Sale of elephant ivory objects : the applicable regulation
Since the 1970s, the trade in ivory objects, in particular those derived from elephants, has been subject to increasingly strict regulation. The legitimate objective is to combat poaching and trafficking. The result is a complex regulatory framework in which prohibition is the rule, and authorization, the exception. A recent decision of the Orléans Administrative Court […]
Restoration and conservation of Notre-Dame de Paris : les will Viollet-le-Duc’s stained glass windows soon be replaced ?
The Grand Palais is presenting, until March 2026, the models for six contemporary stained glass windows designed for Notre-Dame by the artist Claire Tabouret. They are intended to replace six stained glass windows designed by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Although these stained glass windows were not damaged by the 2019 fire, the project is giving rise to […]
The destruction of infringing works, an appropriate sanction : turnaround in the Chagall case
In a judgment dated 11 July 2025, the Paris Court of Appeal held that the presentation of a “fake” Chagall to the artist’s authentication committee as well as to an auctioneer constitutes an act of infringement. It therefore ordered the destruction of the disputed painting. In doing so, it departs from the solution adopted at […]
Cultural property looted during the Second world war : the cour des comptes report takes stock of the situation
Looted cultural property continues to be identified or rediscovered within public and private collections. These discoveries result from provenance research carried out by rights holders, departments of certain major museums and auction houses, as well as the Commission for the Restution of Propertu and the Compensation of Victims of Antisemitic Spoliations (CIVS) and the Mission […]
The complex regulation of sales of nazi objects
Between vile symbols of an ideology to be fought and historical testimonies that must be preserved as a duty of memory, it is difficult to define the legal regime of Nazi objects. They remain in the attics of houses occupied by Germans, they sometimes appear in flea markets, sales or online. How should they be […]
The case of the fake 18th-century furniture from the palace of Versailles : a judgment too favorable to the state ans risks for the Art market
If the case of the fake 18th-century furniture from the Palace of Versailles has been widely publicised in its criminal aspect, the civil dimension of the case has, by contrast, been overlooked. Yet it presents major interest for art market professionals. The purpose of this article is therefore not to recount a well-known saga, but […]
Olivier de Baecque attends the international conference “Catalogues raisonnés: past, present, future”
The Drouot Group is organizing an international conference in partnership with the newly created Société Internationale des Catalogues Raisonnées (CRIS). Several panels will bring together 17 French and international specialists around the theme “Catalogues Raisonnés: Past, Present, Future.” Olivier de Baecque will attend a legal discussion to deal with the contributions and relevance of catalogues […]
Olivier de Baecque, lawyer of the year in art law, according to Best Lawyers®
The American Best Lawyers® guide has been unveiling its list of the best lawyers in many countries every year for 40 years. In France, Olivier de Baecque is recognized by his peers as the lawyer of the year 2022 for his expertise in art law. A single professional is awarded the title of lawyer of […]
Ranking of the best law firms in France
The Leaders League / Décideurs rating agency establishes the ranking of the best experts in 50 countries. For 20 years, this site has distinguished the best intellectual property law firms in France. In 2021, De Baecque Bellec is one of the best law firms in art law and trademark law. Olivier de Baecque is distinguished […]