What is a patent and why does it matter?
A patent is an intellectual property right that protects an innovation — whether a product or a process — that provides a new technical solution to a given problem and is capable of industrial application.
Any innovation can be patented, provided it meets the legal requirements of patentability, in particular novelty and inventive step over the prior art.
Securing a patent — from drafting to examination and eventual grant — requires both technical and legal expertise. It is therefore highly advisable to be assisted by a qualified Patent Attorney, who combines these skills to ensure your invention is properly protected
Patents at a Glance
20 years
Maximum term of protection, subject to maintenance fees being paid.
12 months
Time limit from the first filing to extend protection internationally (countries and/or regions).
15,000
average number of patent applications filed each year with the French Patent Office (INPI).
How does the French patent granting procedure work?
When filed as a first application to protect an invention, the timeline (in calendar months) of a French patent application examined by the INPI can be summarized as follows:
Why work with a specialized IP firm for your patent filing?
Your time is valuable, your budget is not unlimited, and patent procedures are complex, technical, and time-consuming.
And keep in mind: filing a patent application does not guarantee that a patent will be granted. A poorly drafted patent can be easily challenged, circumvented, or even invalidated.
Each patent office (INPI, EPO, USPTO, etc.) has its own requirements.
Patent attorneys understand these national and international procedural nuances.
They help define a scope of protection that is neither too narrow nor too broad, ensuring it covers both current uses and future developments.
To maximize the chances of your patent being granted—and to make the best use of your time and resources—partner with Santarelli’s team of experts.
50%
That’s the average success rate for inventors who file a patent application on their own, without professional assistance.
With Santarelli’s guidance, your chances of securing a granted patent rise to :
85%
Santarelli Expertise
At Santarelli, our patent attorneys combine technical excellence with legal precision. Many are engineers or PhD holders from leading institutions, bringing both in-depth scientific knowledge and long-standing experience in intellectual property.
They guide you through every stage of the patent lifecycle — from drafting and filing to grant, international extension, and, when required, enforcement before the courts.
Specialized by technical sector, our attorneys are qualified to protect your inventions in France, across Europe, and worldwide.
From the first idea to filing with the INPI or foreign offices, from navigating examination procedures to defending your rights in opposition or litigation, our team stands beside you at every step.
We also offer tailored patent monitoring, helping you anticipate competitor filings and safeguard both your rights and your future projects.
Protect your innovations where you do business
The European Patent
Have you invested in the research, development, or industrialization of a product?
To prevent competitors from overtaking you or copying your invention, it is crucial to obtain clear, strong, and enforceable protection.
A European patent allows you, with a single application, to cover up to 39 countries across Europe.
Protecting your invention abroad
Looking to protect your invention internationally?
Several routes are available to extend your patent beyond your home country: direct national filings, regional systems, or the international PCT procedure. Each option offers specific advantages.
Choosing the right strategy depends on your commercial ambitions.
Beyond patents: tailored tools for specific challenges
Standards-Essential Patents (SEPs)
When innovation sets the standard: understanding the strategic importance of patents essential to technical standards.
Plant Variety Rights (PVRs)
Exclusive rights for the creators of new plant varieties, safeguarding agricultural innovation.
Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs)
Extend the duration of pharmaceutical or plant protection patents — a key strategy for maximizing returns on R&D investments.
Our dedicated team at your service
Explore our experts’ profiles and benefit from tailored advice.
Our commitments when drafting and filing patents
Confidentiality
Tailored strategies
Security
In strict confidence, our patent attorneys review all aspects of your invention’s patentability.
They conduct prior-art and patentability searches, then recommend an approach aligned with your markets, timing, and budget — designed to secure your inventions at the best cost while maximizing their long-term economic value.
Good to know
Funding your IP strategy
Public schemes exist to help finance IP and R&D expenses, such as PASS PI or the IP Box.
Our experts can advise on the most relevant options for your situation and assist with applications, helping you secure the financial support you need.
Not everything is patentable… but it can still be protected
- Trade secrets
Some innovations — confidential processes, manufacturing methods, algorithms — cannot or should not be patented. In such cases, trade-secret protection offers a robust alternative, provided concrete measures are implemented: restricted access, NDAs, timestamped documentation.
Our experts can help you legally secure and leverage your know-how without exposing it. - Software protection
The source code of software is covered by copyright, but this protection can be complemented by other tools: patents for innovative technical aspects, trade secrets for algorithms or training data, and database rights.
We help you build a tailored protection strategy aligned with your business model (SaaS, API, embedded software) and your goals for value creation (licensing, fundraising, partnerships).
Need more information?
Contact our experts with any questions about protecting your inventions.
