Trademark Registration in France- An Overview

Aspect Details
What is a Trademark? A Trademark is a symbol used to identify and distinguish products or services. It must be registered with the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI).
Cost The trademark registration France cost starts from $210
Timeline Usually, it takes around 2 to 4 months to register trademark in France.
Benefits

Benefits of trademark registration in France include:

  • Right to Exclusive Use
  • Brand Recognition
  • Market Expansion
  • Monetary Value
  • Legal Protection
  • Foundation for International Expansion
  • Increased Business Credibility
  • Competitive Advantage
Type of Marks to Register

Types of Marks for Trademark Registration in France include:

  • Work Mark
  • Figurative & Semi-Figurative Marks
  • Colour Mark
  • Position Mark
  • Pattern Mark
  • Hologram Mark
  • Motion Mark
  • Multimedia Mark
  • Sound Mark
  • 3- Dimensional Marks
Documents Required

The list of documents required for trademark registration in France includes:

  • Duly filled application form
  • Identification details of the trademark applicant
  • Representation of the trademark
  • Detailed list of goods and services
  • Priority claims document (if applicable)
  • Evidence of use (if applicable)
  • Proof of payment of the prescribed fees
  • Collective mark regulation certification (if applicable)
  • Power of attorney (if applicable)
  • Other Priority Documents (if any)
Who Can Apply for Trade Mark Registration France?

Have a look over the following eligibility criteria as discussed below:

  • Natural Person
  • Legal Entities
  • Local Agents
  • Citizen of Paris Union Member State
Procedure to Register

The procedure to register a trademark France includes the following steps:

  • Design a Trademark
  • Classification of Goods and Services
  • Conduct Pre-Filing Trade Mark Seach
  • File Trademark Application
  • Examination of Trademark
  • Publication and Opposition Period
  • Issuance of Trademark Registration Certificate
How We Can Help You
  • Expertise in French trademark law
  • Fast-track filing of trademark application
  • End-to-end customer support in trademark monitoring
  • International trademark protection vis Madrid Protocol
  • 50,000+ successfully registered trademarks
  • Cost-effective, affordable services with no hidden costs
  • High success rate and client satisfaction
  • Offers 24/7 customer support for all your queries
  • Provide trademark renewal and maintenance support
  • Strong focus on trademark enforcement
  • Provides timely updates and professional assistance

Apply for Trademark in France and Claim Exclusive Rights

With Enterslice experts, apply for trademark in France, strengthen your brand’s legal foundation and gain exclusive rights.

get_started_img

Understanding Trademark Registration in France

Trademark registration in France, the second-largest economy in the European Union, offers significant opportunities for businesses looking to establish a strong commercial presence in the country. It protects your brand identity and distinguishes products or services from competitors. Furthermore, for France-based businesses, applying for trademark registration enhances company asset values, as registered trademarks hold economic value and offer transferability and licensing opportunities.

Trademark registration in France grants exclusive rights to identify goods or services, assisting businesses in predicting their future growth. Additionally, the owners of registered trademarks are authorized to take legal action to prevent unauthorized use, which amounts to trademark infringement. However, the process for trademark registration, as governed by the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), must not be descriptive of the goods or services it represents, and it must not conflict with any existing trademarks.

Exclusive Trademark Rights for 10 Years

Legal Protection Against Infringement

Protection Against Import of Counterfeits

Grants Brand Recognition and Loyalty

Protect your Creative Invention in 1 Day

Get TM Search Report in Seconds

Benefits of Trade Mark Registration in France

Trade mark registration in France offers broader protection compared to unregistered trademarks. Here are some of the key benefits of filing a trademark registration in France, significantly boosting your company’s growth:

France trademark registration benefits

Right to Exclusive Use

Trade mark registration in France provides exclusive ownership rights to use the mark in France, allowing them to take action against unauthorized use.

Brand Recognition

Trade mark registration in France recognizes brand identity and customer trust, offering growth prospects to companies registered in France.

Market Expansion

The trade mark registration enables businesses to leverage international trade, facilitating expansion into the French market or beyond. It is one of the significant benefits of trademark registration in France.

Monetary Value

Trade mark registration in France increases the monetary value of the business, facilitating its sale, licensing, franchising, and generating additional revenue streams thereof.

Legal Protection

Trade mark registration France provides a strong legal protection against infringement, unauthorized use, or counterfeit imports. It is one of the key benefits of trademark registration in France.

Foundation for International Expansion

Trade mark registration in France serves as a foundation for international protection of trademark across European Union. It is one of the benefits of trademark registration in France.

Increased Business Credibility

Trade mark registration in France enhances business credibility and attractiveness to potential investors committed towards brand protection. It’s time to register a brand in France effortlessly.

Competitive Advantage

Trademark registration in France differentiates your products or services, giving you a unique position and competitive edge in the crowded market.

How to Apply for Trademark in France?

