Trade marks in France

Due to the harm to the French economy resulting from the sale of infringing goods, the French legislature has taken increasingly draconian steps to protect intellectual and industrial property rights. The Loi Longuet of February 1994 has significantly reinforced the penalties incurred by infringers, which include stiff fines and prison. A discrepancy exists, however, between the French and European Union law. Thus, in a circulaire dated March 21, 1995, the French Ministry of Justice has set the conditions under which customs authorities may settle with the individual importing infringing goods, rather than notifying the owner of the trademark and the public prosecutor of the offense.