French invention patents require annual renewal fees to remain in force, with a maximum protection period of 20 years. Renewal fees start from the 2nd year and increase annually. The fee for each year is due on the anniversary date of the patent filing.
Example: For a patent filed on April 10, 2023, the renewal fee for the 2nd year (âŦ38) must be paid by April 10, 2025.
| Patent Year | Renewal Fee (âŦ) | Payment Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Year 2 | 38 | On the 1st anniversary of the filing date |
| Year 3 | 38 | On the 2nd anniversary |
| Year 4 | 38 | On the 3rd anniversary |
| Year 5 | 38 | On the 4th anniversary |
| Year 6 | 76 | On the 5th anniversary |
| Year 7 | 76 | On the 6th anniversary |
| Year 8 | 76 | On the 7th anniversary |
| Year 9 | 76 | On the 8th anniversary |
| Year 10 | 114 | On the 9th anniversary |
| Year 11 | 114 | On the 10th anniversary |
| Year 12 | 114 | On the 11th anniversary |
| Year 13 | 114 | On the 12th anniversary |
| Year 14 | 152 | On the 13th anniversary |
| Year 15 | 152 | On the 14th anniversary |
| Year 16 | 152 | On the 15th anniversary |
| Year 17 | 152 | On the 16th anniversary |
| Year 18 | 190 | On the 17th anniversary |
| Year 19 | 190 | On the 18th anniversary |
| Year 20 | 190 | On the 19th anniversary |
Total renewal fees for 20 years: âŦ2,128
1. The fees listed are the standard rates as per the INPI fee schedule (2025).
2. Grace Period: A six-month grace period is allowed for late payment upon payment of a 50% surcharge.
3. Supplementary Protection Certificate (SPC): For certain products, an SPC can extend protection for up to 5 additional years.
The French Utility Certificate has a non-renewable, fixed protection period of 6 years from the filing date. It is subject to annual renewal fees starting from the 2nd year, identical to patents for the first 6 years.
| Protection Year | Renewal Fee (âŦ) | Payment Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Year 2 | 38 | On the 1st anniversary of the filing date |
| Year 3 | 38 | On the 2nd anniversary |
| Year 4 | 38 | On the 3rd anniversary |
| Year 5 | 38 | On the 4th anniversary |
| Year 6 | 76 | On the 5th anniversary |
Total renewal fees for 6 years: âŦ266
1. Fixed Term: The protection expires automatically after 6 years and cannot be renewed or extended.
2. Examination: Like patents, utility certificates undergo substantive examination.
3. Conversion: It is possible to convert a pending patent application into a utility certificate application.
French registered designs have a maximum protection period of 25 years from the filing date. The initial registration covers the first 5 years. Renewal fees are due every 5 years to maintain protection.
| Protection Period | Renewal Fee (âŦ) | Payment Window |
|---|---|---|
| Years 1 - 5 | Included in initial registration fee | No renewal needed |
| Years 6 - 10 | 39 | Within 6 months before the expiry of the 5th year |
| Years 11 - 15 | 78 | Within 6 months before the expiry of the 10th year |
| Years 16 - 20 | 117 | Within 6 months before the expiry of the 15th year |
| Years 21 - 25 | 156 | Within 6 months before the expiry of the 20th year |
Total renewal fees for 25 years: âŦ390
1. Payment Window: Renewal fees must be paid for the entire upcoming 5-year period during the 6 months preceding the expiry of the current period.
2. Grace Period: A six-month grace period after expiry is available for late renewal, subject to a surcharge.
3. Examination: Designs undergo only a formal examination.
1. Mark the Exact Anniversary: For patents and utility certificates, the due date is the precise filing anniversary.
2. Plan for Block Renewals (Designs): For designs, note the 5-year renewal cycle and the pre-expiry payment window.
3. Consider the Utility Certificate Strategy: For inventions with a market life under 6 years, the utility certificate offers the same initial protection as a patent at a lower overall cost.
4. Use INPI's Online Services: Payments and renewal requests can be made efficiently through the official INPI online portal.
5. Verify Fees and Deadlines: Always confirm the exact amounts and procedural rules on the official INPI website before taking action.
Disclaimer: The fees and information are based on the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) fee schedule applicable as of 2025. Fees are subject to change. This information is for guidance only. Always verify the latest official rates and rules before making payments.
