casalonga logo

Casalonga - IP Alert - Patent Protection Strategy in France

THE REVISION OF THE FRENCH PATENT LAW

Duration of the utility certificate (into force since January 10, 2020)

The duration of French utility certificates has been increased to 10 years from the filing date (it was only 6 years before) and this applies to existing utility certificates not yet expired.

Possible conversion of a utility certificate application into a patent application (into force since January 10, 2020)

A utility certificate application may be converted into a patent application by simply filing a request therefore at the French patent office within 18 months from the filing or priority date. The official fee for search report, which is compulsory for patent applications, must be paid within one month from the conversion date.