Registering Your Trademark with the INPI: Complete Guide to Protecting Your Logo
2026 fees, procedure steps, prior art search, Nice classes: everything you need to know to register your trademark and protect your logo with the INPI.
Why Register Your Trademark?
You just created your logo, found the perfect name for your business, and you're ready to launch. But have you thought about legally protecting all of this? Without trademark registration, anyone could use your name or a similar logo — and you would have no legal recourse.
Registering your trademark with the INPI (National Institute of Industrial Property) gives you a monopoly on the use of a distinctive sign (name, logo, slogan) for a renewable period of 10 years within French territory. It’s an accessible process, relatively quick, and much less expensive than one might think.
This guide explains everything: validity conditions, step-by-step procedure, 2026 fees, and pitfalls to avoid.
What is a Trademark in Legal Terms?
According to the Intellectual Property Code (Article L711-1), a trademark is a sign used to distinguish the products or services of one company from those of its competitors. This sign can take various forms:
- Word Mark — a word, name, slogan (e.g., "Just Do It")
- Figurative Mark — a logo, drawing, graphic symbol
- Semi-Figurative Mark — a combination of a word and a graphic element (e.g., name + logo)
- Sound Mark — a jingle, melody (e.g., the SNCF jingle)
- Color Mark — a specific color claimed as distinctive
For entrepreneurs, the most common case is the registration of a Semi-Figurative Mark: the brand name accompanied by its logo. This offers the most comprehensive protection.
The 3 Conditions for a Valid Trademark
The INPI does not accept just any registration. To be registered, your trademark must meet three cumulative conditions:
1. Distinctiveness
The chosen sign must allow for the identification of your products or services among those of competitors. In practical terms, you cannot register a generic or descriptive term. For example, you could not register "Bakery" as a trademark for a bakery, nor "Fast" for a delivery service.
On the other hand, an invented word (like "Wilogo"), a common word used in an unexpected context (like "Apple" for computing), or an original logo are considered distinctive.
2. Availability
The trademark must not already be used or registered by a third party for similar products or services. This is the purpose of the prior art search, a crucial step detailed below.
3. Legality
The sign must not be contrary to public order or morals, nor misleading regarding the nature, quality, or origin of the products. You also cannot register a national flag, state emblem, or protected official sign.
Step 1: The Prior Art Search
This is probably the most important step — and one that many entrepreneurs overlook. About 20% of trademark registrations face opposition from holders of prior rights. Skipping this step is like playing roulette.
Free Search (Exact Match)
The INPI offers a free tool on its website: the French Trademark Database. You can search to see if a name strictly identical to yours is already registered in the same classes. It’s a good start, but it’s insufficient.
Similarity Search (Paid)
The real prior art search goes further: it looks for similar trademarks (phonetic, visual, conceptual). The INPI offers a paid similarity search service. You can also consult an intellectual property lawyer or a patent attorney (CPI) for a thorough search.
The cost of a similarity search varies:
- INPI Search: starting from €40 per class
- Search by a Professional: €200 to €600 depending on the scope
This is an investment that can save you thousands of euros in litigation. Don’t skip it.
Step 2: Choosing Your Nice Classes
The Nice Classification is an international system that organizes products and services into 45 classes (34 product classes + 11 service classes). When you register your trademark, you must indicate in which classes it will be protected.
Some examples of common classes:
- Class 25 — Clothing, footwear, headgear
- Class 35 — Advertising, business management
- Class 41 — Education, training, entertainment
- Class 42 — IT services, software development
- Class 43 — Restaurant and accommodation services
Tip: don’t choose too many classes “just in case.” Each additional class costs €40 more, and importantly, a trademark not used in a class can be canceled for lack of use after 5 years. Be strategic: protect what you are doing today and what you plan to do in the next 2-3 years.
Step 3: Online Registration at inpi.fr
For several years, trademark registration has been 100% online via the portal procedures.inpi.fr. Here are the concrete steps:
1. Create an Account on the INPI Portal
If you don’t have one yet, create a free account. You will need an email address and your contact details (individual or legal entity).
2. Fill Out the Registration Form
The form will ask you for:
- Trademark Model — the name as it will be protected (in uppercase if it’s a word mark, or the image file if it’s a figurative/semi-figurative mark)
- Identity of the Applicant — individual or legal entity, with address
- Products and Services — classified by Nice classes
- Any Claims — priority, color, etc.
Important Point: there must be only one trademark model per registration. If you want to protect your name alone AND your logo, you will need to make two separate registrations. We’ll discuss this in the section on logos.
3. Pay the Fee
Payment is made directly online by credit card. The amount depends on the number of classes chosen (see the fees section below).
4. Receive the Acknowledgment of Receipt
Once the form is validated and payment is made, you will receive an acknowledgment of receipt with a registration number. Your trademark is considered registered as of this date — this is your priority date.
Step 4: Publication and Opposition Period
After registration, the INPI examines your application (formal verification, no substantive examination of availability) and then publishes your trademark in the Official Bulletin of Industrial Property (BOPI).
From this publication, a 2-month opposition period opens. During this time, any holder of prior rights who believes your trademark infringes their rights can file an opposition.
The opposition procedure costs €400 for the party initiating it. If an opposition is filed against your trademark, you will be notified and can present your observations. The INPI will then make its decision.
If no opposition is filed (or if it is rejected), your trademark is registered. You will then receive your registration certificate. The entire procedure generally takes 4 to 6 months from filing to registration.
How Much Does Trademark Registration Cost in 2026?
