• Design fees

Fees associated with filing industrial design applications in France, as well as other design fees, are available in the fee calculator.

• Multiple design application

Multiple design applications are possible in France provided that the products belong to the same class of the Locarno classification.

• Filing requirements of a design application in France

The official language of the proceedings before the INPI is French.

In order to obtain the date of filing, it is necessary to provide the INPI with:
- information about the applicant;
- number of designs filed;
- total number of representations of the design (may not exceed 100);
- number of representations referring to each design;
- description of the product;
- priority claim (if applicable);
- representation of the design;
- power of attorney (not necessary if represented by a registered patent attorney);
- payment of the corresponding fees.

A certified copy of the Priority Document translated into French shall be submitted within three months from the filing date.

• Examination of a design application in France

Applications for an industrial design registration are examined as to the compliance with formal requirements.

• Novelty grace period

Disclosure of a design will be disregarded if it occurred within twelve months prior to the filing or priority date:
- by the creator, his/her successor in title or by a third party who obtained information from the creator or his/her successor in title;
- as a consequence of an abuse in relation to the creator or his/her successor in title.

• Grant, validity term and design renewal fees

There is no official grant fee in France. Initial term of an industrial design registration is five years from the filing date, extendable four times up to 25 years. Renewal fees should be paid within a six-month period prior to the last day of the month in which the registration expires. The payment still may be effected within a grace period of six months after the due date, corresponding surcharge applies. The first extension of the term may be requested at the time of filing.

• Duration of registration procedure

Approximate time from filing to registration of an industrial design in France is 10 months.

• Representation by a patent attorney

For applicants not residing in France, EU or EEA (European Economic Area), it is necessary to perform trademark registration through an agent, a registered French trademark attorney.

• Notes

1. Online Search Databases: French Designs, Community Designs (EUIPO), DesignView
2. Industrial design protection in France may also be obtained via registration of a Community Design.

Brief summary is based on the information provided by LAURENT & CHARRAS on 08.02.2024
Please contact us if the above information is not in conformity with French IP Laws