Registered trademark
A distinctive sign — name, logo, slogan or shape — registered with an official office (INPI in France, EUIPO for the EU) conferring exclusive exploitation rights in the designated classes, for a defined territory and period (10 years, renewable).
In practice
An INPI filing costs 190 euros for one class, 40 euros per additional class. An EU extension (EUIPO) starts at 850 euros for two classes covering 27 countries. A franchise network that expands internationally without filing trademarks in target markets risks encountering locally registered copycat operators who are legally in the right. The rule: file before any public communication. A prior art search (200-500 euros with a specialist) avoids 90% of conflicts.