Key Changes to French IP Procedures in 2026

A decree published on July 2, 2026, introduces a range of measures aimed at simplifying and modernizing industrial property procedures in France.

Among the key changes:

• Full digitalization of notifications: all communications with the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) will now be conducted exclusively by electronic means.

• Changes to the fee system: with limited exceptions particularly where the search report fee is concerned and the search has not yet been initiated—official fees will no longer be refunded in cases of inadmissibility or withdrawal of certain procedures.

• New SME definition for patent fee reductions: the eligibility threshold has been aligned with the European definition of an SME, with the employee limit reduced from 1,000 to 250 employees.

• Strengthened protection of personal data: the addresses of individual applicants will no longer be published in public registers and databases.

• Simplified patent and trademark procedures: the decree reduces administrative formalities, harmonizes certain deadlines, and further advances the digitalization of filing and prosecution processes.