders innovation in the creative industry. When artists are not rewarded for their work, it can discourage innovation and the creation of new works. Companies that copy original works do not need to devote resources to research and development of new ideas, as they can simply copy those of others.

 

Finally, intellectual property infringement can have a negative impact on the brand image of companies that engage in this practice. Consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of ethics and corporate social responsibility. When a company is accused of plagiarism or intellectual property infringement, it can damage its brand image and consumer confidence in the company.

 

In summation, the phenomenon of plagiarism of art by fashion raises complex questions and considerable stakes, both artistically and legally. The line between inspiration and copying can sometimes be unclear, and the fashion industry seems to navigate these murky waters in search of creativity and innovation.

 

While some see this appropriation as a democratization of art and a way to enrich fashion, others see them as a threat to the value and integrity of original works. At a time when legislation is struggling to adapt to these issues, it is the responsibility of fashion designers and consumers to commit to ethical fashion that respects art and its creators.

 

It is critical to continue the dialogue between the different actors involved and to rethink the mechanisms of intellectual property protection to ensure a fair balance between creative freedom and respect for copyright. Creators, as well as artists, can call upon professionals such as Industrial Property Attorneys, with their networks of lawyers specialized in intellectual property, to ensure that no IP rights are infringed upon.

 

 

 

 

 

We offer our clients a dedicated and unique experience of expertise that is necessary for the exploitation of intangible assets.  We will also endeavor to keep you informed and up-to-date about intellectual property and digital economic issues through our articles and newsletters written by the Dreyfus Legal Team.

This article is current as of the date of its publication and does not necessarily reflect the present state of the law or relevant regulation.

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What are the benefits of IP litigation and how can you make the most of it?

litigation, Lady of Justice, Justitia, statueIntellectual property (IP) litigation is an important tool for protecting and enforcing rights in IP assets, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights. When an IP owner’s rights are infringed or someone else is using their IP without permission, the owner may have the right to take legal action against the offender. IP litigation can help the owner to protect their valuable IP assets, as well as their reputation and market position.

 

The benefits of IP litigation include:

 

1. Protection of IP Rights IP litigation is an effective way to protect your IP assets from infringement. It allows you to enforce your IP rights and stop unauthorized use of your IP, while also deterring future infringers. By filing a lawsuit, you can also seek damages or other relief to make up for any losses caused by the infringement.

 

2. Strengthening of IP Rights Through the process of IP litigation, you can also strengthen your IP rights. This is because the court may issue an injunction that requires the infringing party to stop using your IP or to pay you for any profits they made from using your IP. This can help to bolster your IP rights and make it more difficult for others to infringe on them in the future.

 

3. Deterrence of Unlawful Use The threat of IP litigation can also act as a deterrent to others who may be considering using your IP without permission. By demonstrating that you are willing to take legal action to protect your IP rights, you can create a deterrent effect that can help to discourage others from infringing on your IP.

 

4. Valuable Legal Remedies IP litigation can also provide you with valuable legal remedies that can help you to recover the costs of defending your IP rights. In some cases, you may be able to recover damages or other relief to compensate you for any losses caused by the infringement.

 

In addition to these benefits, IP litigation can also provide you with a sense of satisfaction that you are protecting your IP rights and standing up for what is right. It can be a powerful way to make sure that your IP is respected and protected. So how can you make the most of IP litigation? Here are a few tips:

 

1. Understand Your IP Rights The first step to making the most of IP litigation is to understand your IP rights. You should be familiar with the different types of IP protection and what rights they provide, as well as any related laws or regulations. This will help you to identify potential infringements and determine whether or not you have the right to take legal action.

 

2. Seek Professional Advice It is also important to seek professional advice when it comes to IP litigation. An experienced IP lawyer can provide you with guidance on your legal rights and remedies, as well as help you to pursue a successful legal action.

 

3. Take Action Quickly Acting quickly is key when it comes to IP litigation. You should take action as soon as you become aware of a potential infringement, as the longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to prove your case.

 

4. Gather Evidence The more evidence you have to support your case, the stronger it will be. This means gathering evidence such as documents, emails, and other records that show the infringement occurred.

 

By following these tips, you can make the most of IP litigation and protect your valuable IP rights.

 

 

 

 

 

We offer our clients a dedicated and unique experience of expertise that is necessary for the exploitation of intangible assets.  We will also endeavor to keep you informed and up-to-date about intellectual property and digital economic issues through our articles and newsletters written by the Dreyfus Legal Team.

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What Are The Latest Trends In IT Law And How Can You Leverage Them?

The legal landscape of the tech industry is constantly changing, making it difficult to keep up with the latest developments in IT law. Companies must stay up to date with the latest laws and regulations to ensure that their businesses remain compliant. Understanding the latest trends in IT law can help companies ensure that they are taking advantage of the latest legal opportunities and protecting their intellectual property.

