Key changes to note include:

• Paperless notifications: paper-based correspondence is being phased out entirely in favour of electronic notifications via the INPI’s e-procedures portal.
• New definition of SMEs for patent fee reductions: the threshold is now set at 250 employees instead of the previous 1,000, in line with the European definition. Applications for fee reductions must be submitted at the time of filing.
• Strengthening of personal data protection: the addresses of individual applicants will no longer be published in the registers or in the Official Industrial Property Bulletin.
• Changes to procedures:

• • a time limit extended to 4 months for decisions on trademark oppositions and invalidity cases;
  • the possibility of rectifying trademark oppositions that have been declared inadmissible;
  • the possibility of introducing amendments during oral proceedings in patent opposition cases;
  • the simplification of internal priority applications;
  • several minor adjustments concerning the processing of patents and utility certificates, including the end of the printing of patent specifications.

These measures reflect a commitment to modernising procedures, streamlining administrative formalities and enhancing legal certainty for innovators.

To view the decree and details of the measures, click here.

Our teams are available to provide any further information you may require.