French or EU trademark: how to choose?
INPI or EUIPO: cost, territorial scope, priority right and strategies for choosing between a French and an EU trademark.
Filing a trademark is a key step in securing your commercial identity. But should you opt for a French trademark or an EU trademark? The choice depends on your development strategy, your budget and your target market.
A French trademark, filed with the INPI, protects your name or logo in France only. An EU trademark, registered with the EUIPO, covers all EU Member States in a single filing. The filing and protection rules are broadly similar.
A French trademark costs from €190 for one class (+ €40 per additional class). An EU trademark costs €850 for one class, €50 for the second, and €150 per additional class. If you are targeting more than four or five European countries, the EU trademark becomes more cost-effective.
These office fees are only part of the budget: for the full cost - clearance search, legal fees and renewal - see how much it costs to register a trademark.
If your market is exclusively French, a French trademark is sufficient. If you sell or plan to sell in several EU countries, an EU trademark simplifies protection. Note that an EU trademark must be used in at least one Member State to avoid revocation for non-use.
Start with a French trademark if your business is in its testing or launch phase. Opt directly for an EU trademark if you are targeting several countries from the outset. File a French trademark and then extend it to the EU within six months (priority right). Or file targeted national marks to work around prior rights in a specific country. For software companies targeting international markets, see the article on international trademark filing for software vendors. For the filing process, see the trademark filing guide and the intellectual property services page.
The choice between a French and an EU trademark depends on your market, your budget and your ambitions. A poor choice may require fresh filings. If you are unsure, book a call to discuss the best approach.
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