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Amendments to Trademark Laws

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Sep 02, 2026 (Newsletter Issue 6/26)
France
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INPI simplifies and modernises trademark procedures


France has introduced several procedural changes affecting trademark matters before the French Intellectual Property Office (INPI). Decree No. 2026-576 of June 30, 2026 aims to harmonise, simplify and modernise INPI procedures. It entered into force on July 2, 2026 and, with limited exceptions, also applies to proceedings already pending on that date.

The main trademark-related changes are:

- Longer decision period in opposition proceedings:
The period within which INPI must issue its decision after the examination phase has ended has been extended from three to four months. The change also applies to proceedings pending on July 2, 2026.

- Possibility to remedy certain deficiencies in oppositions:
Where INPI identifies certain formal deficiencies, opponents may now be given an opportunity to complete missing information or documents or submit observations. However, deficiencies relating to the opponent's entitlement to file the opposition cannot be remedied by subsequently submitting documents.

- Longer decision period in invalidity and revocation proceedings:
The corresponding INPI decision period has likewise been extended from three to four months, including for proceedings already pending on July 2, 2026.

- Electronic notifications: Notifications in trademark proceedings are now to be sent by electronic means that make it possible to establish the date of receipt. If the recipient's electronic address is unknown, notification is made by publication of a notice in the Official Bulletin of Industrial Property (BOPI).

- Greater protection of personal data: Where a trademark applicant is a natural person, information published in the BOPI and recorded in the National Trademark Register is now limited to the person's name, first name(s), municipality and country of residence.

- Reduced scope for fee refunds:
The previous rules providing for the reimbursement of certain trademark fees in cases of inadmissibility, including filing, class and renewal fees, have been removed. The new refund rules are more restrictive and apply to requests made from July 2, 2026.

The reform is primarily procedural and does not fundamentally change the substantive requirements for obtaining or enforcing trademark protection in France.

Source: https://www.inpi.fr/