Intellectual property law
The firm assists its clients in protecting their intellectual property rights before the French intellectual property office (INPI) and in defending their trade marks, patents and copyright. It acts in an advisory capacity, ahead of filings, and in litigation where a conflict arises with a third party. The aim of this approach is to secure its clients’ intangible assets over the long term.
How the firm acts
- Filings with the INPI with a view to protecting intellectual property rights
- Disputes relating to copyright, trade marks and patents: conflicts with third parties over prior rights and similar matters.
Key points of the practice
Two offices: Paris and Marseille.
Assistance with filing applications before the INPI.
Advisory and litigation work in trade marks, patents and copyright.
Assistance in French, English, Italian, Dutch and Arabic.
General principles worth knowing
How is a trade mark filed with the INPI?
Filing a trade mark with the INPI involves first checking its availability, defining precisely the classes of goods and services covered, and then filing the application, which will be examined and published.
What is the difference between a trade mark, a patent and copyright?
A trade mark protects a distinctive sign and a patent protects a new technical invention, whereas copyright protects an original intellectual work, with no filing formality.
What can be done in the event of infringement?
Where infringement occurs, the breach may be formally recorded (in particular by way of an infringement seizure (*saisie-contrefaçon*)), a formal notice may be served on the infringer and, failing an amicable solution, proceedings may be brought before the competent courts.
How is the earlier date of an intellectual property right established?
Priority in time may be proved by any means bearing a reliable date: an official filing, a Soleau envelope, a bailiff’s report, or any other evidence establishing the date of creation or of first use of the right relied on.
When can the firm step in?
- Exemple type
Assisting a company with the filing of a trade mark before the INPI.
- Exemple type
Defending a designer in infringement proceedings.
- Exemple type
Advising on the protection of an invention before its commercial exploitation.
Initial enquiry
Contact the firm about intellectual property law.
Set out the essential facts, the parties involved and any deadlines. The firm will review the enquiry and carry out its conflict checks before confirming whether it can act.
- Meetings in Paris, Marseille or remotely
- Individuals, executives and companies
- Please send no confidential documents before written confirmation