A leading French IP firm, trusted by international professionals
Santarelli is one of France’s largest and most established intellectual property firms, advising foreign associates and their clients on all aspects of IP law in France and before European authorities.
Our role is clear: to act as a procedural and strategic partner for foreign IP firms needing local representation in Europe, particularly before the INPI, EUIPO, EPO and the Unified Patent Court (UPC).
With offices across France and a multidisciplinary team of patent attorneys, trademark attorneys and lawyers, we handle complex portfolios and contentious matters with precision, responsiveness and reliability.
Procedural representation
in France and before European offices
More than
80%
of Santarelli’s IP professionals are qualified to represent clients before the European Patent Office (EPO) and/or the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
Our team includes:
- French Patent and Trademark Attorneys (CPI), authorized to act before the French IP Office (INPI) and to represent clients before French courts,
- Attorneys-at-law and Patent Litigators authorized to plead before the Unified Patent Court (UPC),
- French and European trademark attorneys (trademarks, designs, copyrights, SPCs and domain names), with a long-standing experience in opposition, appeal and litigation.
Whether you require filings, renewals, oppositions, SPC strategy, litigation support or EU validations, we provide seamless, precise, and transparent representation across all jurisdictions.
A reliable partner for foreign firms
We are proud to serve a worldwide network of international IP firms, including IP partners located in the United States, Japan, South Korea, China, India, Canada, Brazil, Australia…
We understand your expectations: clear communications, reliable cost forecasts, timely reporting, and efficient handling of formalities and deadlines. Our internal organization is designed to support your practice as if we were your local extension in Europe.
Santarelli acts as a non-competing, fully independent partner:
- We do not engage in patent drafting unless expressly requested.
- We do not approach end clients without your consent.
- We are committed to clarity, confidentiality, and procedural excellence.
A long-standing presence and solid track record
Santarelli traces its roots back to Bonnet-Thirion, founded in 1852, one of the very first IP firms established in France. Over the decades, the firm has grown through a series of strategic mergers with respected practices, each contributing unique strengths and areas of expertise.
The most recent merger, led by Christophe Cornuéjols, Ipside’s CEO, brought together Ipside, Brevalex and Santarelli, creating a unified structure with over 200 professionals dedicated to intellectual property law. Today, under the presidency of Éric Le Bihan, Santarelli is pursuing its development both in France and internationally.
Recognized in France and throughout Europe
Santarelli is consistently ranked among the top European IP firms by major international directories: WTR 1000, IAM Patent 1000, IP Stars, JUVE Patent, and Leaders League.
We operate in all major French economic hubs — Paris, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Marseille, Montpellier, Rennes, Grenoble, Nice — and represent clients before:
- the INPI (France),
- the EUIPO (European Union),
- the EPO (European Patent Office),
- the UPC (Unified Patent Court), where we are authorized to act directly on behalf of our clients.
Looking for a trusted European representative?
If you’re seeking a reliable, experienced partner in France or Europe for filings, litigation, strategic advice or procedural formalities, we’re here to support your practice with precision and professionalism.
