TF1 has been ordered to pay €6,875 million to Eole Conseil, Nicolas Hulot's company. The ruling concerns the commercial exploitation of the Ushuaïa brand, associated with the former television program presented by Nicolas Hulot on TF1. The Nanterre Commercial Court awarded this sum as damages.
The dispute concerns royalties.
The dispute concerns royalties related to the Ushuaïa brand. Nicolas Hulot believed he was entitled to a share of the revenue generated from the brand's commercial exploitation. An agreement reached in the 1990s stipulated that he would receive a portion of the gross revenue from Ushuaïa products. TF1 contested this claim.
The sale to L'Oréal is at the heart of the matter.
In 2024, TF1 sold almost all the rights to the Ushuaïa brand to L'Oréal. The sale price was estimated at €27,5 million. The court used this figure as the basis for determining compensation for Nicolas Hulot. The amount awarded represents a quarter of the estimated sale price.
Ushuaïa, a brand originating from a TF1 program
Ushuaia It began as an adventure and discovery program presented by Nicolas Hulot on TF1 starting in 1987. The program later spawned a commercial brand used in several sectors, notably hygiene and cosmetic products. L'Oréal was already using the brand for shower gels and deodorants under a contract signed with TF1.
A decision that is still subject to appeal
TF1 can still appeal this decision. At this stage, the ruling sets the amount owed to Nicolas Hulot at €6,875 million. The case concerns only the financial rights related to the commercial exploitation of the Ushuaïa brand.
