France’s trademark success rate: 5-year trend
Over the last five years, France has consistently processed an enormous volume of applications with an average success rate of 88.85%, making it one of the highest-performing IP offices globally.
Applications filed in | Registered | Filed | Success rate |
|---|---|---|---|
2019 | 83,951 | 91,811 | 91.44% |
2020 | 93,850 | 105,805 | 88.70% |
2021 | 98,148 | 112,908 | 86.93% |
2022 | 82,953 | 94,375 | 87.90% |
2023 | 83,180 | 92,681 | 89.75% |
Total (average) | 442,082 | 497,580 | 88.85% |
France's high approval rates are particularly notable given the scale of its operations. From 2019 to 2023, the INPI handled nearly half a million trademark applications — more than most other national IP offices in Europe.
Comparison to major IP Offices in the region
With an average success rate of 88.85%, France stands out as a favorable jurisdiction for trademark protection. It performs significantly above the global average, beating out larger IP markets such as the EUIPO (90.80%) and USPTO (56.91%).
Regionally, France ranks alongside the Czech Republic (88.53%) and Denmark (87.78%), while outperforming other major economies such as Finland (77.84%), Germany (71.38%), and Austria (84.67%). This makes INPI not only one of the most productive offices in Europe, but also one of the most consistent and applicant-friendly.
Find out more about how this trademark office compares globally in our full report on trademark success rates worldwide.
Country | Office code | Success rate |
|---|---|---|
France | INPI | 88.85% |
Germany | DPMA | 71.38% |
Austria | OPA | 84.76% |
Czech Republic | IPOCZ | 88.53% |
Finland | PRH | 77.84% |
The European Union | EUIPO | 90.80% |
The United States | USPTO | 56.91% |
Several interlocking factors help explain France's strong performance in trademark approval:
1. Legal predictability and transparency
INPI operates under a well-established legal framework aligned with EU directives and WIPO standards. Clear examination guidelines and digital public access to case law help applicants better prepare and tailor their submissions.
2. High applicant competence
France's trademark system attracts a large share of applications from seasoned domestic and international businesses. These applicants often rely on legal professionals to help them craft a comprehensive application and avoid simple errors.
3. Proactive examination process
Unlike some countries with longer or less predictable timelines, INPI maintains a rigorous yet quick review process. Examiners at INPI not only ensure compliance but also communicate effectively with applicants when issues arise, which encourages amendments and resubmissions rather than outright rejections.
How to maximize your chances of registration success in France
Despite a relatively high success rate of 88.85%, registering a trademark in France requires some preparation and understanding of INPI procedures. To improve your likelihood of approval, it’s recommended to begin with a comprehensive trademark search to identify any potential conflicts. Ensure that your mark is distinctive and not merely descriptive, and clearly define the goods and services associated with your application.
Working with a qualified trademark lawyer is one of the most effective ways to increase your chances. A trademark lawyer can help navigate the complexities of the INPI process, respond effectively to Office Actions, and build a solid filing strategy from the start.
If you are currently preparing to submit your first trademark application, we’ve put together a detailed guide on how to strengthen your chances of success, with multiple pieces of advice directly from our trademark lawyers with years of experience. You can also take advantage of Trama’s free lawyer’s check to receive expert feedback on your trademark and guidance on the best steps forward.
