Patent: A patent in France is for an invention that is new (novel), capable of industrial application, involves an inventive step and should not result in an obvious way. A French patent has a maximum period of protection of 20 years from the filing date.
Utility Certificate: The Utility Certificate is an industrial property title issued by the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) which gives protection for a maximum period of 6 years. The Utility Certificate must meet the same requirements for patentability as the French patent. The utility certificate is worth obtaining to protect an invention's short lifespan.1
Plant Variety Certificate: A Plant Variety Certificate grants a title of protection with respect to any new variety created or discovered, of a genus or species of plant. This certificate is issued by the Committee for the Protection of Plant Varieties (INOV).2
France became a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty in January 1978 and is a signatory of numerous treaties and conventions, including but not limited to:
For information regarding how to file international, regional or national patent applications in each country, we welcome you to contact us.
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1 https://www.inpi.fr/fr/comprendre-la-propriete-intellectuelle/le-brevet
2 https://www.inpi.fr/fr/comprendre-la-propriete-intellectuelle/les-autres-modes-de-protection
