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7 min. read

Julie Christol

Patent filing advice: secure your innovations

Innovating, designing an invention or developing a differentiating technical solution represents a major strategic investment for any business or inventor. Yet without appropriate protection, an innovation can be copied, exploited or worked around within a few weeks, with no possible recourse.

At Gevers, our patent filing advisory team supports inventors and companies at every stage of the patent filing process, from assessing patentability through to filing with the INPI, to turning your invention into a protected, defensible and valuable intellectual property asset.

Turn your invention into a protected asset with our expertise

At Gevers, every piece of advice we provide on patent applications is based on an in-depth technical, legal, and strategic analysis. Our mission is to guide you through the patent application process under the best possible conditions and to ensure the long-term protection of your innovation.

Comprehensive patentability assessment and prior art search

Before any patent filing, it is essential to assess whether your invention meets the legal criteria for patentability. Our experts carry out an in-depth prior art search, analysing national and international patent databases.

This step helps to:

  • verify the novelty of the invention;
  • assess the inventive step;
  • analyse industrial applicability;
  • identify the risks of refusal or opposition.

According to the National Industrial Property Institute, a significant proportion of insufficiently prepared patent applications are rejected or heavily limited during examination, hence the importance of a rigorous preliminary study.

Exceptional ROI: our clients secure and enhance the value of their innovations

A well-drafted patent is not limited to legal protection: it becomes an economic lever. It makes it possible to:

  • secure a market;
  • strengthen the company’s credibility;
  • facilitate access to financing;
  • generate revenue through licences or assignments.

A tech start-up was able to raise funds after the strategic filing of its first patent, demonstrating the strength and value of its innovation to investors (anonymised client case).

According to an EUIPO study, companies holding intellectual property rights (including patents) generate on average +23.8% revenue per employee compared with companies that hold none.

Guaranteed support from the technical report to the INPI filing

Our patent consulting experts assist inventors and companies at every stage of the patent application process, from the patentability analysis to the granting of the industrial property right:

  • drafting the patentability report;
  • defining the filing strategy;
  • technical and legal drafting of the patent;
  • filing with the INPI;
  • monitoring the examination procedure.

Do not lose your rights for want of appropriate protection

Most unpatented inventions are copied with no recourse

Without a patent, an invention can be freely exploited by a third party. In the absence of exclusive rights, it becomes extremely difficult to take legal action.

Every day without a patent exposes your innovation to counterfeiting

Every day without filing can lead to:

  • uncontrolled disclosure of the invention;
  • loss of the priority date;
  • an inability to defend your rights in the event of copying.

Fast-track solution: patentability study completed and filing underway

Gevers puts in place fast-track procedures:

  • priority patentability study;
  • accelerated drafting;
  • immediate filing with the INPI.

Join the inventors who protect their innovations with us

From start-ups to industrial groups: they have secured their patents

We support:

  • independent inventors;
  • innovative start-ups;
  • industrial SMEs;
  • international groups.

An industrial SME secured its process thanks to a robust patent, allowing it to block a foreign competitor and consolidate its market (anonymised client case).

Proven method: nearly all of our filings are granted

This effectiveness rests on:

  • an in-depth search;
  • precise drafting of the claims;
  • a thorough command of INPI requirements.

EPO statistics show that a very large volume of applications is examined every year (199,275 European patent applications filed in 2023), which reinforces the value of well-prepared files in passing examinations without major obstacles.

Discover the protection potential of your invention

Free patentability study with no obligation

We offer a free patentability study to:

  • analyse your invention;
  • identify the risks;
  • assess the chances of protection.

Detailed report with filing strategy and recommendations

You receive:

  • a clear report;
  • a tailored filing strategy;
  • concrete recommendations.

This initial analysis allows you to determine whether you can file a patent under the best possible conditions and with the best chance of success.

Why use a patent filing adviser?

Maximise your chances of obtaining the patent

A specialised adviser helps avoid:

  • formal errors;
  • overly weak claims;
  • avoidable refusals.

Draft strong and defensible claims

The claims determine the scope of the patent. Imprecise drafting can allow a competitor to work around the protection.

An experienced patent attorney knows how to draft claims that are broad enough to protect the invention while complying with the requirements of patent offices.

Avoid costly mistakes when filing

A mistake made when filing a patent application can be irreversible. Expert guidance ensures every step is handled properly.

Depending on the complexity of the case, an intellectual property attorney may also work alongside our experts to address specific legal issues.

The key steps in filing a patent

Prior art search and patentability report

Analysis of existing patents and assessment of novelty.

Full drafting of the patent in line with legal and technical standards.

INPI filing and monitoring of the examination procedure

Monitoring exchanges with the INPI through to grant.

Our expert support in industrial property

Strategic advice to optimise protection

We advise you on the choice of territories and the best filing route (France, Europe, international) based on your target markets and budget. We also define an extension strategy and a filing timeline consistent with your constraints (R&D, product launch, fundraising) to secure your rights at the right time. Finally, we prioritise actions to maximise the scope of protection while avoiding unnecessary costs.

Technical assessment of your invention

In-depth analysis of the technical and industrial aspects.

Complete file management with the INPI

Administrative, legal and strategic management.

Gevers, expert in patent filing

Gevers draws on historic expertise in intellectual property.

Every year, our patent consulting teams assist numerous innovators in protecting and commercializing their inventions.

Personalised advice for every invention

Every invention is analysed on a bespoke basis.

Each invention undergoes a customized analysis conducted by a patent attorney who specializes in your industry.

Comprehensive support from study to filing

From idea to granted title, we secure every step.

Written by Julie Christol

French and European Trademark & Design Attorney

FAQ – Patent filing advice

Who should you contact to file a patent?

To file a patent, it is recommended to go through an intellectual property adviser or a specialised firm such as Gevers. They secure the whole process: prior art search, patentability assessment, drafting of the file and follow-up with the INPI, to avoid mistakes that weaken protection.

What are the 3 legal criteria for filing a trademark?

Although this concerns trademarks rather than patents, the question is frequently asked. A trademark must be distinctive, lawful and available (must not infringe prior rights). A prior art search is therefore essential before filing.

What are the steps to file a patent?

The key steps are: prior art search, technical and legal drafting (including the claims), filing with the INPI, then monitoring of examination through to grant. A clear strategy from the outset improves the strength of the patent.

What are the conditions for filing a patent?

An invention must be new, involve an inventive step and be capable of industrial application. These criteria must be demonstrated in the file, hence the value of expert support.

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