Trademark registration, copyright, patents, trade secrets and IP litigation.
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International law firm with strong Paris presence in corporate IP and real estate law. English-speaking team.
International law firm with strong Paris presence serving multinational companies and international clients.
International law firm with Paris office covering broad range of legal services for businesses.
International firm with Paris presence serving corporate and commercial clients.
Maritime and shipping law specialist
University town with IP and education law focus
Entertainment and media law (Cannes film festival connection)
EU trademark registration (EUTM) covers all 27 EU member states in a single filing. For non-EU countries, separate national registrations or Madrid Protocol filings are needed.
EU trademarks typically take 4–6 months if unopposed. A lawyer can handle the filing, respond to office actions and monitor for infringement.
Browse our verified directory of law firms across France's major cities. All listed firms offer English-language legal services to expats and foreign nationals.
Find My Lawyer in 60 SecondsFrench IP is governed by the Code de la propriété intellectuelle (CPI). Registration is handled by the INPI (Institut national de la propriété industrielle). Copyright (droit d'auteur) arises automatically at creation — no registration required (CPI art. L. 111-1). Enforcement of IP rights in France: specialised chambers at Tribunal judiciaire de Paris (TGI Paris is the sole competent court for European patents in France since UPC creation in 2023).
| IP Right | Registration Body | Official Fee | Duration | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marque française (trademark) | INPI | €190 (1 class online) + €40/additional class | 10 years (renewable) | Search + attorney add €500–2,000 |
| Marque UE (EUIPO) | EUIPO | €850 (1 class) + €50 (2nd) + €150/further | 10 years | Covers all 27 EU member states |
| Brevet d'invention (patent) | INPI | €36 filing + €60 search + €520 grant | 20 years (annuities) | Mandatory French search (INPI); attorney essential |
| Brevet européen (EPO) | EPO | €4,000–8,000 (total official fees) | 20 years | Validated in chosen EPC states; UPC route since 2023 |
| Dessin ou modèle (design) | INPI | €39 (1 design online) | 5 years × 5 (max 25) | EU design: €350 via EUIPO |
| Droit d'auteur (copyright) | Automatic (CPI art. L. 111-1) | €0 | Life + 70 years | Optional INPI envelope soleil for proof of creation date |
| Secret d'affaires protection | No registration — loi 2018-670 | €0 | Unlimited if maintained | Must prove "reasonable steps" to maintain secrecy |
| Action | Legal Basis | Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saisie-contrefaçon (raid + seizure of evidence) | CPI art. L. 332-1 | Ex parte (same day) | €3,000–8,000 (avocat + commissaire) |
| Référé (emergency injunction) | CPC art. 808 | 1–2 weeks | €2,000–5,000 |
| Action au fond (full trial — TJ Paris) | CPI art. L. 331-1 | 12–24 months | €10,000–50,000 |
| Douane PROOF / CIPP (customs seizure) | EU reg. 608/2013 | 10 days detention | €500 application + bank guarantee |
Dommages et intérêts: Since loi n° 2014-315, French courts may award damages based on the infringer's profits (CPI art. L. 331-1-3) — higher than actual loss in many cases. Criminal penalties for counterfeiting: up to 3 years prison and €300,000 fine (CPI art. L. 335-2).
