Viguié Schmidt & Associés is known for exhibiting deep bench strength in handling M&A and disputes, including insider trading investigations, marketing authorisation-related issues, and product liability matters involving vaccines. Praised by clients for his ‘very detailed’ knowledge, practice co-head Etienne Gouesse maintains a litigation focused practice, advising numerous pharma companies on pre-litigation strategy and representing clients before administrative and commercial courts. Co-head Iñaki Saint-Esteben is known for his deep knowledge of competition law, regularly advising clients on merger control and indemnification requests.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Etienne Gouesse has very detailed knowledge of the legal issues that arise in the context of procedures relating to the liability of defective products applied to medicines and more particularly to vaccines.’
‘A team specialising in post-MA administrative litigation in the life sciences sector.’
‘Etienne Gouesse has great listening skills.’
Key clients
- Johnson & Johnson
- AB SCIENCE
Work highlights
- Acted for Johnson & Johnson Santé Beauté France in a private damage claim filed by Carrefour following a decision rendered by the FCA with respect to the home and personal care products industry.On 14 April 2021, the Paris Court of appeal fully dismissed Carrefour’s damage claim (which amounted to more than 10m euros). In its ruling of 19 October 2022, the French Supreme Court definitively rejected Carrefour's appeal.
- Acted for AB Science’s CEO in proceeding before the AMF for insider trading. AB Science’s CEO was totally exonerated by the AMF Commission sanction. The AMF’s President appealed.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Etienne Gouesse, Iñaki Saint-Esteben