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Trademark registration in France
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F.A.Q.
What are the timelines for registering a trademark in France?

Registering a trademark with the INPI (French National Institute of Industrial Property) takes about 6–12 months if there are no oppositions or errors in the application. Complex cases may take up to 18 months.

Trademark registration in France

To operate legally and securely in France, registering your trademark is not just a recommendation — it’s a necessity. A registered trademark gives you the exclusive right to use your brand in the French market, helps prevent brand misuse, and gives you legal leverage in case of infringement or disputes. Whether you're an entrepreneur launching a startup or an established brand expanding internationally, trademark registration in France offers clear and lasting benefits.

Why Register a Trademark in France?

Registering your tm logo trademark in France provides a multitude of advantages:

  • Exclusive Rights: You obtain the exclusive right to use your trademark registered logo for the goods and services specified during registration. This prevents others from using a similar or identical tm trademark logo and protects your market share.

  • Legal Protection: With a registered trademark, you can initiate legal actions against infringers or counterfeiters in France. It also enhances your legal standing in cases of restricted trademark disputes or domain name conflicts.

  • Brand Value and Business Growth: A registration mark not only safeguards your identity but also boosts the perceived value of your company. Registered marks can become key business assets, attracting investors and enabling licensing or franchise opportunities.

  • Franchising and Licensing: A tm registration enables brand owners to grant licenses or franchise rights in France. It allows you to expand while maintaining brand control.

  • Reputation and Trust: Consumers are more likely to trust brands that carry a registered logo r or tm registration mark. It’s a visual assurance of legitimacy and quality.

The Trademark Registration Process in France

Trademark registration in France is governed by the Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle (INPI) — the French National Institute of Industrial Property.

1. Pre-Filing Stage: Trademark Name Search

Before applying, it's highly recommended to conduct a trademark name search via the trade mark office search tools provided by the INPI. This helps ensure that your desired tm logo is not already in use or registered by someone else, reducing the risk of opposition or rejection.

2. Filing the Application

You can file the application online via INPI’s official platform. The application must include:

  • A clear representation of the mark (e.g., logo, wordmark, or a combination — tm logo trademark).

  • A list of goods and services, categorized under the Nice Classification system.

  • The applicant’s details (company or individual).

  • Payment of the required fees (starting from €190 for one class, with extra fees for additional classes).

3. Examination and Publication

After submission, the INPI examines the application. This includes checking whether the registered mark is distinctive and complies with French legal standards. The examination process typically takes about one month.

If the application passes this phase, it is published in the official bulletin, initiating a two-month opposition period during which third parties may challenge the application.

4. Registration and Certification

If no oppositions are filed, or if they are resolved in your favor, the mark proceeds to registration. The registered trademark is then entered into the national trademark register (tm register) and you receive an official trademark registration certificate.

The trademark is valid for ten years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely for additional ten-year periods.

National Trademark Register in France

France’s tm register is publicly accessible, allowing businesses and legal professionals to verify the status of trademarks. This transparency promotes fair competition and helps prevent accidental infringement. A presence in this registry solidifies your brand's legitimacy in the French market.

Challenges Without Professional Support

Trademark registration may appear straightforward, but there are many potential pitfalls, especially for those unfamiliar with French law:

  • Incorrect Classification: Misclassifying goods or services can leave key parts of your business unprotected.

  • Overlooking Similar Marks: Without a thorough trade mark office search, you may unknowingly apply for a mark that closely resembles an existing one.

  • Legal Complications: If an opposition is filed, handling it without legal expertise can jeopardize your application.

For international applicants, language barriers, administrative nuances, and procedural differences make the process even more complex.

How ProfitMark Can Help You Register Your Trademark in France

With over 13 years of experience, ProfitMark simplifies and streamlines the trademark registration process in France. Here’s how we support our clients:

  • Comprehensive Support at All Stages: From document preparation to receiving your trademark registered logo certificate, we manage the entire process.

  • Uniqueness Check and Trademark Name Search: We conduct a full tm registration mark search to minimize risks and identify any potential conflicts.

  • Remote Filing: All documents can be submitted digitally — no need for in-person visits or local presence in France.

  • Legal Support for Disputes or Objections: If your application faces opposition, we provide expert legal counsel to protect your brand rights.

  • Transparent Pricing and Timelines: We offer clear, fixed prices and realistic timelines so there are no surprises during your tm registration process.

Why Choose ProfitMark?

  • 13+ Years of Experience: We’ve helped clients register trademarks in more than 30 countries, including France.

  • Proven Success Record: Hundreds of successful registration cases across various industries.

  • International Team of Experts: Our specialists understand the legal and procedural specifics of each market.

  • Client-Centered Approach: We adapt our process to meet your specific needs and business goals.

  • Fully Online Service: Handle everything remotely — from your first consultation to your final registration mark certificate.

  • Quality Guarantee: We’re committed to delivering high-quality service with reliable outcomes.

Don’t delay securing your brand’s future — registering your trademark in France protects your rights and unlocks new business opportunities in one of the world’s most valuable markets. With ProfitMark, the process is efficient, understandable, and secure.

Contact us today to take the next step in protecting your intellectual property and preparing your business for successful growth in the European market.