Building your trademark: the five steps of a solid filing

A successful trademark filing is decided before the form. Here are the five steps, in the order in which they must be taken.

1. Check availability

The clearance search identifies identical or similar signs already protected in your classes. It is the step people regret skipping: an opposition or an invalidity action can surface years after launch.

2. Draft the specification

The specification of goods and services defines exactly what your trademark protects — and it cannot be broadened after filing. Too narrow, it leaves blind spots; too broad, it weakens the mark.

3. File in the right territories

France (INPI), the European Union (EUIPO), international extensions (the Madrid system): calibrate the scope to your actual and foreseeable development. Protection is territorial; every filing has a cost and a strategy.

4. Watch

A trademark is defended first through monitoring: watching new similar filings lets you act by opposition within the deadlines — a fast and economical procedure compared with later litigation.

5. Keep the mark alive

Genuine use within five years — otherwise the mark risks revocation —, properly framed licenses, timely renewals: a trademark is an asset that needs upkeep. Document your use — it will be your evidence.

The firm assists at every step, from search to litigation. Learn more: Registering and defending your trademark.