Trademark registration in France

In 3 steps, register your trademark in France

1. Before filing, you need to determine for which products or services you wish to register your trademark. A trademark lawyer will help you determine the protection scope of your trademark.

A trademark prior search is recommended. Different types of search are available:

- basic or - extensive search.

2. The trademark attorney will file your trademark application and be designated as a legal representative. Representation is obligatory before the French INPI if the owner does not reside in the EU or in the EEE. Taxes must be paid on the same day of fliing. On-line filing is now available.

Six weeks after filing, the INPI will publish the trademark in the French trademark Bulletin (BOPI).

The INPI will examine the request for registration within a delay that varies, from a couple of weeks to a few months.The examination may lead to the office sending objections to the trademark registration. The trademark attorney will deal with the objections and give the appropriate answer to the office.

3. If no opposition is made to your trademark application, and no objections remains, your trademark will be registered and published. A trademark registration certificate will be sent by the INPI to your attorney.The trademark will be valid for a period of 10 years, and may be renewed for 10 years, as many times as you like. Unlike patents, there is no limit to the duration of a trademark, if it is renewed in due time every ten years.