Trademark Registration Attorney in Paris
Protecting a trademark is not optional but essential. It represents the company’s identity and constitutes a strategic lever for differentiation. In Paris, the density of economic activity and competition between companies further reinforce this requirement. In this context, the intervention of a trademark registration attorney in Paris proves essential to sustainably secure the distinctive signs of a company. It provides a clear legal framework and strengthens each strategic decision related to brand identity.
Why Trademark Protection is Essential
A trademark is a distinctive sign that precisely identifies the products or services offered by a company. It can be verbal, figurative, sound, or semi-figurative. In France, this sign must meet several criteria: distinctiveness, legality, and availability.
According to Article L711-1 of the French Intellectual Property Code: “The trademark for goods or services is a sign used to distinguish the goods or services of a natural or legal person from those of other natural or legal persons. This sign must be capable of being represented in the national trademark register in a manner that enables anyone to determine precisely and clearly the subject of the protection conferred on its holder.”
Registration with INPI (Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle) grants an exclusive right of exploitation. Only the holder can then use it, oppose imitators, and enhance this asset with business partners. This is where the expertise of a trademark registration attorney in Paris comes in, in his capacity of guiding legal strategy.
Securing a Major Economic Asset
The trademark is often the first element perceived by consumers. Indeed, it crystallizes reputation, perceived quality, and reputation. When registered, it takes on tangible legal and economic value. It becomes transferable, transmissible, and even negotiable in a licensing agreement.
Under Article L713-1 of the French Intellectual Property Code: “Registration of the trademark confers on its holder a property right over this trademark for the goods or services it has designated. This right is exercised without prejudice to rights acquired by third parties before the filing date or priority date of this trademark.”
Conversely, an unprotected trademark remains vulnerable. Calling upon a trademark registration attorney in Paris helps limit the risks and strengthen the overall business strategy. Moreover, a secured trademark strengthens the company’s credibility with financial partners, investors, or clients. In the context of fundraising or a disposal operation, a protected trademark represents a major asset that fully enters into the valuation of the business.
Avoiding Costly Litigation
Without registration, the company is exposed to lengthy and costly litigation. This may involve opposition proceedings, cancellation requests, or counterfeiting. However, such disputes harm the image and slow down company’s development.
By securing the name or logo from the outset, the intervention of a trademark registration attorney in Paris guarantees a solid legal basis. It reduces uncertainties and ensures better management of future legal risks. Indeed, anticipating potential disputes from the brand creation phase helps avoid lengthy procedures, sometimes paralyzing for a young company. Thanks to a clear and anticipated legal strategy, the applicant maintains a position of strength.
The Contribution of a Specialized Trademark Registration Attorney
Conducting a Preliminary Audit
Before any registration, an availability analysis is essential. This involves verifying that the trademark is not already registered for similar products or services.
In this perspective, a trademark registration attorney in Paris conducts a thorough prior rights search. They consult databases, identify similar signs, and evaluate legal risks. This step avoids oppositions and also optimizes the chances of successful registration.
In addition, the attorney identifies competing trademarks already registered, similar domain names, and conflicting company names. This meticulous work thus avoids unnecessarily investing in an unexploitable trademark.
Advice on Registration Strategy
Each trademark has specificities. The choice of sign, the type of trademark (verbal, figurative), the classes to cover according to the Nice Classification: so many strategic decisions.
A trademark registration attorney in Paris guides the company on these choices. They adapt the registration to business reality and development ambitions. This personalized advice maximizes the scope of protection obtained.
Furthermore, registration can be national, European, or international. Depending on the envisaged area of activity, the attorney proposes the appropriate procedure, taking into account costs, deadlines, and legal constraints. They also define a policy for progressive renewal and geographical expansion.
Under Article L714-1 of the French Intellectual Property Code, “Rights attached to a trademark are transferable in whole or in part, independently of the person who exploits them or has them exploited.”
