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Register a Trademark in France
Protect your brand identity with our French intellectual property lawyers and paralegals who handle the entire registration process — from preliminary research and filing to official registration with the INPI and delivery of your trademark certificate.
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What is a Trademark in France?
A trademark (marque déposée) is a distinctive sign that identifies your goods or services and distinguishes them from competitors.
It can be a name, logo, slogan, shape, or even a sound.
Registering your trademark with the INPI (Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle) gives you exclusive rights to use it throughout France and to act against any imitation or infringement.
It’s essential for entrepreneurs, startups, and established companies seeking to secure their identity, reputation, and commercial advantage.
Main Advantages :
Exclusive protection: Your registered mark prevents others from using similar signs for similar goods or services.
Commercial credibility: Strengthens brand value in partnerships, franchises, and financing.
Legal security: Provides enforceable rights before French and EU courts.
Expandability: A French trademark can serve as the foundation for an EU or international filing.
Monetizable asset: You can license, franchise, or sell your brand as an intangible business property.
Registering a trademark ensures that your business name and image are not just known — they are legally protected.
How to Register a Trademark in France?
Filing a French trademark with the INPI is straightforward when handled by our legal team.
We manage every procedural step to ensure your application is valid, compliant, and defensible.
Preliminary Research
We perform an extensive availability search in INPI, EUIPO, and WIPO databases to confirm that your sign does not infringe existing rights.
Preparing the Application
Our lawyers define the classes of goods and services according to the Nice Classification and prepare the filing in strict compliance with INPI’s requirements.
Filing and Publication
We file the application electronically with the INPI. Once accepted, your mark is published in the Official Bulletin of Industrial Property (BOPI).
Opposition Period
Third parties have two months to oppose registration. We monitor this period and respond to any challenges on your behalf.
Registration Certificate
If no opposition is successful, the INPI issues the certificate of registration, officially granting your exclusive trademark rights.
Why Choose FrenchCo.lawyer?
All applications and legal steps are handled by registered French lawyers assisted by trained IP paralegals. We combine precision, efficiency, and strategic guidance — ensuring your trademark is properly registered and defensible across all jurisdictions. With us, your brand is legally secured while you focus on growing your business.
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What We Need From You to a Register Your Trademark ?
To prepare and file your trademark efficiently, we’ll ask you for the following:
Trademark Details
The exact word(s), logo, or slogan you wish to protect.
Owner Information
Your full name, address, and legal status (individual or company).
Goods and Services
List or description of the goods/services you offer, so we can determine the appropriate Nice classes.
Existing Use or Prior Rights (if any)
Evidence of prior use or ownership, if applicable, to reinforce your claim.
And Then?
Once we have these details, our legal team handles everything: drafting the application, filing with the INPI, monitoring the publication and opposition phases, and securing your official registration certificate. Your brand becomes legally protected throughout France — and ready for EU or international extension.
Register a Trademark in France – Simple Process, Clear Budget
Flat legal fee starting from €690 excl. taxes
Additional mandatory costs: INPI filing fees (from €190 for one class + €40 per additional class)
No hidden costs ,Transparent process , Legal monitoring included
Our commitment:
No hidden filing add-ons
No agents or resellers
Only qualified legal handling
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Why Choose Us?
We Believe in Transparent, Lawyer-Led Trademark Protection
Fast and reliable filing: From application to INPI registration, we handle every step with precision and speed.
Legally compliant documents: Each filing and declaration meets current French Intellectual Property Office (INPI) standards.
Protective legal drafting: Your application is drafted to ensure strong protection and prevent oppositions or rejections.
High professional standards: All work is supervised by licensed French IP lawyers to guarantee quality and compliance.
Let us handle your French trademark registration —
so you can focus on building your brand with confidence.
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Understanding Trademark Registration in France
Can a foreign company or individual register a trademark in France?
Yes. Both foreign individuals and foreign legal entities (companies) can register a trademark with the INPI (Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle), even if they are not established in France.
However, the procedure depends on whether the applicant has an address within the European Economic Area (EEA):
- Applicants within the EU/EEA or Switzerland
They can file directly with the INPI under their own name and address. No representative is required. - Applicants outside the EU/EEA
They must appoint a professional representative (lawyer or IP attorney based in France) to file and manage the application on their behalf.
This ensures proper handling of publication, opposition, and renewal procedures.
In all cases, ownership and exclusive rights are the same: once registered, the foreign owner enjoys the same protection and enforcement powers as any French or EU applicant.
Where and how do I file a trademark in France?
Trademark filings are handled exclusively online via the INPI portal. The process includes:
- Preliminary Search – Check that your mark is available (recommended before filing).
- Filing Application – Provide the mark, list of goods/services, and applicant information.
