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Grillage à moutons
répartiteur
Feb 16, 2012 12:53
12 yrs ago
French term

défenseur de papeterie

French to English Law/Patents Law (general)
From a writ of summons, setting out the details of the counsels for the defence: "Aux fins de la communication, les défenseurs de papeterie soussignés indiquent les renseignements suivants : [lawyers' fax numbers and email addresses follow]."

In case anyone is wondering, the case/clients have nothing to do with the paper industry!
Proposed translations (English)
3 paper defence counsel
4 paper producers/friends of the paper industry
3 "paperwork protectors"

Discussion

Lydia2011 (asker) Feb 17, 2012:
It seems to be the case - there's no further allusion to it in the rest of the document. Many thanks to everyone who contributed.
AllegroTrans Feb 16, 2012:
Asker How long is the document? Is the theory borne out?
Lydia2011 (asker) Feb 16, 2012:
It would never have occurred to me that it might be a joke given the context, but you all seem fairly sure, and the document does not refer to a petition or paper in any way, so unless anyone has any other ideas, it looks like that might be the most likely option!
Alison Sparks (X) Feb 16, 2012:
Has it got anything to do with a petition? Or is it as AllegroTrans suggests an ironic remark about the amount of "paperasse" so beloved of the French?
AllegroTrans Feb 16, 2012:
Maybe the pleading was extremely long and they are being ironic...but it seems odd in a formal document, more like what may be said verbally
Sean Sheahan Feb 16, 2012:
that's a good one Nigel! Seriously, it sounds like a caustic private joke to me
AllegroTrans Feb 16, 2012:
It is very strange in a formal document. Does "papeterie" (or anything relating to paper) appear anyweher else?
Nigel Wheatley Feb 16, 2012:
maybe it's implying that the defence counsel are a bit stationary...

Proposed translations

4 hrs
Selected

paper defence counsel

a literal translation that still preserves a play on words: I don't think you could be critcised for a translation like this, especially if you flag it up to the client as a possible in-joke
Something went wrong...
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "Thank you!"
2 hrs

"paperwork protectors"

Sounds like the information in question is a matter of form, that the writer thinks could be done without - but legally can't, which makes good business for stationers. If this is indeed the case, i.e. a joke, I suggest "paperwork protectors" for the onomatopoeia
Something went wrong...
4 hrs

paper producers/friends of the paper industry

on the assumption it is an ironic reference to the length of the pleading
Something went wrong...
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