Ms Geraldine Arbant > Bird & Bird > Lyon, France > Lawyer Profile

Servicing a broad range of clients whose industries extend to luxury goods, media, food and retail, telecoms, sports, publishing, and journalism, the team at Bird & Bird is one of the most respected IP teams in France. Noted by clients for having ‘deep and unrivalled’ knowledge, the firm handles the full gamut of issues extending from litigation, including liability claims, to copyright registration, protection, and exploitation. Known for masterfully crafting copyright licenses and agreements, the team is led by the erudite Géraldine Arbant who also handles brand management, transactional, and soft IP litigation. Supporting the team is Edouard Treppoz and Frédérique Bocqueraz, who handles the firm’s retail and consumer clients. Nathan Soulié makes a significant contribution to the practice, leveraging his experience in technical contract negotiations.

With an impressive record for handling complex multi-jurisdictional patent litigation before foreign courts, French courts, European IP offices, and the UPC, Bird & Bird is a well-respected industry player who caters to some of the world’s most emblematic conglomerates in industries not limited to software development, life-sciences, healthcare, electronics, food and beverage, and automotives. The team is led by Anne-Charlotte Le-Bihan, who in addition to being an erudite litigator, is also a soft IP expert and prolific negotiator. Co-head and Lyon-based Géraldine Arbant handles regional work. Described by one client as a ‘one-stop shop’, the team is supported by Thierry Lautier, who leverages his previous experience as an engineer to additionally advise on IP contracts and the IP-related aspects of corporate deals, including M&A. The ‘dynamic and inventive’ Alexandra Schellino is another noted name in the team.

The team at Bird & Bird harnesses strong cross-sector expertise and a large multidisciplinary team, offering a full range of business law services at the local and international level. Assisting both French and multi-national corporations operating in the greater Rhone-Alps region, the firm is particularly well regarded for advising startups and SMEs. The team is led by Lyon-based David Malcoiffe, who leverages extensive expertise in advising investment funds and start-up companies in private equity and venture capital transactions at the national and international level. Géraldine Arbant  lends decades of experience in brand management, trademark and copyright litigation, whilst Anne-Florence Raducault specialises in contractual, commercial and corporate disputes and business criminal liability. Nathalie Devernay and Benjamin Lichtlé are also key contacts.

Bird & Bird is widely respected for its strength in advising on high-profile international and European trademarks and designs matters. The team is regularly sought out by manufacturers and technology companies across a variety of industries including retail, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and electronics for comprehensive trademark and design advice. Anne-Charlotte Le Bihan, who is noted for her expertise in pan-European litigation, and Géraldine Arbant , who has a wealth of experience advising on strategic IP management, are the practice heads. Edouard Treppoz is also noted.