France

The Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle (INPI) is the national authority responsible for the protection and administration of industrial property rights in France, including patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. As a self-funded public institution under the supervision of the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, INPI plays a significant role in the development and enforcement of intellectual property policies. It is committed to supporting innovation and competitiveness by registering and granting industrial property rights and processing applications for geographical indications. INPI also contributes to the fight against counterfeiting through its collaboration with French customs and provides comprehensive legal and technical documentation through its open-access databases and the National Business and Company Register. Furthermore, INPI represents France in various international communities and institutions, such as WIPO, EPO, and EUIPO, and has been promoting and rewarding innovative companies and research laboratories through its annual trophies for over 25 years.