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Following a controversial six-month battle in Parliament, the Digital Copyright Law is finally close to being definitively adopted and incorporated into the IP Code. However, the legislative procedure (adoption by the deputies, then by the senators) has been something of a soap opera. As there is still dissent, the bill must now be passed by the Joint Committee.

As new technologies can protect digital recordings from unauthorized reproduction, many argue that a private copying exception is still necessary in the interests of freedom of expression and access to culture. A new bill which hinders consumers from making private copies of recorded works has been condemned as an attack on the right of public access.

The EU Directive on protection for designs and patterns was implemented in France on July 25 2001. This directive significantly modifies French law regarding the conditions necessary for protection to be granted as well as the length of this protection. However, the registration system, rules of procedure and counterfeiting issue have not been substantially modified yet.

French courts are watchful of patentees who, without an enforceable ruling, send letters to third parties warning of possible patent infringement. However, in a case involving the patent for a coin machine for supermarket trolleys, the Paris Court of Appeal made an unparalleled decision on June 30 2000. This update examines the case.

There have been several recent changes to French intellectual propery law. These follow judgments made in conflicts between domain names and trademarks and reforms to patent rights in Europe.

The components of domain names are examined alongside questions relating to progressive changes to registration requirements that are being made in line with court rulings on liability.

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