Drafting and Filing with INPI
INPI imposes strict requirements for trademark registration. The content of the file, the precision of the wording, and the selection of classes must thus be rigorously prepared.
A trademark registration attorney in Paris handles this drafting. They verify each element, ensure their consistency, and proceed with electronic filing in compliance with administration expectations. This control avoids errors and streamlines the procedure.
In case of notification from INPI, the attorney intervenes without delay. They regularize the points raised and preserve the validity of the registration. Their mastery of technical requirements guarantees a controlled and secure procedure.
Registration Costs and Fees in France
According to current INPI rates (2024-2025), the official fees for trademark registration in France are as follows:
- €190 for the first class
- €40 for each additional class
This represents a significant change from the previous system where the filing fee was €210 for 1 to 3 classes. The INPI adopted a per-class pricing system to streamline registries and encourage more targeted filings.
Trademarks in France are valid for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely for further periods of 10 years.
The cost of opposition proceedings increased from €325 to €400 for a single prior right invoked, with an additional fee of €150 for each additional right invoked.
Advantages of Using a Trademark Registration Attorney in Paris
Benefiting from Institutional Proximity
The Paris region concentrates the main institutions involved in trademark law: INPI, specialized intellectual property courts, and several arbitration and mediation organizations.
A trademark registration attorney in Paris can therefore act with reactivity, travel easily for hearings, or file applications in an accelerated manner. This logistical proximity constitutes a real asset in managing sensitive and urgent procedures. Similarly, being based in Paris allows the attorney to maintain privileged contact with institutional actors. They can closely follow the evolution of administrative and judicial practices, which improves the quality of advice provided to clients.
Relying on Local Expertise
The Parisian market has specific characteristics. Indeed, it is composed of numerous startups, innovative companies, and international groups. Understanding the issues specific to this economic diversity requires targeted experience.
A trademark registration attorney in Paris is perfectly familiar with local sectoral dynamics. They adapt their recommendations to the concrete needs of Parisian companies. Their intervention is not limited to a one-time advisory role. It fits into a long-term partnership logic. Thanks to this intellectual and geographical proximity, the attorney anticipates expectations and offers tailored solutions.
Obtaining Personalized Support
Unlike certain automated registration platforms, support from a trademark registration attorney in Paris is based on a human relationship.
The attorney takes time to understand the client’s objectives, positioning, and competitive universe. They then propose a legal strategy aligned with the company’s development vision. This support includes regular follow-up. The attorney informs the client at each step of the procedure, analyzes INPI feedback, and prepares possible responses. In case of need, they remain available to adjust the strategy or intervene quickly.
Steps of Trademark Registration with an Attorney
Preliminary Analysis and Strategic Advice
The trademark registration attorney in Paris begins with a legal audit. They evaluate risks, opposition possibilities, and the adequacy of the chosen sign.
Then, they advise on classes to retain, based on current activity and future projects. This preventive approach maximizes the scope of protection. They also identify whether an international extension is appropriate, particularly via EUIPO or the Madrid system, thus allowing coherent internationalization of the trademark.
Drafting and Formalities
Once the strategy is defined, the trademark registration attorney in Paris drafts the file, ensures its compliance, and then files it. They manage exchanges with INPI, respond to possible notifications, and inform their client of the process progress. This involvement ensures complete peace of mind for the applicant.
Each wording is carefully drafted to avoid imprecisions or omissions. The importance of precise wording in trademark registration cannot be overstated, as it defines the exact scope of protection.
Post-Registration Follow-up
Protection work does not stop once the trademark is filed. To ensure its sustainability, the trademark registration attorney in Paris implements continuous monitoring. They track new filings, detect risks of confusion, and prepare necessary oppositions. Thanks to this vigilance, the trademark retains its value and exclusivity over time.
In addition, the attorney monitors administrative deadlines, particularly mandatory renewal every ten years, thus ensuring uninterrupted legal coverage.
