Develop a foreign brand in France

Gouache Avocat helps foreign brands approach the French market to establish themselves there:

• information on applicable regulations,
• connections, implementation study,
• drafting of franchise agreements, master agreements, and any distribution agreement.

Strategy for setting up your brand in France

Gouache Avocats assists you in determining the most relevant implementation model for your expansion on French territory:

• Opening of a liaison office to analyse the market before investing sustainably;
• Creation of a branch or subsidiary for direct control of the development of the brand in France;
• Establishment of a joint venture with a French partner to pool risks and benefit from local expertise;
• Use of contractual solutions such as franchise, master franchise, sales office or exclusive distribution.

Each model has its advantages and constraints depending on your strategy and the French regulatory framework. Our lawyers guide you in these choices, taking into account the legal and tax obligations specific to the French market.

Mastering the French legal and tax environment

The establishment of a foreign brand in France is subject to a set of regulations that can impact your business model and your financial

• flows:

  Local and international taxation: permanent establishment, corporate tax, VAT, international tax treaties, possible double taxation;

• Regulations on foreign investment in France: regulated sectors, prior checks by the French administration;
• The applicable police laws regardless of the law chosen in the contracts;
• Protecting your brand in France and the European Union.

We analyze the impact of these elements to structure your contracts and optimize your implementation according to French legal and tax realities.

Our services for your establishment in France

Gouache Avocats assists you at every stage of your development in France:

• Analysis of the opportunities and constraints of the French market according to your activity and your implementation strategy;
• Assistance in the choice of the implementation model (branch, subsidiary, franchise, joint venture, etc.);
• Drafting and negotiation of distribution, franchise, master franchise or partnership contracts;
  

Legal and tax

• structuring of the establishment to ensure regulatory compliance and optimize your profitability;
• Protection of your brand and intangible assets on the French market;
• Assistance in the event of litigation with your partners, distributors or franchisees in France.

International expertise and a tailor-made approach for your establishment in France

Our lawyers have recognised expertise in distribution law and international law. We have developed a methodology and a network of correspondents allowing a detailed understanding of the legal and economic issues of each location.

Our experience covers many sectors and allows us to offer an approach adapted to the specificities of your brand and your target market.

You are a foreign brand, to establish yourself in France, structure your approach to the market, contact the best professionals, be introduced to institutional lessors, Gouache Avocats is at your service. If you wish to become the French master franchisee of a foreign brand, Gouache Avocats will help you both to negotiate the master franchise contract, and to draft and have the master franchisee validate the sub-franchise contract.

All of the firm’s lawyers practice English professionally.