Industrial Designs Law in French Guiana (France)
French Guiana is an overseas department of France, so its industrial designs law falls under French law and the broader European Union intellectual property system.
Here’s how industrial designs are protected in French Guiana:
Legal Framework
Governed by French Intellectual Property Code (Code de la propriété intellectuelle).
As part of France, French Guiana is subject to the European Union Community Design Regulation (EC) No 6/2002.
Industrial designs can be protected nationally in France or as Community designs valid across all EU member states, including French overseas territories.
What is an Industrial Design?
Protection covers the appearance of the whole or part of a product.
Includes lines, contours, colors, shape, texture, materials, or ornamentation.
The design must be new and have an individual character.
Protection Types
Registered Design:
Registered with the Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle (INPI) in France or the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
Protection lasts 5 years, renewable every 5 years, up to 25 years.
Exclusive rights to use and prevent unauthorized use.
Unregistered Design:
Protected automatically for 3 years from first disclosure in the EU.
Protection is more limited, only preventing deliberate copying.
Registration Process (National via INPI)
File an application with clear representations (drawings or photos).
Specify products the design applies to.
Pay fees.
The INPI performs formal checks and registers the design if requirements are met.
Rights and Enforcement
Owners have the right to prevent unauthorized manufacture, sale, or importation of products with the design.
Enforcement through French courts.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, and seizure of infringing goods.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | French Intellectual Property Code + EU law |
| Registration Authority | INPI (France) / EUIPO |
| Protection Duration | 5 years renewable up to 25 years |
| Protection Scope | Appearance only |
| Unregistered Design | Protected for 3 years (EU-wide) |
| Jurisdiction | Valid in French Guiana as part of France |
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