Defending Your Trademark After Registration
Implementing Effective Monitoring
As soon as the trademark is published, implementing monitoring becomes essential to preserve acquired rights. The market evolves constantly, which multiplies the risks of imitation or confusion.
To prevent these infringements, the trademark registration attorney in Paris deploys appropriate monitoring tools. They regularly examine official bulletins, identify contentious filings, and inform their client in case of threat. Thanks to this continuous vigilance, a rapid reaction can be engaged in complete safety.
Reacting to Counterfeiting
When a third party uses a sign similar or identical to a registered trademark, this may constitute an act of counterfeiting. To stop this infringement, the trademark registration attorney in Paris intervenes without delay. They generally begin by sending a cease and desist letter to obtain amicable withdrawal.
According to Article L716-4 of the French Intellectual Property Code, counterfeiting actions can seek cessation of illicit use and damages for the harm suffered.
If this approach remains unsuccessful, they then engage legal action. They ensure their client’s defense before competent jurisdictions and pursue cessation of illicit use, as well as obtaining damages in compensation for the harm suffered.
Acting in Opposition Proceedings
When a new filing risks infringing an already registered trademark, it is possible to initiate opposition proceedings. In this context, the trademark registration attorney in Paris handles the constitution of the file. They develop solid legal argumentation, supported by their client’s prior rights, and present this opposition before INPI. Thanks to their mastery of formal requirements and substantive issues, they considerably strengthen the chances of success of the approach.
The opposition period is two months from the publication of a trademark application in the Official Bulletin of Industrial Property (BOPI).
Legal Framework and Key Provisions
The French legal framework for trademarks is primarily contained in Book VII of the French Intellectual Property Code (Code de la propriété intellectuelle), which implements elements of EU Directive 2015/2436 on the approximation of trademark laws across EU Member States.
Key legislative provisions include:
Articles L711-1 to L711-3: Constitutive elements of a trademark- Articles L713-1 to L713-6: Rights conferred by trademark registration
- Articles L714-1 to L714-8: Transfer and loss of trademark rights
- Articles L716-1 to L716-11: Invalidity, revocation, and counterfeiting litigation
Code de la propriété intellectuelle (French Intellectual Property Code), formalized by Law No. 92-597 of July 1, 1992, as modified by subsequent ordinances including Ordinance No. 2019-1169 of November 13, 2019
France is also a signatory to international agreements such as the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property and the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks, enabling international trademark registrations through WIPO.
International Trademark Protection Options
European Union Trademark (EUTM): Businesses can register a single trademark through the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), granting protection across all EU member states. This provides a cost-effective solution for companies operating throughout Europe.
Madrid System: The Madrid Protocol allows trademark holders to protect their property with a single application submitted to WIPO’s International Bureau. This system enables designation of multiple countries with one filing, though each designated country can accept or refuse the trademark based on its national laws.
A trademark registration attorney in Paris can advise on the most appropriate international strategy based on the company’s expansion plans and budget considerations.
Preserve Your Trademark with a Trademark Registration Attorney in Paris
Registering a trademark allows securing a name, visual, or logo that carries the company’s activity. In Paris, where competitive stakes are particularly high, each step must be carefully considered. Vigilance is required from the preparatory phase and extends well beyond registration.
The intervention of a trademark registration attorney in Paris ensures rigorous handling at each stage. From choosing classes to drafting the wording, from managing exchanges with INPI to implementing effective monitoring, each action fits into a clear strategy. This support allows quick action, risk prevention, and enforcement of rights over time.
To build solid and coherent protection, DE BAECQUE BELLEC law firm offers support adapted to your challenges. Do not hesitate to contact us to define together the most effective legal solution for your trademark.
Stéphane Bellec, Attorney, Partner Cabinet De Baecque Bellec
Intellectual property attorney
Tél. + 33 (0) 1 53 29 90 00