Companies may consider reassessing their options regarding contract enforcement in light of the recent court decisions handed down and regulatory measures adopted.

Key Points:

..A number of French courts have considered that quarantine and lockdown measures may qualify as force majeure events, yet parties to a commercial dispute may not rely solely on this case law.

..Companies may consider the availability of the specific measures adopted to prevent businesses from failing as a result of the outbreak and the related regulatory constraints.

..As French courts start to resume full judicial activity, litigants should keep in mind the adaptations made necessary by the health crisis, including with regards to the computation of statutes of limitations and the organisation of hearings.