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Patenting in France: Protect your innovation in just a few clicks

Patenting in France: Protect your innovation in just a few clicks

Your patent application from €299 plus VAT

(plus formalities fees), carried out by an expert IP attorney.

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Patents are one of the surest ways of protecting your innovation and maintaining your competitiveness in the marketplace. According to Articles L611-1 et seq. of the French Intellectual Property Code, for a patent to be registered, it must meet several criteria: novelty, inventive step and industrial application.

What type of patent will you file?

The choice of patent territory is crucial to the protection of your invention. National protection extends only to France, while European or international protection offers much broader coverage. The cost of filing varies according to the territory chosen. In addition, you need to choose the right type of patent (patent, utility certificate, European patent or international patent) according to the scope of protection you require and the level of innovation involved.
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Patent filing process

1. Fill in the online form.

2. Prior art search: this is a crucial step, enabling you to check whether your invention has already been patented.

3. Filing the patent with INPI: once you've verified the availability of your invention, you can file your patent with INPI. This filing includes payment of official fees and the dispatch of all necessary documents, including a description of your invention, any sketches and the claims that define the scope of protection.

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The patent application process: timeline

After filing with INPI, examination of the application can take up to 18 months. This examination period is essential, as it enables INPI to assess whether your invention is new, inventive and industrially applicable. What’s more, your patent application is published 18 months after filing or priority, giving any potential opponents a chance to make themselves known. This publication also marks the start of provisional protection for your invention.

Patent risks

Penalties for patent infringement can be severe. Civil measures can be taken, such as the payment of damages, or even criminal measures, including fines or prison sentences. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that your patent is solidly established, which implies an accurate and complete description of your invention, and well-defined claims. It’s also important to ensure that your patent is exploited, as an un-exploited patent can be declared lapsed after a certain period of time.

The Fidealis guarantee for patent registration

With Fidealis, you benefit from a secure and efficient service for filing your patent. Our expert attorney will guide you through the entire process, from preparing your patent application to filing it with INPI. The process includes prior art searches, assistance in drafting the specification and claims, preparation of all necessary documents, and communication with INPI. Costs are transparent, and you pay nothing until you have validated a quote or estimate.

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Frequently asked questions

Where to file a patent in France

In France, patents are mainly registered with INPI (Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle), the official body responsible for protecting inventions.

How much does it cost to file a patent?

The cost of filing a patent application in France varies according to the type of application and the complexity of the invention. Fees include the patent application, examination, publication and annual fees. In general, the initial cost starts at around a few hundred euros, with additional costs for maintenance.

How do I apply for a patent in France?

To apply for a patent in France, you must :

  • Write a full description of the invention.
  • File the application with INPI, along with the necessary documents.
  • INPI carries out a formal and then a technical examination.
  • Once accepted, the patent is published and you receive protection.
What are the advantages of patenting in France?

A patent in France confers an exclusive right to exploit your invention for 20 years, enabling you to prevent any unauthorized use and enhance the commercial value of your innovation.

Can a patent be filed internationally from France?

Yes, you can file a patent via international procedures such as the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) to protect your invention in several countries at once.