Protect your idea and product
Verified 27 October 2021 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)
Are you worried that a competitor might steal your idea or your project? 1mother question to ask yourself is: what do you want to protect? Know that an idea (concept, project) is not entitled to legal protection. One idea can be protectedonly if materialised. We explain how avoid possible flights, depending on your project.
Protect your idea
It is possible to prove that you are theauthor of your idea.
You must be able to prove the date to which you created it.
To do this, you must use thesolar envelope in paper format or online.
If someone claims to be the author of your idea, the Soleau envelope helps defend you. This is a postal envelopeeither paper either digital, where you submit your project. It is for all forms of projects and ideas.
Attention: the Soleau envelope will prove that you are the author of the project, but if someone disputes it, you will still have to follow the legal process: go to court and defend.
Envelope control
You must order and purchase the postal envelope on the website of theInpi: titleContent.
Online purchase of a paper envelope
The envelope costs €15.
If you reside in France, it is sent to you in a letter followed directly in your mailbox.
If you reside in the foreigner, it is sent to you by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt.
You receive your order between 24 and 48 hours (excluding weekends and public holidays).
Insert your project into the envelope
The Soleau envelope consists of 2 compartments, i.e. 2 copies.
One is for you and the other is forInpi: titleContent.
In each compartment, you must enter the description (by text) of your project or the reproduction by schema, a drawing or a photograph of your project.
The 2 must perfectly.
No staple, pin, paper clip, plastic, cardboard shall be introduced into the envelope.
The thickness of your envelope should not exceed 5 mm = no more than 7 sheets of A4 paper should be introduced.
If the envelope does not comply with these instructions, it is returned at your expense not registered.
Once completed, you must purchase and close the envelope.
You must provide your name, first name and address at the locations indicated to you.
How and where do I deposit the envelope?
You must forward the envelope to theInpi: titleContent either by post or on site.
By postal mail
You must insert your Soleau envelope in a mail letter either in a simple letter or in a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt.
You print address ofInpi: titleContent on the envelope or on a paper stuck to the envelope.
The date that is taken into account for thesaving your protection is date of receipt at Inpi of your envelope.
On site
You can deposit your envelope directly at the head officeInpi: titleContent.
There is a post office box outside the building.
Who shall I contact
You can 3 steps following:
- Drop a paper envelope
- Apply for renewal of coverage
- Request the return of your envelope
For the 3 steps, send a mail to the following address:
Inpi - Design Office
Soleau Envelope Management
15 rue des Minimes - CS 50001
92677 Curve Cedex
The date that is taken into account for the start of protection is the date of your filing date atInpi: titleContent.
Proof of registration of protection
You receive an email with the registration date and number.
The Inpi sends you one of the 2 compartments, by registered letter.
You should keep it precious without discovering it, you should not open it.
Warning
if you make the mistake of discovering (opening) the compartment that the Inpi sends you back, your project is no longer protected.
How long will it last?
The Soleau envelope protects your idea for 5 years.
You can extend this protection for an additional 5 years by applying toInpi: titleContent.
The cost of renewal is €15.
After a first renewal 5 years old, the Inpi destroys your documents.
However, you can ask refund before the end of the additional 5 years.
This request is made at the following address:
Who shall I contact
You can 3 steps following:
- Drop a paper envelope
- Apply for renewal of coverage
- Request the return of your envelope
For the 3 steps, send a mail to the following address:
Inpi - Design Office
Soleau Envelope Management
15 rue des Minimes - CS 50001
92677 Curve Cedex
In your renewal application, you must specify the registration number and the date of your Soleau envelope. You must also send a check from €15 to the order of the "Inpi Accounting Officer".
In case of dispute
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Your idea is disputed
If a person challenges the fact that you are the author of an idea and takes it to the appropriate court, the president of the court then asks theInpi: titleContent of uncheck your solar envelope to be presented as evidence.
You can also ask the Inpi directly to open the envelope. It is strongly recommended toopen the envelope in the presence of an usher. The bailiff draws up a report which proves the contents of the envelope.
You keep minutes and the contents of the open envelope.
You challenge an idea
If you think someone stole your idea or you want to prove that you came up with the idea before someone else, you have to go to the appropriate court.
The presiding judge then asks theInpi: titleContent of uncheck your solar envelope to be presented as evidence.
It is the comparison of the contents of the 2 compartments that authenticates the document.
FYI
Whether or not you chose the Soleau envelope, the best way to protect your project or idea is to keep it secret.
TheInpi: titleContent make available to you e-Soleau service.
This service allows submit your idea online.
This allows to protect, archive and date its creation.
How?
You must create a personal account on the website of theInpi: titleContent, in space e-procedures.
E-sunlight: drop Soleau envelope online
You deposit your files online.
