Which countries should I protect my mark in?

Territories offered

• France (INPI): 1 country. Optional extension to French Polynesia at filing.
• European Union (EUIPO): a single right valid in all 27 Member States, including France.
• United Kingdom (UKIPO): no longer covered by the EU trade mark since 1 January 2021.
• Switzerland (IPI): not an EU member, a separate filing is needed.

What is not covered

Other countries (e.g. Norway, Turkey, the United States, China) are not offered in the form. They can be covered through the Madrid System or a national filing: contact us before ordering.

Practical examples

• Business focused on one country: a bakery in Bordeaux → French filing.
• Sales in several EU countries: an online shop delivering to Germany, Italy and Spain → EU trade mark, often cheaper than several national filings.
• Business in the UK or Switzerland: add these territories on top of the EU; they combine freely.
• International expansion plan: file first in your main market, then use the 6-month priority period or the Madrid System to extend.

A point to watch with the EU trade mark

The EU trade mark is a single right: if an earlier mark in just one EU country successfully opposes it, the whole application can be refused. A prior search is all the more useful.