Between 2018 and 2023, the patent landscape in France witnessed the dynamic engagement of 214 patent prosecution firms. This collective effort resulted in the representation of an impressive 148,781 patent applications (according to the total number of patent applications first published between 2018 and 2023, state of February 2024). This robust activity solidified France’s position as one of the leading countries in the region, second only to Germany and Great Britain, in terms of the number of prosecuted applications.
The total number of patent filings represented by French patent prosecution firms exhibited a notable degree of stability over the years, with minor fluctuations observed. Starting at 26,461 filings in 2018, there was a modest increase of 2% and 3% in 2019 and 2020. Subsequent years saw a marginal decline of 1% to 3%. This consistent pattern suggests a resilient patent ecosystem in France, maintaining a steady flow of innovation and intellectual property activity.
Rank: Largest 25 Patent Prosecution Firms in France
Between 2018 and 2023, the patent prosecution landscape in France revealed a striking concentration of business among the top 25 firms. These leading entities represented a staggering 72% of the total number of patent applications filed during this period, underscoring the remarkable dominance held by a select few within the industry.
Among the top five firms in France’s patent prosecution arena, PLASSERAUD IP emerged as the frontrunner, representing a total of 13,581 patent applications during this period. Following closely behind, LAVOIX demonstrated a strong performance with 11,682 applications and CABINET BEAU DE LOMÉNIE secured its position as a prominent player with 10,446 applications prosecuted. REGIMBEAU and BREVALEX showcased commendable contributions as well, prosecuting 7,942 and 6,056 applications, respectively.
The period from 2018 to 2023 witnessed the emergence of rising stars, characterized by notable increases in the number of prosecuted filings. Among them, NOVAGRAAF, CABINET BEAUMONT, CASALONGA, and IPAZ experienced remarkable growth rates, each surpassing the 20% mark. Additionally, IPSIDE, IP TRUST, and IPSILON stood out as absolute growth leaders, boasting increases in prosecuted filings that exceeded an impressive 40%.
Overall Patent Landscape in France
The French firms‘ prosecution of applications from foreign clients constituted a relatively modest portion, comprising only 19% of the total 148,781 applications processed between 2018 and 2023. The bulk of the business stemmed from local applicants, indicating a strong preference for domestic innovation within the French patent ecosystem. Notably, among the top 25 firms, only PLASSERAUD IP and CABINET CHAILLOT boasted a share of applications from international applicants that exceeded 40%.
Following this trend, 765 out of the top 1000 applicants (filing French national filings, EP, and PCT filings represented by French associates) were locals. This suggests that domestic innovators constitute the primary source of business for French representatives and also emphasizes that French firms are among the most outbound representatives in Europe sending a lot of referral work to international colleagues.
Top Applicants Represented by the French Firms: Country Breakdown
Top 50 French Patent Firms 2018-2023
Notable local entities such as Le Commissariat à l’énergie atomique, CENTRE NAT RECH SCIENT, Safran Aircraft Engines, Thales, and L’ORÉAL exemplify the diversity and strength of homegrown innovation.
In addition to local applicants, French patent prosecution firms also garnered significant work from international entities, highlighting their global reach and expertise. Among these, prominent names such as Korean LG Electronics, Japanese giants like Toyota Motor Corporation and Toshiba TEC, along with Chinese innovators such as OPPO Mobile, stand out as notable contributors to the portfolio of French firms.
Case Exchange Trends
French firms dispatched a substantial 71,717 patent cases to foreign colleagues while receiving a comparatively lower count of 25,476 cases. It underscores their orientation towards serving local clients and their proactive outbound business approach. Notably, the United States emerges as the top recipient of French patent cases, receiving 31% of the sent business, closely followed by China with a 21% share. Conversely, in terms of cases received by French patent prosecution firms, Japan takes the lead with 23%, followed closely by the United States and China, each capturing approximately 21% and 20% of the inbound cases respectively.
Law Firms Receiving Most Cases from France: Country Breakdown 2018-2023
Law Firms Sending Most Cases to France: Country Breakdown 2018-2023
To Sum Up
Between 2018 and 2023, France exhibited a robust patent landscape, marked by the active involvement of 214 patent prosecution firms. The top 25 firms dominated the market, representing 72% of all applications, with PLASSERAUD IP leading the pack. Domestic innovation drove the majority of business, with only 19% of applications originating from foreign clients. French firms also engaged with global players, sending out 71,717 cases while receiving 25,476, with the United States being the primary recipient of outbound cases and Japan leading in inbound cases.