Intellectual Property Laws at Guadeloupe (France)
Guadeloupe, as an overseas department and region of France, follows the French and European Union (EU) legal framework for Intellectual Property (IP). This means that IP rights in Guadeloupe are governed by French national laws and applicable EU regulations, and protection extends automatically to Guadeloupe as part of French territory.
Intellectual Property Laws in Guadeloupe (France)
Since Guadeloupe is an integral part of France, the following IP rights apply:
| IP Type | Registration Required? | Duration | Governing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copyright | ❌ (automatic) | Life + 70 years | French Code de la propriété intellectuelle |
| Trademarks | ✅ | 10 years, renewable | INPI / EUIPO |
| Patents | ✅ | 20 years | INPI / EPO |
| Designs | ✅ | Up to 25 years | INPI / EUIPO |
| Trade Secrets | ❌ | Indefinite (if secret) | French Commercial Code |
| Geographical Indications (GIs) | ✅ | Indefinite (if maintained) | INAO / EU frameworks |
🏛️ 1. IP Authorities
INPI (Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle): Main IP office for patents, trademarks, and designs in France (and by extension, Guadeloupe).
EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office): Handles EU trademarks and registered Community designs.
EPO (European Patent Office): For European patents, which are enforceable in France (and Guadeloupe) upon validation.
INAO (Institut National de l'Origine et de la Qualité): Handles geographical indications and designations of origin.
📚 2. Copyright
Automatic Protection: No registration needed.
Covers: Literary works, music, films, photographs, software, etc.
Duration: Life of the author + 70 years.
Related Rights: Performers, producers, and broadcasters are also protected.
®️ 3. Trademarks
Registration Options:
National (France-wide) via INPI
EU Trademark (EUTM) via EUIPO, which covers all EU territories including Guadeloupe
International via the Madrid Protocol (through WIPO)
Duration: 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
💡 4. Patents
Filing Options:
National patent via INPI
European Patent via EPO
International Patent via PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty)
Duration: 20 years from filing.
Requirements: Must be novel, involve an inventive step, and be industrially applicable.
🎨 5. Industrial Designs
Registration:
National via INPI
EU Community Design via EUIPO
Duration: Up to 25 years (renewable every 5 years).
Unregistered designs: Protected for 3 years under EU law (if disclosed in the EU).
🧬 6. Geographical Indications
Protected via:
EU and French systems
Notable GI products from the region (like Guadeloupe’s rum) can benefit from protection.
Managed by: INAO and DGCCRF (for enforcement).
🤐 7. Trade Secrets
Protected by law: As per the French transposition of the EU Trade Secrets Directive (2016/943).
No registration required
Enforced via: Civil and commercial courts under breach of confidence and unfair competition law.
🌍 International Treaties Applicable in Guadeloupe
Since Guadeloupe is French territory, it benefits from all of France's IP treaty memberships, including:
WIPO treaties (Berne, Paris, Madrid, PCT, Hague)
TRIPS Agreement (WTO)
European Patent Convention (EPC)
EU IP Directives and Regulations
✅ Summary Snapshot
| IP Right | Registration? | Duration | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copyright | ❌ | Life + 70 years | French Code |
| Trademark | ✅ | 10 years, renewable | INPI / EUIPO |
| Patent | ✅ | 20 years | INPI / EPO |
| Design | ✅ | Up to 25 years | INPI / EUIPO |
| Trade Secrets | ❌ | Indefinite | French courts |
| GIs | ✅ | Indefinite (if valid) | INAO / EU bodies |
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