Between June 11 and July 3, 2024, the INPI (French National Institute of Industrial Property) was operating at full capacity, as the trademark “Nouveau Front Populaire” was registered seven times, both as a wordmark and as a figurative mark, on successive dates by each of the four parties forming the NFP movement. Regardless of political considerations, the commendable reflex to protect the name of one’s party is praiseworthy but the proper use and understanding of trademark rights raises questions.
Indeed, the first two parties that registered the trademark on the same day, June 11, 2024, namely the Socialist Party and La France Insoumise, each hold prior rights over the other registrations made by the Ecologists Association or the French Communist Party Association. This could potentially lead to complex ownership issues, which, in our view, could have been resolved by a joint registration, for example.
Furthermore, these registrations cover a wide range of product and service classes, from education to billiard tables, including household appliances, architecture services, and even intellectual property consulting services.
While the classes related to advertising or education are obviously relevant for political activities, others, such as those claiming protection for jewelry, hygiene products, or household utensils, are clearly inappropriate.
These cases serve as a reminder that registering a trademark is not just a simple click on the INPI website but a legal asset with significant legal consequences, requiring prior reflection and careful attention to the goods and services claimed for which a monopoly over a sign is requested.
– Margaux DORRE, legal intern at Mark & Law, and Nathalie FAYETTE, Trademark Attorney and Founder of Mark & Law
