France · Trademark & IP
Trademark registration, patents, copyright, official IP offices, and filing costs.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
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.
- 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.
- 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
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.
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