Our international distribution practice covers the whole range of legal services related to the manufacturing, packaging, labeling, trading, transport, delivery and recall of goods.
The PETILLION team has particular experience in managing cross-border and multi-jurisdictional disputes, handling court litigation and arbitration proceedings before domestic, European, and international bodies.
We draft, review and negotiate different types of distribution agreements, including licensing, concessions, agencies, and franchising. PETILLION manages the commercial as well as the regulatory, antitrust and parallel import questions related to distribution.
With the growing form of e-commerce and online business, we have been representing new forms of intermediaries, especially with regard to liability issues for third party rights infringements by users of Internet platforms.
Recent cases include:
- Representation of Beevers Kaas in a dispute against Ahold and Albert Heijn regarding the enforcement of an exclusive distribution agreement and the prohibition of active sales in the exclusive territory. The mattter is currently pending before the Court of Justice of the European Union (case C-581/23)
- Advised an exclusive distributor of industrial tooling equipment on new Vertical Block Exemption Regulation and possible changes to its distribution model
- Represented a Spanish major pig breeder in negotiations on the termination of a distribution agreement in Belgium
- Represented a manufacturer of specialised rubber and polymer products in court proceedings on the immediate termination of a distribution agreement for breach of contract
- Advising a luxury brand on the termination of a distribution agreement and private international law
- Advised and represented a medical device company in reorganising its international distribution network
- Represented the global food sourcing and procurement partner Eurofood Partners in a multi-jurisdictional dispute regarding the termination of a commercial agency agreement and the fiduciary duties of a Belgian agent
- Acted as emergency arbitrator, ordering interim measures in a matter opposing a distributor and importer of handling equipment to a former business partner
- Represented the world’s largest aircraft engine manufacturer on termination of a distribution agreement