Industrial property is a key branch of intellectual property law. It protects technical inventions, innovations and industrial or commercial creations across France and the European Union. Industrial property covers trademarks, designs and models, patents, geographical indications and other distinctive signs. It gives creators and businesses exclusive rights to exploit their industrial assets, building a defensible competitive position in international markets.
Unlike copyright, which is automatic, industrial property rights require formal registration. In France, registration is handled by the INPI (Institut national de la propriété industrielle). At European level, trademarks and designs are filed with the EUIPO and patents with the EPO. A successful filing grants a legal monopoly that protects your asset against unauthorized use across the territories covered.
Protection durations vary by asset type:
The procedures are technical and the strategic choices made at filing time often determine the strength of your protection years later. Working with an experienced intellectual property attorney ensures that your filing strategy, classification, prior art search and territorial coverage are aligned with your business objectives in Europe and beyond.
Dreyfus is a Paris-based intellectual property law firm advising international clients on industrial property in France and across the European Union. Our team covers trademarks, designs and models, patents, franchise law, distinctive signs and plant variety rights, with direct access to the INPI, the EUIPO and the EPO. We work in English, French, Spanish, Mandarin and Arabic, and coordinate with a network of trusted local correspondents wherever your business operates.
Four concrete reasons why the European Union is one of the most efficient and protective territories in the world to secure your industrial property rights.
A single EU trademark or Community design filed with the EUIPO protects your right across all 27 EU member states. No country-by-country prosecution, no separate renewals, one single market of 450 million consumers covered with one application.
Source: EUIPO, single procedure for EU trademarks and Community designs.
Since June 2023, the unitary patent gives you protection across up to 17 EU member states with a single filing at the European Patent Office and a single annual fee. The system simplifies European patent strategy and significantly reduces translation and renewal costs.
Source: European Patent Office, unitary patent system (in force since 1 June 2023).
France ranks first in the European Union for Community design filings and is among the top countries for EU trademarks and European patents. This positions French IP firms at the heart of the European intellectual property ecosystem, with direct access to INPI, EUIPO and EPO.
Source: EUIPO and EPO statistical reports.
The Unified Patent Court rules on infringement and validity of unitary and classical European patents with a single decision applicable across participating EU states. With a local division in Paris, France is one of the strategic forums for European patent litigation.
Source: Unified Patent Court Agreement, in force since 1 June 2023.
Our four-step process turns industrial property from a legal obligation into a competitive advantage for your business in Europe and beyond.
We map your existing assets, identify gaps in your portfolio and prioritize what needs protection in France, Europe and beyond.
We define the territorial coverage, classification and timing that match your business objectives, your budget and your risk tolerance.
We handle the entire filing process with INPI, EUIPO, EPO or WIPO, including prior art searches, office actions and oppositions.
We monitor your rights, defend them against infringement and coordinate enforcement actions in customs, online marketplaces and courts.
Common questions from our international clients on EUIPO, EPO and INPI filings, fees, timelines and procedures.
An EU trademark filed with the EUIPO is typically registered in 4 to 6 months when no opposition is filed. Our team handles the full procedure, including classification, prior art search and response to office actions.
Yes. Dreyfus is an EPO-accredited firm and we file European patents directly on behalf of our international clients, including those based in the US, India, China and the Middle East. The unitary patent system covers up to 17 EU member states with a single filing.
An INPI filing protects your right in France only. An EUIPO filing protects your trademark or design across all 27 EU member states under a single right. The choice depends on the territorial scope of your business and your cost considerations. We advise on both.
Yes. The majority of our industrial property clients are based outside France, in Europe, North America, Asia and Africa. We coordinate with local correspondents and communicate in your time zone and language.
We offer fixed-fee packages for trademark and design filings, hourly rates for litigation and complex matters, and yearly retainer agreements for portfolio management. Detailed quotes are provided after an initial discussion.
