Code de la Propriete Intellectuelle (Intellectual Property Code)

Introduction

The Code de la Propriete Intellectuelle (CPI) codifies French intellectual property law. The Code covers literary and artistic property (droit d’auteur), industrial property (patents, trademarks, designs), and related rights.

Droit d’Auteur

French copyright law protects original works of the mind. Unlike common law copyright, French droit d’auteur emphasizes the author’s moral rights (right of attribution, integrity, and withdrawal). Economic rights last for the author’s life plus 70 years.

Patents

Patents are protected for 20 years from filing. The Institut National de la Propriete Industrielle (INPI) examines patent applications. French patent law requires industrial application, novelty, and inventive step.

Trademarks

Trademarks are protected upon registration with INPI. Protection lasts 10 years and is renewable indefinitely. French trademark law has been harmonized with EU trademark directives.