Good news: registering your trademark is much more affordable than one might think. Here are the official INPI fees for 2026:
| Service | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
| Trademark Registration (1 class) | €190 |
| Additional Class | €40 per class |
| Renewal (10 years, 1 class) | €290 |
| Additional Class on Renewal | €40 |
| Opposition | €400 |
Concrete Examples:
- A freelancer registering their brand name in 1 class → €190
- A tech startup in 3 classes (software, advertising, IT services) → €270 (190 + 2 × 40)
- A clothing brand in 2 classes (clothing + e-commerce) → €230
Additionally, you may need to add the cost of the prior art search and, if you go through a professional (lawyer, CPI), their fees (averaging €500 to €1,500 for comprehensive support).
Registering a Logo: Specifics
If you are reading this article, there’s a good chance you have a logo to protect, in addition to (or instead of) a name. Here’s what you need to know.
Figurative vs Semi-Figurative Mark
If your logo contains no text, it’s a figurative mark. If it combines a graphic element and text (the name of your brand integrated into the logo), it’s a semi-figurative mark.
The INPI will require you to attach a high-quality reproduction of the logo. Note: you must register the logo exactly as you use it. If you significantly modify your logo after registration, the protection will no longer cover the new version.
Should You Make Two Registrations?
This is the question everyone asks. In practice, many professionals recommend making two separate registrations:
- A word mark registration — the name alone, which protects the word regardless of typography or formatting
- A figurative or semi-figurative registration — the logo, which protects the specific design
Why? Because a semi-figurative mark only protects the exact combination of the name and logo. If someone uses your name with a different logo, the protection is less certain. With a separate word registration, you cover the name independently of its graphic representation.
Total cost for two registrations in 1 class: 2 × 190 = €380. This is a reasonable budget for solid protection.
And Copyright?
Your logo is also protected by copyright, automatically and without formality, from the moment of its creation. However, copyright and trademark law offer complementary protections, not identical:
- Copyright protects the original work — but you must prove prior use (creation date) and originality in case of a dispute
- Trademark law protects the sign in a specific commercial context — and the INPI certificate constitutes a solid proof of your rights
The two do not exclude each other: registering your trademark significantly strengthens your legal position.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
After years of experience supporting entrepreneurs, here are the mistakes we see most often:
1. Skipping the Prior Art Search
We’ve mentioned it, but it bears repeating: never register a trademark without checking its availability. An opposition can cost you time, money, and force you to change your name after you’ve already printed your business cards.
2. Submitting a Low-Quality Logo
The image you submit to the INPI must be clear, high-resolution, and true to your actual logo. A pixelated or approximate file weakens your protection. Make sure you have your logo in vector format before registration.
3. Choosing Too Many (or Too Few) Classes
Too many classes = unnecessary cost and risk of cancellation for non-use. Too few = gaps in your protection. Take the time to identify the relevant classes for your current and future activities.
4. Forgetting to Renew
Protection lasts 10 years. After this period, if you do not renew, your trademark falls into the public domain. Set a reminder in your calendar as soon as you register.
5. Not Monitoring Your Trademark
Registering is good. Monitoring is better. The INPI does not check for you if someone registers a similar trademark after yours. It’s up to you to set up a watch (via the INPI or a specialized provider) and take action if necessary.
And Internationally?
Registration with the INPI only protects your trademark in France. If you sell abroad, you have several options:
The European Union Trademark (EUIPO)
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), based in Alicante, allows you to register a trademark protected in 27 EU countries in a single procedure. Base cost: €850 for one class (compared to €190 at the INPI, but for 27 countries).
The Madrid System (WIPO)
The Madrid Protocol, managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), allows you to extend your French trademark to more than 130 countries by designating those you are interested in. Each designated country has a specific cost.
National Registration Country by Country
For some countries outside the Madrid system, or for strategic reasons, you can register directly with the national office of the concerned country. This is more complex and often requires a local representative.
In any case, if you are aiming for international protection, seek assistance from an intellectual property professional.
FAQ
How long does the trademark registration process take at the INPI?
Expect about 4 to 6 months between registration and final approval. Online registration is immediate, but publication in the BOPI and the 2-month opposition period extend the process. If an opposition is filed, it can take several additional months.
Can a trademark be registered by an individual?
Yes, absolutely. Trademark registration is open to individuals as well as legal entities (companies, associations). You do not need to have a business to register a trademark, although this is the most common case.
Is my logo automatically protected by copyright?
Yes, copyright applies automatically upon creation of an original work. However, this protection is more difficult to enforce in case of a dispute (you must prove prior use and originality). Trademark registration provides official proof of your rights and greatly facilitates legal actions.
What happens if someone registers a trademark similar to mine?
If you hold a prior trademark, you can file an opposition within 2 months of the publication of the disputed trademark in the BOPI (cost: €400). After this period, you can initiate a cancellation action in court. Hence the importance of monitoring your trademark.
Do I need to go through a lawyer to register my trademark?
It’s not mandatory — the INPI's online procedure is designed to be accessible to everyone. However, for a thorough prior art search and choosing Nice classes, the assistance of a professional (lawyer or CPI) is often a worthwhile investment, especially if your trademark has significant commercial value.
Conclusion
Registering your trademark with the INPI is an accessible, quick, and affordable process — starting at €190 for 10 years of protection in France. It’s one of the best investments an entrepreneur can make to secure their identity.
Before registering, make sure your logo is professional and truly represents you. A good logo is the foundation of a strong brand. And a registered trademark guarantees that no one else can use it.
Need a logo before registering your trademark? Wilogo offers to create your visual identity with the help of our AI graphic agents, at your pace and at your price.
