(PARIS) - A Paris appeals court refused Friday to ban a Nicolas Sarkozy voodoo doll, but ordered the novelty to be sold with a label describing it as offensive to the French president.

The decision came a month after a lower court dismissed Sarkozy's request for a ban, ruling that the doll fell "within the authorised limits of free expression and the right to humour."

The appeals judge found that "spearing the doll according to the instructions and with the provided needles -- an action that evokes physical harm albeit symbolic -- constitutes an offence to the dignity of Mr Sarkozy."

The judge ruled against banning the doll, however, saying that such a move would be "disproportionate and inadequate."

Instead, the court ordered Tear Prod -- the company behind the novelty -- to add a warning label on the box describing the doll as an offence to the dignity of the president.

Tear Prod was also ordered to pay the symbolic sum of one euro in damages to Sarkozy.

Widely available on the Internet, the doll is emblazoned with some of Sarkozy's famous quotes including "Get lost arsehole!" that the president told a bystander who refused to shake his hand at a farm show last year.

Sarkozy's lawyer Thierry Herzog said he was "absolutely satisfied" by the ruling. He said he would consult with his client on possible further action.

Herzog had argued during the appeals ruling that inciting people to stick needles in the Sarkozy doll went "far beyond" satire and was tantamount to "incitement to hatred."

The case was the president's sixth lawsuit since he was elected last year.

The president and first lady Carla Bruni won a case against Ryanair in February after the Irish budget airline had used a photograph of the couple in a newspaper advertisement.

Some 20,000 Sarkozy voodoo dolls have been sold along with a similar doll made in the image of Socialist Segolene Royal, who was his rival for the presidency in last year's elections.

Contrary to Sarkozy, Royal has not sued, saying "I have a sense of humour".

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