French trademark opposition
French trademark opposition support for Chinese clients
A French trademark opposition can protect an earlier right against a conflicting application, or threaten a new filing made by a Chinese company. Dreyfus represents Chinese rights holders and applicants before the INPI, with clear English reporting and deadline control.
The INPI states that an opposition against a French trademark application must be filed within two months of publication. Early instruction is important because the rights, grounds and procedural strategy must be checked before filing.
Matter essentials
What the instruction requires
The sections below clarify the route, documents, decisions and local workstream for this specific matter.
We act for both sides
Opposing a conflicting application
We assess the earlier rights, similarity of the signs, overlap of goods and services, proof-of-use exposure, reputation evidence and the commercial objective. The recommendation may be opposition, negotiation, a limitation request or another enforcement route.
Defending a Chinese applicant
We review the opposition, admissibility, earlier rights, use evidence and settlement options. Where appropriate, we can explore a limitation of goods and services, coexistence terms or substantive defence.
What to send urgently
- the contested application or opposition notice;
- the INPI reference and exact deadline;
- earlier registrations or applications relied on;
- dated evidence of use, sales, advertising and market presence;
- any prior correspondence, coexistence arrangement or settlement discussion;
- the products, channels and countries that matter commercially.
How the matter is managed
- Deadline preservation: confirm the procedural calendar and immediate filing needs.
- Case assessment: identify strengths, weaknesses and missing evidence.
- Recommended route: compare substantive proceedings and negotiated solutions.
- Submissions: prepare French pleadings and evidence in coordination with the Chinese team.
- Decision or settlement: explain the outcome and any appeal, limitation or enforcement follow-up.
For Chinese firms and agencies
Dreyfus can work as French local counsel behind the instructing firm. We provide an evidence checklist, a concise merits assessment and approval points that can be relayed to the client.
See the official INPI opposition guidance.
French trademark opposition
Preserve the deadline
Send the matter reference, relevant rights, territory and any known deadline. We will confirm the appropriate first scope.
