France’s 2019 PACTE law introduced new administrative procedures for trademark invalidity and revocation , which came into force on 1 April 2020. This reform was a cornerstone of the modernization of industrial property enforcement: it aimed to make trademark law more accessible, faster, and less costly. The objectives were clear: to give businesses, especially SMEs, the tools to defend their rights more efficiently, to clear the register of unused or abusive marks, and to prevent trademarks from unfairly blocking market access or harming the public interest. Five years later, the French IP Office (INPI) has published its assessment in the report “ Cinq ans déjà ! Les procédures de nullité et de déchéance des marques devant l’INPI ”. The results show a system that has been widely adopted and is now a stable part of the French trademark landscape. A Procedure Embraced by Businesses Since 2020, nearly 2,200 applications for invalidity or revocation have been filed before the INPI, with more than 1,800 decisions delivered. The annual average—around 440 cases —is well above the level seen before judicial courts prior to the reform. SMEs are major users of the system, filing over 35% of applications, while foreign companies have also relied heavily on it. On the defence side, 38% of respondents are SMEs and 37% are individuals. Although professional representation is not mandatory, almost 90% of applicants are assisted by counsel. Lawyers are present in 51% of cases, industrial property attorneys in 41%. Stable and Efficient Litigation Framework Applications are split between invalidity (60%) and revocation (40%) . Within invalidity, 70% are based on relative grounds such as earlier trademarks, while absolute grounds like lack of distinctiveness or bad faith remain less common. Bad faith is a notable trend : more than 150 decisions have been issued on this basis since 2020, with a success rate of around 50%. Fraudulent filings are alleged in over 20% of invalidity actions. For revocation, non-use remains the overwhelming ground , though around 30 cases have also concerned degeneration or deceptive use. Duration and Outcomes The average duration of proceedings is 8.5 months . Uncontested cases can be resolved in 7 months, while complex disputes may last up to 17 months. The results are decisive: in 85% of cases, applications are deemed justified . More than 1,000 trademarks have been annulled or revoked since 2020. Around 30% of cases are closed following amicable settlements, and only 3% end in inadmissibility. Relative grounds: Over 85% of prior trademark claims succeed , including claims based on well-known marks. Company names: Only half of claims succeed, while other signs (domain names, trade names) often fail due to lack of proof or legal basis. Absolute grounds: Just 30% succeed (excluding bad faith), often because of evidentiary challenges . The INPI also rules on costs: in over half of the cases, the losing party is ordered to pay, with an average cost award of €680. Conclusion: A Maturing and Trusted System Five years after its introduction, the administrative procedure for invalidity and revocation has reached maturity. The high level of adoption, particularly by SMEs, and the strong success rate of actions confirm its effectiveness. The INPI’s system has become a trusted and efficient alternative to judicial litigation— faster, less costly, and widely accessible . For businesses navigating trademark strategy in France, it is now an indispensable tool. Clara Courret, Trainee Lawyer Christine Chai, Managing Partner, Attorney-at-Law