My fees are calculated in proportion to your financial situation, the difficulty and the economic stakes of the case and can consist of a lump sum or, less often, of an hourly fee.
Lump sum fees allow for control and visibility over the costs of my services and are particularly suitable for services such as trademark registration, drafting an assignment or license agreement, drafting a formal notice letter, a simple consultation, etc.
Hourly fees are calculated based on an hourly rate, excluding taxes and expenses, which varies depending on the technicality required by the matter. A range of the expected final fee amount is indicated in the quote. It is also possible to set a maximum fee. I will inform you immediately of any risk of exceeding the estimated amount so that I can adjust the fee with you.
Invoices include the detail of diligences (meetings and interviews, analysis of the case, legal research, drafting of legal documents, hearings in court, etc.).
It is also possible to agree upon contingency fees based on success in litigation and granting of damages, or in case of success in a prelitigation and granting of an indemnity. In France, contingency fees cannot represent the totality of the fees agreed upon. This type of fee helps to offer preferential hourly fees or lump sum fees.
This type of fee is most appropriate for litigations and for procedures conducted before intellectual property offices (INPI, EUIPO), although it is possible to agree on a lump fee.
It is also possible to work on a subscription basis.
Costs and disbursements (bailiff diligence, INPI or EUIPO fees, mailing costs, fixed costs, revenue stamps, pleading fees) are billed back to the clients on presentation of receipt each time it is possible.
A retaining fee can be applicable in certain circumstances.
In case of a success in a litigation, it is possible to request reimbursement of attorney’s fees, costs and disbursements by the opponent. However, US clients should be aware that French courts are not as generous than US courts in this regard and that there are no statutory damages or treble damages in France.
Attorney’s fees are subject to VAT at a rate of 20 % that applies only to EU clients.
Jérémie Leroy-Ringuet is member of a certified management association.