- Publication – Your mark is published in the Bulletin Officiel de la Propriété Industrielle (BOPI).
- Opposition Period – Third parties have two months to oppose registration.
- Registration Certificate – If no valid opposition is filed, INPI issues the registration certificate.
Once granted, your trademark is protected for 10 years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely.
How long does it take to register a trademark in France?
On average, four to six months.
Timeline overview:
Stage | Duration | Description |
Filing and publication | ~2 weeks | Application filed and published in the BOPI |
Opposition period | 2 months | Third parties may challenge your filing |
Registration | 3–6 months | If no opposition or successful defense, certificate issued |
Complex cases or oppositions may extend the process up to 12 months.
What happens if someone opposes my trademark?
If a third party (e.g., a competitor or rights holder) files an opposition within the two-month window, the INPI opens an adversarial procedure.
You may:
- Respond with legal arguments showing that the signs or goods/services differ, or
- Negotiate a coexistence agreement (both marks coexist under defined limits).
Our lawyers handle such oppositions by preparing reasoned counterarguments and defending your application until a final decision is rendered by the INPI.
- Respond with legal arguments showing that the signs or goods/services differ, or
Can a French trademark help me protect my brand in the EU or worldwide?
Absolutely.
A French registration is an excellent foundation for wider protection through:
- EU Trademark (EUTM) – one application at EUIPO for protection across all 27 EU countries.
- International Trademark (WIPO) – via the Madrid Protocol, designating over 120 member countries.
Filing in France first establishes a priority right (Article 4 of the Paris Convention): within 6 months, you can extend the same mark internationally while keeping your original French filing date.
What signs can be registered as a trademark in France?
A trademark can be any sign that distinguishes your products or services, provided it is distinctive, lawful, and graphically representable.
Recognized forms include:
- Words and names (brand names, slogans, product names)
- Logos and graphic symbols
- Shapes or packaging (3D trademarks)
- Sounds and jingles
- Motion or multimedia marks (if clearly represented)
However, trademarks that are descriptive, deceptive, or contrary to public order will be refused by the INPI.
For example, “Pure Water” cannot be registered for a bottled water brand.
What are the filing costs and government fees?
Official INPI fees (as of 2025):
- €190 for one class of goods or services
- + €40 for each additional class
Professional legal assistance (optional but recommended) adds a flat legal fee starting from €690 excl. taxes for comprehensive handling (search, filing, monitoring, opposition).
Failure to properly classify goods or services can make your registration invalid — this is why using a lawyer or IP specialist is strongly advised.
Can I use my trademark before it’s registered?
Yes, but with caution.
You can begin using your trademark immediately after filing to build commercial presence, but protection only becomes enforceable once registration is complete.
Using the ™ symbol before registration is allowed.
After registration, you can use the ® symbol to indicate that your mark is officially protected in France.
If your application is later refused or opposed successfully, you may lose your right to use that name — which is why a pre-filing availability search is critical.
What protection does a French trademark provide?
A registered French trademark grants exclusive rights throughout France and its overseas territories.
You can:
- Forbid others from using identical or similar signs for similar goods/services.
- Request seizure of counterfeit goods by customs.
- Initiate civil or criminal proceedings for infringement.
Additionally, a French mark can serve as a basis for EU or international trademark extensions, allowing broader protection under EUIPO or WIPO frameworks.
How long is a French trademark valid? Can it be renewed?
A French trademark is valid for 10 years from the date of filing and is infinitely renewable in 10-year increments.
Renewal can be requested:
- From 6 months before expiry, and
- Up to 6 months after expiry (with a late fee).
If not renewed in time, protection lapses, and your mark becomes available for others to register.
We offer renewal reminders and representation to ensure your protection never lapses.
Register Your French Trademark
Let our French IP lawyers & paralegals handle the entire filing process for you.
More About Trademark Registration in France
Who can register a trademark in France?
Any individual or company, whether French or foreign, can apply before the INPI to secure rights.
What documents will I need?
Provide applicant details, a logo or wordmark, and a list of goods or services to be covered.
Do I need to check for prior trademarks?
Yes — a clearance search is strongly advised to avoid conflicts with existing French or EU marks.
How long does registration take?
The process usually takes 4–6 months, depending on INPI review and possible oppositions.
Can I file remotely?
Yes, our French IP lawyers manage the full application and filing process entirely online.
What are the typical costs?
- INPI fees start at €190 for one class, plus our transparent flat legal service fee.
What about EU protection?
Your French filing can be expanded via EUIPO to obtain coverage across all EU Member States.
Can I renew or modify my trademark later?
Yes — renewal is every 10 years, and updates or ownership changes can be filed anytime.