The process to apply for trademark in France in compliance with the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) ensures the protection of your brand identity and distinguishes your products or services from competitors. Have a look over the straight-forward procedure required to register trademark France, as discussed below:

Design a Trademark

The primary step requires the applicants to initially design a unique and distinctive trademark capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one enterprise from those of others.

Classification of Goods and Services

The next step requires the applicant to determine the classification of goods and services as specified under the NICE classification.

Conduct Pre-Filing Trade Mark Seach

The applicant entities are further required to conduct pre-filing trademark searches to ensure that their marks are not confusingly similar to already registered marks.

File Trademark Application

The applicants are further required to file a trademark registration application along with all documents with the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI).

Examination of Trademark

Upon receiving the application, the authorities at INPI must review and examine the application to find out whether the application fulfils all the registration requirements, as specified.

Publication and Opposition Period

Once the examination of the trademark application is approved by the INPI, the proposed trademark must be published within a period of 6 months, allowing third party to make observations or objections with respect to the trademark.

Issuance of Trademark Registration Certificate

In case no objection was raised by the opposition, the INPI must issue and publish the trademark registration certificate in the Official Bulletin of Industrial Property, reserving the right of trade mark owner.

Timeline to Register Trademark France

The timeline required to register trademark France takes around 4 to 6 months, if no objections or oppositions arise. Have a look over the timeline as discussed below:

Preliminary Trademark Search: 2 to 4 days

It takes around 1 to 2 days to conduct a preliminary trademark search, which reduces the risk of trademark application rejection.

Filing Trademark Application: 1 to 2 weeks

It takes around 1 to 2 weeks to prepare and successfully file the completed trademark registration application at the official website of the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI).

Publication and Opposition Period: 6 to 8 weeks

It takes around 6 to 8 weeks to publish the trademark application in the Bulletin Officiel de la Propriété Industrielle (BOPI), allowing third parties to raise objections.

Issuance of Trademark Registration Certificate: 2 to 4 months

It takes around 2 to 4 months to issue a certificate of registration granting legal and exclusive rights over the trademarked goods or services.

Post- Registration Compliances: 2 months

It takes around 2 months to secure compliance with the post-registration requirements, leading to the security of the brand’s future and prosperity.

Documents Required for Trademark Registration in France

The list of following documents is mandatorily required for filing the trademark registration in France:

Duly filled application form

Identification details of the trademark applicant

Representation of the trademark

Detailed list of goods and services

Priority claims document (if applicable)

Evidence of use (if applicable)

Proof of payment of the prescribed fees

Collective mark regulation certification (if applicable)

Power of attorney (if applicable)

Other Priority Documents (if any)

To ease the documentation for trademark registration in France, Talk to our network of attorneys.

Can a Trademark Registration in France be Renewed?

Yes, the trademark registration in France can be renewed indefinitely for an additional period of 10 years. In order to renew the trade mark, the applicant has to file a declaration at least one year before the expiry of the term of the trade mark. In case the applicant is not able to renew the trade mark within the given time period, then it is provided with a grace period for an additional 6 months within which it needs to get the renewal done.

The fee for a renewal is 240 Euro for one class and an additional fee of 40 Euro for each additional class. In case the jurisdiction of French Polynesia has also been chosen, then an additional fee of 60 Euro has to be paid. Failure of the above-mentioned fee on time may result in the lapse of the trade mark in France.

Trademark Registration in France
Network of 500+ Attorneys

Network of 500+ Attorneys

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Fast and Easy Process

Fast and Easy Process

Network of 500+ Attorneys

Network of 500+ Attorneys

Types of Marks for Trade Mark Registration in France

The different types of trademarks registered in France enable businesses to distinguish their goods and services from competitors. Have a look over some of the types of marks for trade mark registration in France-

Work Mark

Work Mark (Marques Verbales)

Word mark exclusively comprises one or more words, letters, numbers, or other standard typographical characteristics or a combination thereof. The representation of word marks using a foreign does not cause any difficulty, whereas its translation must be mentioned.

Figurative Trademark

Figurative & Semi-Figurative Marks (Marques Figurative)

Figurative and semi-figurative marks comprise a figurative element such as design, logo, or a combination of verbal and figurative elements (semi-figurative mark). It comprises graphic features, a particular stylization, a colour, or a combination of colours.

Colour Mark

Colour Mark (Marques de Couleur)

A colour mark is a mark comprising the representation of a single colour or a combination of colours. It is suitable for businesses with iconic colour schemes.

Position Mark

Position Mark (Marques de Position)

A position mark is a trademark comprising a specific way in which the trademark is placed or affixed to the product. It further prevents competitors from using similar placements to confuse customers.

Pattern Mark

Pattern Mark (Marques de Motif)

Pattern mark exclusively comprises the regular repetition of a set of elements. It further protects the distinctive pattern used across different product lines.

Hologram Mark

Hologram Mark (Marques Hologrammes)

A hologram mark is a mark composed of elements with holographic characteristics. It must be represented by submitting either a video file without sound, graphic, or photographic reproduction of the hologram mark.

