France hears commercial disputes in a court unlike most others in Europe.
Which court has jurisdiction
For cross-border claims, Brussels Ia generally points to the courts of the defendant company’s seat, with special contract/tort rules and respect for choice-of-court clauses.
The commercial court and its lay judges
Disputes between traders and companies go to the tribunal de commerce, a court staffed by elected lay judges who are themselves business people (juges consulaires) rather than career magistrates — a distinctive French feature.
How a claim starts
Proceedings begin with an assignation (writ) served by a commissaire de justice. Representation by a lawyer is now generally required in many commercial matters, and appeals go to the cour d’appel.
Costs
The court can order the losing party to contribute to the winner’s costs, though awards rarely cover full legal spend.
For foreign claimants
A verified French colleague can confirm jurisdiction, draft the assignation, and appear before the tribunal de commerce.
Representation rules and procedure change — confirm with admitted French counsel.