This is the description (by text) of your project or the reproduction by schema, drawing or photography of your project.
Proof of registration of protection
The date that is taken into account for the start of protection is the date of your filing date atInpi: titleContent.
You receive a confirmation email.
The email mentions:
- Date tabled
- List of documents filed and their electronic "fingerprint". This is the electronic archive number.
How long will it last?
The Soleau digital envelope protects your idea for 5 years.
Your documents remain accessible online for 5 years in your personal space.
You can extend this protection for an additional 5 years by applying toInpi: titleContent.
The cost of renewal is €15.
After a first renewal of 5 years, the Inpi destroys your documents.
You can ask for their restitution before the end of the additional 5 years.
This request is made at the following address:
Who shall I contact
You can 3 steps following:
- Drop a paper envelope
- Apply for renewal of coverage
- Request the return of your envelope
For the 3 steps, send a mail to the following address:
Inpi - Design Office
Soleau Envelope Management
15 rue des Minimes - CS 50001
92677 Curve Cedex
In case of dispute
Your idea is disputed
If a person challenges the fact that you are the author of an idea and they go to the appropriate court, the president of the court then asksInpi: titleContent of uncheck your solar envelope to be presented as evidence.
You can also ask the Inpi directly to open the envelope. It is strongly recommended toopen the envelope in the presence of an usher. The bailiff draws up a report which proves the contents of the envelope.
You keep minutes and the contents of the open envelope.
You challenge an idea
If you think someone stole your idea or you want to prove that you came up with the idea before someone else, you have to go to the appropriate court.
The presiding judge then asks theInpi: titleContent of uncheck your solar envelope to be presented as evidence.
It is the comparison of the contents of the 2 compartments that authenticates the document.
FYI
Whether or not you chose the Soleau envelope, the best way to protect your project or idea is to keep it secret.
Protect your product
Your concept, your idea has taken a materialised form. You can then protect your product.
We present to you most common products and how to protect.
You can also view thesearch tool made available by theInpi: titleContent :
Find protection for multiple product types
Domain Name
One procedure is to follow to protect the name of your website.
Computer Code
Your website consists of a computer code.
Protection is provided by copyright .
It automatic.
You can contactInpi: titleContent for specific questions:
Who shall I contact
Photos, texts and music from your site
Protection is provided by copyright .
It automatic.
You can contactInpi: titleContent for specific questions:
Who shall I contact
Everything identify your product or your company visible can become brand.
The name, slogan, logo of your product or company must be registered with theInpi: titleContent.
Your trademark is protected for 10 years.
The cost of filing a trademark depends on the number of items you want to protect. Count Between €50 and €300.
How do I register?
You must proceed 2 steps :
- Check the availability of the
- Drop your brand
The 2 steps are done atInpi: titleContent.
1 - You check the availability of your brand (name, logo, etc.) with the following search tool:
Check availability of a brand, logo, domain name
2 - You can leave your mark with online service next:
Game Name
Everything identify your product or your company visible can become brand.
Your video game name must be registered toInpi: titleContent.
Your trademark is protected for 10 years.
The cost of filing a trademark depends on the number of items you want to protect. Count Between €50 and €300.
How do I register?
You must proceed 2 steps :
- Check the availability of the
- Drop your brand
The 2 steps are done atInpi: titleContent.
1 - You check the availability of your brand (name, logo, etc.) with the following search tool:
Check availability of a brand, logo, domain name
2 - You can leave your mark with online service next:
Please note
you can view video proposed byEUIPO: titleContent andInpi: titleContent. It explains how to register a trademark.
Animated drawing and game music
Protection is provided by copyright .
It automatic.
You can contactInpi: titleContent for specific questions:
Who shall I contact
Computer Code
Your video game consists of a computer code.
Protection is provided by copyright .
It automatic.
You can contactInpi: titleContent for specific questions:
Who shall I contact
This is a new product or technique. unknown.
Example :
At the time of their creation, these products (or processes) were innovative: ODP (computer-assisted production), internet sales, airbag, electric bicycle, mobile phone, etc.
The filing helps protect your innovation.
Hard protection 20 years.
The cost of the deposit varies between €20,000 and €40,000.
Please note
you can choose one utility certificate. Its protection 10 years only. It is suitable for short-lived innovations.
To finance your patent, you can use the research tax credit or turn to funding agencies.
The appearance of your products is of strategic importance.
This creation distinguishes you from the competition and seduces the consumer.
You 2 ways of protect the design or aesthetic form of an object.
- Sound design is new, i.e. innovative, it has never been seen before on the market (craft or industrial). You can then protect it with drawing (2D) or model (3D) repository atInpi: titleContent.
- Either the design is not innovative, but it is natural artistic. It is then protected by copyright.
The deposit cost is €70.
Hard protection 5 years.
How do I deposit a drawing or model?
