A trademark refers to a set of distinctive signs recognizable by consumers that create value in the market for a company.
The sign can be a word, a name, a slogan, a logo, a design, a sound or a combination of these different elements.
The obligation of distinctiveness is the essential criterion for the validity of a trademark. However, a common sign (very common words) can still constitute a valid trademark if it designates a product or service that has no direct connection with the sign.
Filing a trademark in France with the French Patent and Trademark Office (INPI) covers the French territory, but it is possible to protect a trademark at the European or even global level. For this, the trademark must be filed with the relevant organizations: the EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office) for the European Union and the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) for international protection. After the registration of a trademark, the French Intellectual Property Code imposes effective use of the trademark for the designated products and services.
After filing, a trademark is generally valid for 10 years. This protection also allows the trademark owner to act against infringement during the entire protection period against anyone using the trademark without authorization.