New French Patent Law

The new French Patent Law targets to increase the quality of French patents.

The term of a utility model is extended from 6 to 10 years similarly to Chinese or German utility models. Interestingly, this measure applies to utility models filed on or after January 1, 2020, but also to utility models still in force on that date. In addition, it is possible to transform a utility model application into a patent application.

In order to improve the robustness and the quality of French patents, a patent opposition procedure before the French PTO is created from April 1, 2020, which is very similar to the one currently practiced at the European Patent Office.

The patent examination procedure is strengthened for all patent applications filed on or after May 22, 2020. Indeed, in addition to novelty, the inventive step of a patent application is analyzed in depth by the French PTO.

Finally, from July 2020, a provisional patent application is also created.