 

One of the most important trends in IT law is the increasing focus on data privacy. As technology has advanced, companies have begun collecting and storing more information about their customers than ever before. In response, governments around the world have implemented new regulations to protect consumer data and ensure that companies are held accountable for how they store and use customer information. Companies must understand these laws and make sure that their practices are compliant. Another important trend in IT law is the emergence of cloud computing.

 

Cloud computing allows companies to store and access data remotely, eliminating the need for physical storage devices. However, this also creates a new set of legal issues, as companies must consider the legal implications of storing and accessing data in a cloud environment. Companies must be aware of the applicable laws and regulations in order to ensure that their use of cloud computing is compliant. Finally, IT law is also increasingly focusing on cyber security. Companies must be aware of the legal requirements for protecting their networks and data against cyber attacks. Companies must also be aware of the legal implications of any cyber security breaches that may occur. Understanding the latest trends in cyber security law can help companies ensure that they are taking the necessary steps to protect their networks and data.

 

So, how can companies leverage these trends in IT law? Firstly, they should ensure that they are up to date with the latest laws and regulations. Companies should also consider the legal implications of any new technologies they are using, such as cloud computing or cyber security solutions. Companies must also make sure that they are taking the necessary steps to protect their networks and data against cyber attacks. Finally, companies should consult with an experienced IT lawyer to ensure that they are taking advantage of the latest legal opportunities and protecting their intellectual property.

 

 

 

 

We offer our clients a dedicated and unique experience of expertise that is necessary for the exploitation of intangible assets.  We will also endeavor to keep you informed and up-to-date about intellectual property and digital economic issues through our articles and newsletters written by the Dreyfus Legal Team.

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What strategies should you use to secure your intellectual property rights in the digital age?

 

As the world becomes increasingly digital, it is important to understand how to protect your intellectual property rights. Intellectual property is an asset that can be protected and controlled, but it requires the right strategies to do so. In the digital age, there are various strategies you can use to protect your intellectual property rights.

 

The first, and most important, strategy to secure your intellectual property rights is to register your intellectual property with the appropriate government body. Depending on the country, this may be a copyright registration, patent registration, or trademark registration. By registering your intellectual property, you are ensuring that your rights are legally binding and can be enforced in the event of infringement. Another strategy to protect your intellectual property rights is to use effective contracts.

 

If you are working with someone else on a project, it is important to have a contract in place that outlines each party’s rights and responsibilities in regards to the intellectual property. This will help ensure that each party is aware of and respects the other’s rights. In addition, you can also use technological tools to protect your intellectual property rights. For example, you can use digital rights management (DRM) software to help prevent unauthorized use of your intellectual property. DRM software can help protect your intellectual property from unauthorized access and copying, as well as from piracy.

 

 

Finally, you should be aware of the laws that apply to intellectual property in your jurisdiction. There are various laws and regulations that apply to intellectual property, such as copyright laws and trademark laws. By understanding these laws, you can ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to protect your intellectual property rights.

 

 

By following these strategies, you can help ensure that your intellectual property rights are protected in the digital age. It is important to understand the laws that apply to intellectual property and to use effective contracts and technological tools to protect your rights. Additionally, registering your intellectual property is essential to legally enforce your rights. By taking the necessary steps to protect your intellectual property, you can help ensure that your rights are respected and protected in the digital age.

 

 

 

 

 

We offer our clients a dedicated and unique experience of expertise that is necessary for the exploitation of intangible assets.  We will also endeavor to keep you informed and up-to-date about intellectual property and digital economic issues through our articles and newsletters written by the Dreyfus Legal Team.

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What Are the Pitfalls of Not Having IP Protection?

Intellectual property (IP) is a valuable asset that can help businesses grow and protect their investments. Without adequate IP protection, businesses are vulnerable to having their ideas and inventions stolen or copied without any legal recourse. This article will discuss the pitfalls of not having IP protection in place and the importance of having it.

 

 

The first major pitfall of not having IP protection is that your ideas and inventions are open to theft or copying by someone else. Without a registered trademark or patent, anyone can use your ideas or inventions and claim them as their own. This could mean that someone else is profiting off of your hard work and creativity, while you receive nothing in return.

 

 

Additionally, if your ideas or inventions are widely stolen or copied, it can hurt your reputation as an innovator and make it difficult to differentiate yourself from the competition. Another pitfall of not having IP protection is that you may be unable to stop others from using your ideas or inventions. If you don’t have a registered trademark or patent, you can’t legally stop others from using your ideas or inventions without your permission.

 

 

This means that anyone can take your ideas and sell them, or use them as part of their own product or service, without your consent. Finally, not having IP protection can also lead to costly legal disputes. If someone does use your ideas or inventions without your permission, you may need to take legal action in order to stop them. This can be a costly and time-consuming process, and you may be unable to recoup any of the money or effort you lost due to the infringement.

