Electronic signature for your INPI deposits
The National Institute of Industrial Property has accepted electronic signature for almost all its procedures since 2010.But not all filings require the same eIDAS level: a trademark application may be limited to an advanced signature (AES), while a complex opposition sometimes requires a qualified signature (QES).This guide helps you choose the right level and sign your INPI documents quickly with Certyneo.
What eIDAS level according to the type of INPI deposit?
The level of signature required depends on the nature of the document and the legal issue.
| Type of deposit | The eIDAS level | Documents concerned | The usual time limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration of the trade mark | SES or AES | Application for registration, designation of classes | 1 working day |
| Application for a patent | AES recommended | Application, description, claims, summary | 1 to 3 working days |
| The applicant shall submit the application for registration of the design and model. | SES or AES | Community law, freedom to provide services, freedom to provide services | 1 working day |
| Opposition / procedure | AES or QES | The Court of First Instance has consistently held that the contested decision is not imputable to the Court of Justice. | According to the file |
| Transfer of title / registration | AES recommended | The following documents are required: | 2 to 5 working days |
Why use Certyneo for your INPI filings
Certyneo is designed for intellectual property: the SES and AES levels are included, the QES is available on request from our qualified partner, and each signed document is accompanied by a complete audit trail (proof of identity, time stamp, document hash).
- AES included from € 9/month
- QES qualified for complex oppositions
- Multi-signatories (co-owners)
- The data are stored for 10 years.
- The following information shall be provided in the form of a summary of the information:
- EU hosting, without the Cloud Act
How to sign an INPI document step by step
- 1
Prepare your application on inpi.fr
Log in to the INPI e-procedure portal, fill in the online forms and download the generated PDF (filing form + annexes).
- 2
Import the PDF to Certyneo
Drag and drop the INPI form into Certyneo. All required fields and signatures are preserved (PDF interactive AcroForm supported).
- 3
Select the signature level
SES for a trade mark or standard design application; AES for a patent or assignment; QES for a strategic opposition.
- 4
Sign and download
You sign yourself (and your co-holders if applicable) in a few minutes.
- 5
Download the signed PDF from inpi.fr
Back to the INPI portal: upload your signed PDF via the dedicated button in your file.
The legal framework for electronic signatures at the INPI
The INPI has accepted electronic signatures since the amended Order of 16 February 2010, provided that they comply with the requirements of the European eIDAS Regulation (EU) 910/2014. Signatures issued by a qualified trust service provider (PSCo) within the meaning of Article 17 of the Regulation are accepted by default. For the most sensitive acts (oppositions, appeals), the INPI recommends the qualified signature (QES).
Frequently asked questions about the INPI electronic signature
- Does the INPI accept electronic signatures for all deposits?
- Yes, for almost all procedures since 2010, with the only exceptions being some specific acts (some seizures-forgery) which still require the intervention of an officer or notary.
- Is a qualified signature (QES) required to register a trade mark with the INPI?
- No. For a standard trade mark application, a simple signature (SES) or an advanced signature (AES) is sufficient.
- How much does it cost to electronically sign an INPI deposit with Certyneo?
- The free Certyneo plan covers 5 envelopes per month (sufficient for most selfemployed and TPE who file on a one-off basis). For higher volumes (IP offices, legal services), the Personal plan at €9/month or the Standard plan at €19/month is more suitable.
- How many signatories can sign a co-ownership deposit ?
- For a patent or trademark filed by 2 to 5 co-inventors or co-owners, each receives a link by email, signed in a few minutes, and the final PDF/A contains all signatures in a single file complying with the requirements of the INPI.
- Is the PDF signed by Certyneo accepted as is by the INPI e-procedures portal?
- Yes. The PDF/A produced by Certyneo complies with the technical standards expected by the INPI (CAdES/PAdES signature, X.509 certificate, audit trail). The INPI automatically checks the validity of the signature at the time of upload and confirms receipt by email within 1 to 3 working days.