The writer Claude Ribbe has just brought summary proceedings against the company Chapter 2. He is asking the court to ban the use of the title *Le Diable noir* and its variations, arguing that he must protect a title he has been using for years and which he registered as a trade mark with the INPI in November 2024. His historical novel *Le Diable noir* was published by Fayard in May 2026. The hearing is scheduled for 5 October 2026 at the Paris Judicial Court.
The case is all the more contentious given that the film project had initially been registered under the title *Le Premier Dumas*, before officially becoming *Dumas – Diable noir* in July 2026. However, this latter title had already been used publicly as early as 2025 in several funding applications for the film, notably with the Île-de-France Region.
Behind this dispute over a few words, the stakes are therefore considerable: a production budget of over 40 million euros, a five-star cast, a release date scheduled for **13 October 2027** and now an unexpected question: will this French blockbuster be able to keep its name?
At this level, two words can be worth a great deal.
