Hallyday has sold 100 million records in France

An arbitration board ordered Universal to hand over the originals of lucrative recordings going back to 1961.

A decision on a 50m euros (�37m) damages claim against his long-time employer was deferred until next year.

Earlier, Hallyday, 61, had complained of exploitation by Universal and announced he was leaving the company.

Hallyday is known as "our Johnny" by the French

The decision is being seen as major loss for Universal as Hallyday's back catalogue continues to sell strongly in France.

At a hearing last month, Hallyday's lawyer said Universal had illegally bound the singer to the company by offering millions of euros in financial loans, including a sum of 5.3m euros (�3.5m) to buy a yacht.

Hallyday's lawyer Jacques Verrecchia said the singer was "jubilant" with the ruling.

"We have pulled off a great victory today because my principal demand has been met," he said.

"He (Hallyday) has got what he wanted - for the moment - even if it's too early to proclaim victory."

Universal has agreed that Hallyday can terminate his contract at the end of 2005, meaning he will produce only one more album there rather than six that had been planned.