Lindt & Sprüngli, the Swiss chocolate company, has been mandated by the Paris Court of Appeal to pay 500,000 euros to the Champs-Élysées Committee for using images of the famous avenue's Christmas lights without permission. The Committee, established to promote the avenue's image, has organized the lighting displays since 1980 and claims that the unauthorized advertisement infringes on their copyright regarding the specific decorations and ambiance that are associated with their annual holiday lighting. The dispute centers around Lindt's previous registration of the "Champs-Élysées" name for its chocolate line, which the Committee contests in relation to the advertisement's portrayal of the illuminations. According to the Committee, the advertisement depicts real elements of the Champ-Élysées with significant visual similarities to their copyrighted light displays. This has raised questions about advertising ethics and intellectual property rights, highlighting the importance of seeking permission when utilizing protected imagery in commercial contexts. This ruling not only imposes a financial penalty on Lindt but also reinforces the necessity for companies to respect intellectual property rights, especially in cases involving cultural landmarks. It serves as a warning to other companies about the consequences of using protected content for marketing purposes without appropriate authorization, thereby setting a precedent for future advertising practices.