Register a Trademark in France (FAQ)

In this guide, we answer the most common questions foreign applicants have about registering a trademark in France.
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I. Frequently Asked Questions about French Trademark Registration

1. Can foreigners apply for a French trademark?
   Yes. Any foreign natural or legal person can apply for trademark registration with the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). However, if the applicant is neither domiciled nor established in France, nor in a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), appointing an agent is mandatory.
2. What documents are required for a French trademark application?
   The main documents include:
   • A clear representation of the trademark
   • The applicant’s name and address
   • The international Nice Classification of goods and services
   • A power of attorney (if an agent is appointed)
   • Supporting documents for claiming priority (if applicable)
3. What is the application process?
   First, submit your application to the INPI via its e-procedures portal.
   After a formal examination, the INPI will publish your application in the Official Industrial Property Bulletin (BOPI) within about six weeks. A two-month opposition period then begins, during which third parties can file oppositions or observations.
   At the same time, the INPI conducts formal and substantive examinations of the application. After at least 5 months, once the examination process is complete, the INPI will publish your trademark registration in the BOPI and issue your registration certificate.
4. What are the language and translation requirements for the application?
   If the applicant is not domiciled in France and is not a national of a World Trade Organization (WTO) or Paris Union member country, they must provide proof to the INPI that their country grants protection to French trademarks. If these documents are in a foreign language, they must be accompanied by a French translation.
5. Can priority be claimed?
   Yes. If you file your trademark in a country that is a member of the Paris Convention or the WTO within 6 months of your first filing, you can claim priority from that filing date. This means that no third-party application filed during that period can be used against you. You must claim priority at the time of your French application.
6. What are the application fees and validity period?
   Application fees depend on the number of classes of goods and/or services. For electronic filing, the fee is €190 for one class, plus €40 for each additional class. A trademark is valid for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely.
7. Does the application process include a proactive search for similar trademarks?
   No. France operates under a “first-to-file” system. The INPI does not proactively search for similar trademarks. Applicants should conduct their own availability search to avoid conflicts with prior rights.
8. How long does it take to complete registration after application?
   Generally, it takes about 5–6 months to complete the registration process, provided there are no objections or disputes.
9. Can an unused trademark be revoked?
   Yes. If a trademark is not genuinely used for a continuous period of five years after registration, a third party can apply for its revocation.
10. Is it necessary to appoint a local agent?
    Yes. If the applicant is neither domiciled nor established in France, nor in an EU or EEA country, an agent is required. It is also advisable to consult an expert, such as an industrial property attorney or a specialized lawyer, especially when interpreting complex search results.

II. French Trademark Registration Process

The French trademark registration process generally involves the following steps:

1. Prepare Application Documents
   • Confirm the applicant’s identity (natural person or legal entity), nationality, and address.
   • Prepare a clear representation of the trademark, which may include words, designs, colors, or other elements.
   • Determine the classes of goods and services according to the international Nice Classification. It is essential to specify the products and services precisely, as protection only covers those explicitly listed in the application. No additional products or services can be added after filing.
   • If claiming priority, prepare the necessary supporting documents.
   • Appoint an agent and prepare a power of attorney if required. An agent is mandatory if the applicant is neither domiciled nor established in France nor in a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country. The agent must provide a power of attorney unless they are an Industrial Property Attorney or a lawyer.
2. Submit the Application
   • File the application with the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) exclusively online via its e-procedures portal.
   • You may designate multiple classes of goods or services. The application fee depends on the number of classes: €190 for one class, plus €40 for each additional class (for electronic filing).
   • Pay the application fees by credit card or via an INPI professional account.
3. Formal Examination
   • The INPI conducts a formal examination to ensure the application is complete, the form is correctly filled out, and fees have been paid.
   • The INPI does not proactively search for similar trademarks. Instead, it verifies that the mark is distinctive and does not violate prohibited registration clauses. Applicants are advised to conduct their own availability search to avoid potential conflicts.
4. Publication and Opposition Period
   • If the application passes examination, the trademark will be published in the Official Industrial Property Bulletin (BOPI) within approximately six weeks.
   • A two-month opposition period begins from the date of publication. During this time, third parties may file oppositions if they believe the trademark infringes their prior rights, or submit observations regarding validity concerns. The INPI will notify you by mail if an opposition or observation is filed.
5. Registration Approval and Issuance of Certificate
   • After at least five months, once the examination process is complete and any oppositions or issues are resolved, the INPI will publish the trademark registration in the BOPI.
   • The INPI will then issue and send you the trademark registration certificate.
   • Trademark rights take effect from the filing date and remain valid for 10 years.
6. Renewal and Maintenance
   • A trademark is valid for 10 years from the filing date and may be renewed indefinitely in successive 10-year periods. Renewal must be filed with the INPI before the current protection period expires.
   • If a trademark is not genuinely and continuously used for five consecutive years after registration, a third party may request its revocation, and you risk losing your exclusive rights.

III. French Trademark Registration Fees

French Trademark Registration Government Fees (in Euros)

According to the latest information, the official fees adjusted by the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) since the end of 2019 are as follows:

1. Application Fees
   • Application fee for the first class of goods/services: €190
   • For each additional class of goods/services: €40
2. Publication and Registration Fees
   • There are no separate authorization fees for French trademark registration.
   • The application fee already covers the publication and registration process.
3. Renewal Fees
   • Official renewal fee: €290 per class of goods/services, plus €40 for each additional class.
   • If the trademark has expired, there is a six-month grace period for renewal. However, a 50% late fee will apply.

IV. French Trademark Accelerated Examination

• There is no specific accelerated examination procedure for French trademark registration.
  The application process includes a formal examination, publication, and an opposition period, and typically takes about 5–6 months or longer, depending on whether there are oppositions or corrections required.
• While patent applications in France may benefit from accelerated examination services, these do not apply to trademarks.
• Trademark applicants should closely monitor the opposition period and related response deadlines to ensure a smooth and timely acquisition of rights.

V. Key Points for French Trademark Renewal Fees and Process

1. Renewal Validity
   A trademark in France is protected for 10 years from the application date. Upon renewal, protection is extended for another 10 years, with no limit on the number of renewals.
2. Renewal Application Period
   You may apply for renewal within 12 months before the trademark’s expiration date.
3. Grace Period
   If the renewal is not filed before the deadline, a six-month grace period is available. However, an additional late fee will apply.
4. Renewal Fees
   The official renewal fee starts at €290 per class of goods/services, plus €40 for each additional class.
5. Renewal Application Materials
   Renewal applies to the existing trademark and its registered goods/services. You do not need to resubmit the trademark design, but you must confirm and, if necessary, update the list of goods/services (e.g., remove certain goods/services or reclassify them if the international classification has changed).

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