The decision, awarding damages for a breach of competition law, is a precedent in France. Interim measures are the normal means of putting a stop to anti-competitive behaviour and damages are usually only regarded as a further option.

This is why cases are normally brought before the competition authorities even though they have no power to award damages.

Depending on the circumstances of the case, this strategy may now need to be reviewed.

Nicolas Charbit
Freshfields
Paris