🇫🇷 France · Trademark & IP
Trademark registration, patents, copyright, official IP offices, and filing costs.
Quick answer
French trademarks are registered with the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). You search the register, file an application classifying goods/services under Nice, and it publishes in the BOPI for a two-month opposition period before registration. A French trademark lasts 10 years and is renewable; an EU-wide alternative is the EU trademark via EUIPO.
Industrial property in France is handled by INPI, which registers trademarks, patents and designs; EU-wide trademark and design protection is available through the EUIPO.
- French trademarks, patents and designs are filed online with INPI.
- An EU trademark (EUTM) registered at EUIPO protects the mark across all EU member states.
- International protection can be extended via WIPO's Madrid (trademarks) and PCT (patents) systems.
Step-by-step
- 1
Search the register
Search the INPI register (and EU/international marks) for conflicting or similar marks before filing.
- 2
File the application
File online with INPI, describing the mark and classifying the goods/services under the Nice Classification.
- 3
Examination and opposition
INPI examines absolute grounds and publishes the application in the BOPI; earlier-rights owners have two months to oppose.
- 4
Registration and renewal
Once registered, a French trademark lasts 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely for further 10-year terms.
- 5
Cover patents, designs and copyright
Protect inventions with INPI/EPO patents and appearance with registered designs; copyright (droit d’auteur) arises automatically.
- 6
Choose national vs EU and enforce
Consider an EU trademark (EUIPO) for all member states, use the Madrid Protocol for wider reach, and enforce against infringers.
Checklist
- INPI register search
- Application (Nice classes + mark)
- BOPI publication + 2-month opposition
- Registration (10 years) + renewal
- Patents (INPI/EPO) + registered designs
- Automatic copyright (droit d’auteur)
- EU trademark option (EUIPO)
- Madrid Protocol for international
Official authorities
Frequently asked questions
National French or EU trademark?
A French mark covers France only; an EU trademark (via EUIPO) covers all member states in one registration — choose by your market footprint.
How long does a French trademark last?
Ten years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely for further 10-year periods.
Is copyright registered in France?
No — droit d’auteur protects original works automatically from creation, without any registration formality.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- Government of France — Office of the French Prime Minister — government policies, ministers, and key legislation
- France Public Services (Service-Public) — France's unified administrative services — residence permits, taxes, social security, civil records
- French General Tax Directorate (DGFiP) — French income tax, VAT, wealth tax filing; tax residency determination; French tax number (NIF) application