Yasmine EDDAM
Case law on exclusive distribution agreements in competition law
By Yasmine EDDAM29 June 2025Distribution agreements, and more specifically exclusivity clauses, are at the heart of many commercial strategies. They enable a supplier to organise the marketing of its products and ensure an effective presence on a market. However, these contracts are closely watched by the competition authorities, as they can easily drift into anti-competitive practices. The dividing line between a legitimate network organisation and an illegal cartel is often a fine one, largely shaped by case law. Understanding these nuances is essential if you are to secure your commercial relationships, an approach in which the advice of a lawyer with expertise in unfair competition and cartels can make all the difference. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the court decisions that have defined the framework for these practices, to complement our comprehensive guide to vertical restraints in competition law. The principle that distribution agreements are lawful...
Seizure of the boat: enforcement measures and protection of the creditor
Commercial, business and competition law, NavigationWhen a debtor fails to honour his financial commitments, the creditor has legal means at his disposal to recover the debt. If the debtor is the owner of a valuable asset, such as an inland waterway vessel, this asset may be subject to specific procedures known as enforcement measures. French law, supplemented by other...The legal status of inland waterway vessels: what you need to know
Commercial, business and competition law, NavigationWhether it's a barge fitted out for habitation, a hotel boat navigating the canals or a self-propelled vehicle transporting goods, the river boat occupies a unique place in our landscape and in our law. Often perceived as a simple means of transport or an original place to live, it has a unique place in our...The electronic one-stop shop: the new compulsory gateway for business formalities
CFE, Commercial, business and competition lawSetting up, changing or even closing down a business in France has often been seen as an administrative headache. Multiple forms, varied contacts, uncertain deadlines... a real headache for many entrepreneurs. In an attempt to remedy this complexity, a major reform has been implemented. Since...Setting up or running a business in France: a guide for resident foreign entrepreneurs
Commercial, business and competition lawFrance is an attractive destination for many entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, keen to develop their projects in a dynamic economic environment. However, setting up and running a commercial, industrial or craft business in France when you are a national of a non-EU country (outside the European Union, the European Economic Area and...The agricultural integration contract: definition, nature and key obligations
Agriculture, Commercial, business and competition lawIntegration is a growing economic reality in French agriculture. For many farmers, this means structuring their relationships with those downstream in the supply chain, particularly processing and marketing companies. While this type of organisation can provide outlets and a degree of security, it also raises a number of issues...Inland waterway carrier: understanding your contractual liability insurance
Insurance, Commercial, Business and Competition LawAs an inland waterway transport professional, your job is to transport your customers' goods safely. But what happens if, despite all your precautions, the cargo you are transporting suffers damage, loss or is simply damaged while in your care?...River insurance: common rules for all policies
Insurance, Commercial, Business and Competition LawWhether you are looking to insure your barge, the goods you transport on a canal, or your liability as an inland navigation professional, certain fundamental principles run through all river and lake insurance policies. Before you even get into the details of a 'body', 'cargo' or 'liability' policy, you need to be aware of the...Protecting your river boat: everything you need to know about hull insurance
Insurance, Commercial, Business and Competition LawYour boat, whether it's a transport barge, a canal boat or a tourist cruiser, is much more than just a means of transport. It is often a major investment, or even your main working tool. Protecting it from the vagaries of navigation...River freight transport: how do you insure your cargo?
Insurance, Commercial, Business and Competition LawShipping goods by river is often seen as a reliable and less risky option than other modes of transport. The relatively slow speed of navigation, the large carrying capacity of boats and the fact that they are less exposed to road hazards all contribute to this image of safety. However, zero risk...The general shop: a logistical and financial tool under close scrutiny
Commercial, business and competition law, ShopsManaging large stocks often represents a logistical and financial challenge for companies. Whether it's raw materials, agricultural produce or manufactured goods, secure storage and the possibility of adding value to them in order to obtain financing are major concerns. In this context, the general shop offers a solution...Occupying the public domain for itinerant traders
Commercial, business and competition law, Travelling salesmenItinerant commercial activity takes place mainly on public land. This occupation is subject to strict rules. Traders must obtain prior authorisation and comply with the conditions laid down by the local authorities. Different types of authorisation Occupation of the public domain requires a specific administrative authorisation. The...Ship co-ownership: an essential guide to understanding your rights and obligations
Commercial, business and competition law, Navigation``html Sharing the ownership of a boat, whether it's a sailing yacht for leisure, a trawler for fishing or even a commercial vessel, is a solution that appeals to many people. It's a way of pooling acquisition and maintenance costs, and sharing a passion or activity...End of joint ownership of a ship and tax aspects: what you need to know
Commercial, business and competition law, NavigationLike any human enterprise or legal structure, ship co-ownership has a limited lifespan. Whether through the will of the co-owners, the force of events or a court decision, the shared adventure around the vessel will one day come to an end. How does this happen in practice?Itinerant trade: a complete guide to legal and administrative obligations
Commercial, business and competition law, Travelling salesmenItinerant trade offers flexibility and autonomy. It also involves specific obligations. This guide sets out the essential rules for carrying on an itinerant commercial or craft activity legally. Who is affected by the rules governing itinerant trade? The legal framework distinguishes between two categories of professionals. Itinerant traders They...Ship co-ownership: how is it created and how does it work?
Commercial, business and competition law, NavigationThe idea of buying a boat as a group appeals to many people who love the sea, whether for fishing, pleasure or even a commercial activity. It's an age-old practice that allows you to share the costs and pleasures of sailing. But beware: owning a shared vessel is not the same as...Ship's agents: what rights, what financial responsibilities?
Commercial, business and competition law, NavigationBecoming part-owner of a ship, or "quirataire" as it is known, opens the door to a shared maritime adventure. But beyond the dream, this status confers specific rights and, above all, implies financial responsibilities that it is essential to understand before committing yourself. Far from being just a passive investor, the...Specific arrangements for fairground workers: travel permits and local authority
Commercial, business and competition law, Travelling salesmenShowmen are governed by a separate administrative regime from itinerant traders. Their status implies additional obligations linked to the absence of a fixed abode. The legal definition of a fairground dweller One essential criterion defines a fairground dweller: the absence of a stable place of residence. Legal definition A showman is a person with no fixed abode or...The health obligations of itinerant traders in the food sector
Commercial, business and competition law, Travelling salesmenIn addition to obtaining a professional licence, itinerant food sales require compliance with strict health regulations. These obligations protect consumers and make traders liable. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties. The applicable regulatory framework The itinerant food trade is subject to a precise framework. The...The maritime fishing business: what is its legal status and what are the social rules?
Commercial, business and competition law, Fisherieshtml Starting up or running a business in the marine fishing sector involves much more than simply mastering navigation and catching techniques. Choosing the right legal structure, understanding your social obligations and knowing the exact status of your business are fundamental steps in ensuring...Who represents and organises maritime fishing professionals in France?
Commercial, business and competition law, FisheriesThe French marine fishing sector, rich in diversity and history, is structured by a complex set of professional organisations and consultative bodies. Understanding who does what in this institutional landscape is not always easy for fishermen, shipowners or players in the downstream sector...
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