 

 

In conclusion, it’s important to have IP protection in place in order to protect your ideas and inventions. Without IP protection, you may be vulnerable to theft or copying of your ideas or inventions, unable to legally stop others from using them, and may have to take legal action in order to protect your rights.

 

 

 

We offer our clients a dedicated and unique experience of expertise that is necessary for the exploitation of intangible assets.  We will also endeavor to keep you informed and up-to-date about intellectual property and digital economic issues through our articles and newsletters written by the Dreyfus Legal Team.

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What Are the Pros and Cons of Web 3.0 Law?

Metaverse, virtual world, Web 3.0The advent of Web 3.0 has ushered in a new era of digital law, and it has become important for businesses and individuals to understand the implications of this new legal landscape. Web 3.0 law, also referred to as “smart contract” law, is a type of technology-based law that governs the use of digital assets and transactions. It is an incredibly important development in the world of intellectual property law, as it presents both opportunities and risks for businesses and individuals.

 

The primary benefit of Web 3.0 law is that it allows for the secure and seamless transfer of digital assets. Smart contracts are self-executing contracts that use blockchain technology to securely and anonymously store and transfer data. This increases the security and reliability of digital transactions, and makes them more efficient and cost-effective.

 

Furthermore, Web 3.0 law can help to protect intellectual property rights, as it allows for the secure tracking and control of digital assets. However, there are some potential drawbacks to Web 3.0 law. For one, it can be difficult to enforce, as the technology is still relatively new and there is not yet a unified legal framework.

 

Additionally, smart contracts are not always legally enforceable, meaning that parties may have difficulty obtaining legal recourse should a dispute arise. Furthermore, Web 3.0 law can be quite complex, and it is essential that businesses and individuals have a clear understanding of how it works in order to ensure that their legal rights are protected.

 

Overall, Web 3.0 law presents both opportunities and risks for businesses and individuals. It is an important development in the world of intellectual property law, and it is essential that businesses and individuals have a clear understanding of its implications. With the right knowledge and guidance, businesses and individuals can take advantage of the opportunities offered by Web 3.0 law while mitigating the risks.

 

 

 

We offer our clients a dedicated and unique experience of expertise that is necessary for the exploitation of intangible assets.  We will also endeavor to keep you informed and up-to-date about intellectual property and digital economic issues through our articles and newsletters written by the Dreyfus Legal Team.

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What Are the Challenges of Defending Your Intellectual Property Rights?

lightbulb, invention, creation, protectionAs an intellectual property (IP) owner, it is essential to protect your rights and defend your IP against infringement. However, this can be difficult and complex, as there are a variety of challenges that can arise when attempting to protect your IP.

 

 

The first challenge is the cost of defending your rights. IP litigation can be expensive, especially when involving a large company or multiple parties. The cost of litigation includes legal fees, court costs, and expert witness fees. Additionally, you must consider the opportunity cost of taking time away from your business or research to pursue IP litigation.

 

 

The second challenge is the time and effort involved in defending your IP. IP litigation can be lengthy and complex, often taking years to resolve. You must be prepared to invest significant time and resources into the process, from researching the law to preparing legal documents and attending court proceedings.

 

 

The third challenge is the risk of not being able to successfully defend your IP. Even if you have a strong legal case and a good strategy, there is no guarantee that you will prevail in court. In addition, the court may order you to pay the other party’s legal fees if you lose the case.

 

 

The fourth challenge is the difficulty of enforcing a favorable judgment. Even if you win your case and the court orders the other party to stop infringing your IP, it can be difficult to actually enforce the judgment.

 

This is especially true if the other party is located in a different jurisdiction or is a large corporation with significant resources.

 

 

The fifth challenge is the risk of negative publicity. IP litigation can be very public, and the media may report on the case. This can put a negative light on your business or research, and may even affect your ability to attract investors or customers.

 

 

Finally, IP owners must be aware of the risk of counterclaims. The other party may file a counterclaim against you in an attempt to avoid liability or to shift the blame. These counterclaims can be difficult to defend against and may require additional resources and legal fees.

 

 

Overall, defending your IP rights can be a complicated and expensive process. As an IP owner, it is important to understand the risks and challenges associated with IP litigation and to be prepared to address them. While the process can be difficult, it is essential to protecting your valuable IP rights.

 

 

 

 

We offer our clients a dedicated and unique experience of expertise that is necessary for the exploitation of intangible assets.  We will also endeavor to keep you informed and up-to-date about intellectual property and digital economic issues through our articles and newsletters written by the Dreyfus Legal Team.

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What is an intellectual property attorney?

