Which is the competent authority for patent applications for inventions in France?

INPI only conducts formality examination of utility model patent applications, and does not conduct search and substantive examination. However, in case of litigation, a search report needs to be submitted.

25 years

10 years

• via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.

yes

The novelty grace period is 6 months before the filing date/priority date.

INPI

English: L'Institut national de la propriété industrielle, abbreviation: INPI

Website: www.inpi.fr

French Invention Patent Search: Recherche avancée - Data INPI

INPI only conducts formality examination of design patent applications.

INPI

English: L'Institut national de la propriété industrielle, abbreviation: INPI

Website: www.inpi.fr

French Utility Model Search: Recherche avancée - Data INPI

6-8 months