Motion Mark

Motion Mark (Marques de Mouvement)

A motion mark is defined as a trademark comprising movements or changes in the position of elements. It includes figurative elements in black and white or colour, not associated with sound.

Multimedia Mark

Multimedia Mark (Marques Multimédia)

Multimedia mark comprises of a combination of images and sounds. The multimedia mark, which is represented by an audiovisual file containing both the sound and the image, offers protection across both visual and audio elements.

Sound Mark

Sound Mark

Sound mark exclusively comprises a sound or combination of sounds. It is a faithful representation of the sound in musical notation (score) or an audio file reproducing the sound upon filing.

3- Dimensional Marks

3- Dimensional Marks

The 3-dimensional mark is represented by design or by a photograph of the product. The distinctive character of the 3D mark can be discussed as the consumers may not be able to easily identify the packaging or shape as an indication of the origin of services and goods.

Who can Register a Trademark in France?

Below- mentioned is the list of some applicants eligible to register a trademark in France:

  • Natural Person :- The natural person, including individuals, sole proprietors, artisans, and self-employed professionals, is eligible to register a trademark in France.
  • Legal Entities :- The legal entities having the right to register trademarks, regardless of company type (civil, commercial, EIG, associations, foundations, or even public institutions), are eligible to register a trademark in France.
  • Local Agents :- Foreign applicants must designate a local agent with special or permanent authorization (such as intellectual property agents or lawyers) to register a trademark in France.
  • Citizen of Paris Union Member State :- A person who is a citizen of Paris Union Member State or a WTO member/ country related to France are eligible to file an application for trademark registration in France.

Post-setup Compliances for Trademark Registration in France

The post-registration compliances for trademark registration in France are as discussed below:

  • Filing trademark renewal application in every 10 years
  • Monitor and enforce your registered trademark
  • Record any change of ownership with INPI
  • Actively monitor for unauthorized use/ infringement of trademark application
  • Correctly display trademark symbols to indicate their registration status
  • Ensure compliance with industry regulations
  • Handle oppositions and cancellations of trademark
  • File international registration as specified under the Madrid protocol
  • Manage domain names and brands across social media platforms
  • Conduct periodic trademark audits every 2 to 3 years
compliances_img

Why Trust Enterslice for Trademark Registration in France?

Enterslice, which brings 10+ years of experience in trademark protection, offers a smooth and efficient process of trade mark registration in France. Partner with Enterslice, which stands as a trusted advisory firm for trademark registration in France:

  • Comprehensive trade mark search and analysis in France
  • Trusted by 500+ brands for trademark registration in France
  • 99% success rate, highest in the industry
  • Expertise in French trademark law to help you apply for trademark in France
  • Fast-track filing of trademark application for trade mark registration in France
  • End-to-end customer support in trademark monitoring 
  • International trademark protection vis Madrid Protocol
  • Experienced in-house team of IP lawyers and experts
  • Cost-effective, affordable services with no hidden costs
  • Defend trademark infringement actions and applications
  • Offers 24/7 customer support for all your queries
  • Provide trademark renewal and maintenance support
  • Strong focus on trademark enforcement
  • Provides timely updates
  • Professional assistance to register a brand in France
  • Personalized services over telephone, WhatsApp, e-mail, video conference, etc.
  • AI-generated trademark search report

FAQs on Trade Mark Registration France

The process to register a trademark in France requires the applicant to design a trademark, classify the goods and services, conduct pre-filing trade mark search, file trademark application, examine trademark, publish and oppose trademarks, and lastly get a trademark registration certificate from INPI.

Yes, a foreigner who appoints a local representative or registered agent is eligible to register a trade mark in France.

The French symbol for a registered trademark is (MD), i.e., marques déposée, which indicates a claim to a registered trademark.

The duration of a registered trade mark in France is 10 years, which is calculated from the date of application made to the office of INPI. A registered trade mark in France can be renewed every 10 years.

To complete the process of trade mark registration France it takes a period of 2 to 4 months on an average, provided INPI does not raise any observations and no opposition proceedings have been initiated or observations filed by the 3rd parties.

Any natural or legal person, such as a civil or commercial company, an association, a territorial collective or the government itself represented by one of its ministries, can file an application for the registration of trade mark. Further, the applicant should either be domiciled or established in France or an EU member state or a member state EEA. A person who is a citizen of a Paris Union Member State, a WTO member or a country that is related to France through a bilateral convention can also file the application. The ownership over a trade mark can be held by one natural or legal person or conversely on a co-ownership basis also.

Once registered in France, a trade mark can be protected in the French territories of (Continental France, New Caledonia and overseas departments) and if it has been expressly mentioned in the application, then the territory of French Polynesia as well. However, in that case, an additional fee of 60 Euros has to be paid by the applicant.

The French Intellectual Property Code (IPC), particularly Articles L.711-1 to L.731-4 is the main law that primarily governs trademark registration in France.

We partner with more than 100+ companies

-- Testimonials

Don't take our word for it

In the news

Get Started Live Chat