An intellectual property attorney is a lawyer specialized in intellectual property law, who has a mission to support the protection of intellectual creations. Intellectual property law includes industrial property such as patents, trademarks and designs, as well as literary and artistic property. Intellectual property lawyers have a unique set of skills and knowledge related to filing, drafting contracts, as well as litigation related to intellectual property rights.

The purpose of an intellectual property lawyer is to assist individuals and businesses in protecting their intellectual property rights. This includes providing legal advice and representation to clients involved in the development, protection and enforcement of their intellectual property rights, primarily in the areas of patent, trademark, design and copyright.

Patents: A patent is a government grant that gives the owner exclusive rights to make and sell his invention. To obtain a patent, you must file a patent application with the national or regional Intellectual Property Office and meet the criteria for patentability including novelty, inventive step and industrial application. An intellectual property lawyer can assist in the patent application process, as well as in the application of a patent.

Trademarks: A trademark is a sign that distinguishes the products or services of a company from those of its competitors. The trademark can be a word, a name, a logo, etc. or a combination of these elements. Being one of the industrial property rights, it is necessary for the owner to file the trademark application with the coorect office. In order to be registered, the trademark must also meet certain criteria, including availability, distinctiveness and lawfulness. Trademarks have a central place in the work of intellectual property attorneys because they are important assets and the capital of companies.

Designs: Intellectual property lawyers also assist clients with the protection of designs. They protect the appearance of a product or part of a product characterized by lines, contours, colors, etc.

Copyright: Copyright is the legal protection of an original work expressed in tangible form. Copyright protects not only literary works, but also musical, graphic, and sound creations, as well as software and applied art. Although copyright is automatically protected without procedures, it is recommended to file the application for registration. An intellectual property lawyer can assist in the registration and enforcement of a copyright.

 

An intellectual property lawyer is an important asset for individuals and companies seeking to protect their intellectual property. The role of intellectual property lawyers contributes significantly to the development of technology as well as the economy.

 

 

 

This article is current as of the date of its publication and does not necessarily reflect the present state of the law or relevant regulation.

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What is the role of the Legal Expert in Intellectual Property?

The Legal Expert’s role is to give an opinion on precise technical points. He or she can be designated by the Judge or by parties to the proceeding.  Legal experts are present in all fields where a technical opinion may be required, for example for medicine, architecture, law, which of course includes Intellectual Property law.

 

What is the “specific” role of the Legal Expert in Intellectual Property?

 

Technicality and technicity are at the heart of intellectual property.  Innovation and creation are the essence of this subject. Therefore, resorting to Experts is often mandatory to analyze, explain or interpret an Inventor’s invention or a Creative’s creation from a technical point of view.

 

For example, the Legal Expert in Intellectual Property may be called upon to evaluate the prejudices caused by an infringement of an Intellectual Property Right, which are often difficult to estimate, particularly in the case of Trademarks. More generally, the expert may examine the technical evidence or question  parties in order to provide an impartial opinion.

 

It is important to note, that the judge is not required to follow the Expert’s recommendations, however they may rely on the Expert’s report or testimony at the hearing as a basis for their decision.

 

How are Legal Experts in Intellectual Property appointed?

 

There are two distinct ways to designate a Legal Expert during a legal proceeding.

Firstly, a  Judge will call upon the experts registered on the National lists. The Experts are specialized and there are several lists available that classify Experts by specialty and subspecialties. . One list is made by the French Cour de cassation (Supreme Court) and there is also one list via the Appeal Courts. Secondly, the parties to the proceeding may  also directly contact a Legal Expert of their choice.  This Expert may not be on the lists of the Cour de cassation or the Appeal Courts. In this case, the Expert will have to take an oath before a  Judge at the time of the hearing.

 

What is the role of Dreyfus & associés ?

 

Dreyfus is an Industrial Property law firm based in Paris.

Nathalie Dreyfus, founder of Dreyfus & associés, is a registered Legal Expert before the Paris Court of Appeal for specialty E.09.02 Industrial Property – Trademarks. In December, 2022, she was named as a Legal Expert before the French Cour de cassation (Supreme Court) for the same specialty.

The Legal Expert in Intellectual Property is above all  a technical and Legal Expert in one or more Intellectual Property specialties, having several years of experience practicing Intellectual Property Law.

The process involves the Legal Expert intervening  in a legal proceeding to provide their  expertise on a Trademark, a Patent or a design’s technical aspects and in so doing,  they help the Judge to motivate towards a decision.

 

 

For further information, do not hesitate to contact us:

contact@dreyfus.fr.

 

 

We offer our clients a dedicated and unique experience of expertise that is necessary for the exploitation of intangible assets.  We will also endeavor to keep you informed and up-to-date about intellectual property and digital economic issues through our articles and newsletters written by the Dreyfus Legal Team.

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