French Trademark or European Trademark: which one to choose?

Registering a trademark is a key step in securing your commercial identity. But should you prefer a French trademark or a European trademark? The choice depends on your development strategy, budget, and target market. Here are the essential criteria for making the right decision.

Differences between French and European trademark

One French trademark protects your name or logo only in France. It is registered with the INPI and offers national protection.

One European trademark covers all the countries of the European Union in a single filing. It is registered with EUIPO and allows protection in all Member States. It avoids having to register a trademark in each country of the European Union.

The rules applicable to the filing and protection of French and European trademarks are quite similar, with minor differences.

Cost: a significant difference

• French trademark : from €190 for a class of products or services, with a supplement of €40 per additional class.
• European trademark : €850 for one class, €50 for the second, and €150 per additional class.

If your business remains national, a French trademark is more economical. On the other hand, if you plan to expand in several European countries, a European trademark is more profitable in the long term, as soon as more than four or five countries are targeted, depending on the number of classes covered.

Territoriality: where to protect your trademark?

• If your market is exclusively in France, there is no need to pay for European protection.
• If you already sell or plan to sell in several EU countries, a European trademark simplifies your protection.
• Attention, a European trademark must be used in several states under penalty of revocation.

Protection strategies: how to optimize your deposit?

• Start with a French trademark : if your business is in the testing or start-up phase, registering a national trademark first allows you to limit costs.
• Opt directly for a European trademark : relevant if your business is targeting several countries from the start. This avoids having to manage a filing in each country, everything being centralized at the EUIPO.
• Register a French trademark and then a European extension : it is possible to transform a French trademark into a European trademark within six months following its registration (right of priority). This is a rarer choice because in this case an initial European filing is more logical.
• Register a national trademark in case of local antecedents : If a similar trademark already exists in a specific country, a European brand could be refused or attacked in that territory. In this case, a targeted national filing in relevant countries may be a better option to get around this barrier and obtain effective local protection. It is essential to analyze the availability of your trademark in each key country before registering a European trademark.

Why is this choice crucial?

A well-protected trademark avoids legal conflicts and secures your identity. Defining your deposit strategy early on allows you to avoid unnecessary costs and future complications. A poor choice may require new deposits, leading to additional fees.

Conclusion

The choice between a French trademark and a European trademark depends on your market, your budget and your ambitions. A good strategy allows you to optimize your costs while securing your trademark in the right territory. If you are hesitant, I can help you define the best approach according to your needs.