You must first check if your drawing or template does not already exist.
Availability of a drawing or model
You have to online filing your design with the following service:
Drop a drawing or template online
Copyright protects an artistic design
The protection of an artistic design is done by copyright .
It automatic.
You can contactInpi: titleContent for specific questions:
Who shall I contact
You are an entrepreneur in the agricultural or wine sector.
You transform or manufacture agri-food or wine products.
You 2 ways of protect your products:
- Your know-how: IGP: titleContent
- The strong link between the terroir and your product: AOC: titleContent (French) or AOP: titleContent (European)
Explain how to both recognition.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Protect the link between product and terroir (AOC and PDO)
Definition
The AOC: titleContent guarantees the geographical origin of your product, at terroir.
It is valid on the territory French.
He é a product whose é stages of production are é left to a recognised know-how in the same geographical é.
This strong link with the terroir gives its characteristics é the product.
Example :
The Camembert de Normandie, the Espelette pepper, the Cotentin cider, the Chablis, the Champagne, the Ardèche chestnut, the Grenoble nut, the Puy green lentil, the Nîmes olive
The European equivalent isAOP: titleContent.
Please note
You can't ask for the French label AOC: titleContent if your product already has the European label AOP: titleContent.
Product recognised with AOC: titleContent or AOP: titleContent has very precise specifications.
How to request recognition AOC: titleContent or AOP: titleContent ?
The following is explained procedure and steps to apply.
You will also find the documents to provide for this application.
Protecting Regional Expertise (PGI)
Definition
TheIGP: titleContent identifies an agricultural product, gross or processed, the é or é putation are lié es à its regional geographical é.
It shall apply to the agricultural, agri-food and wine sectors on French territory.
Product has specification flexible products with AOC: titleContent or AOP: titleContent.
Example :
The Quercy lamb, the Anchovies of Collioure, the emmental of Savoy, the Bayonne ham, the kiwi of the Adour, the green lentils of Berry and 75 French wine basins (country wines)
How to request recognition IGP: titleContent ?
The following is explained procedure and steps to apply.
You will also find the documents to provide for this application.
You create packaging for products.
You 3 ways to protect your creations according to innovative or non-innovative packaging.
- Either your creations are natural artistic, they are then protected by copyright.
- Either your packaging has innovative design, you can then protect them by drawing repository (or model) at the Inpi.
- Either manufacturing process of your packaging is innovative, you can then protect the manufacturing process by filing at the Inpi.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Artistic Packaging
The protection of an artistic design is done by copyright .
It automatic.
You can contactInpi: titleContent for specific questions:
Who shall I contact
Innovative packaging design
The design of your product is a business strategy important.
If it has a character innovative that he's never been seen before, you can protect him.
You must first check if your drawing or template does not already exist.
Availability of a drawing or model
You have to online filing your design with the following service:
Drop a drawing or template online
The deposit cost is €70.
Hard protection 5 years.
Innovative manufacturing process
If you have created an innovative manufacturing process (which has never been created before), you can protect it.
To do this, you have to file a patent.
Hard protection 20 years.
The cost of the deposit varies between €20,000 and €40,000.
Please note
you can choose one utility certificate. Its protection 10 years only. It is suitable for short-lived innovations.
To finance your patent, you can use the research tax credit or turn to funding agencies.
To small and medium-sized and micro-entreprises, do you have a business project, a difficulty or a question ?
Quick and simple public service: you will be contacted over the phone by one of our experts.
Speak with an advisor on Place des Entreprises- Intellectual Property Code: Articles L111-1 to L111-5Definition of copyright
- Intellectual Property Code: Articles L112-1 to L112-4Protection of works of the mind
- Rural and Maritime Code: items R641-11 to R641-25-1Applications for designation of origin (AOC and PDO) or geographical indication (PGI)
- Intellectual Property Code: Articles L711-1 to L717-7Brand: definition, saving
- Find protection for multiple product types
Search tools
- Check availability of a brand, logo, domain name
Search tools
- Availability of a drawing or model
Search tools
- Place a Brand Online
Online service
- Filing a patent online
Online service
- Drop a drawing or template online
Online service
- E-sunlight: drop Soleau envelope online
Online service
- Request recognition of AOC and AOP
Online service
- Online purchase of a paper envelope
Online service
- Request PGI recognition
Online service
- Can your business idea succeed?
- Choose and protect company name
- Understanding copyrightNational Institute of Industrial Property (Inpi)
- Video: how to register a trademark?
- How to protect your creations: intellectual property guide (PDF - 3.2 MB)National Institute of Industrial Property (Inpi)
- What the Law on the Covenant on Intellectual Property (Trademarks and Patents) has changedNational Institute of Industrial Property (Inpi)
- Certificate of utilityNational Institute of Industrial Property (Inpi)