1 / A policy of economic development and attractiveness in favor of entrepreneurs
Bordeaux is among the top metropolises for the creation of businesses. The policy of economic development and attractiveness of the territory, supported by major real estate projects and the development of new state-of-the-art infrastructures, has greatly contributed to this turmoil. Added to this is easy accessibility, with an international airport (serving 100 destinations) and an HSR line connecting Paris in 2 hours, which positions Bordeaux in the business destinations of France.

2 / A bubbling entrepreneurial ecosystem
Decision-makers have put in place solid systems for the creation and setting up of businesses with incubators, specialized clusters, and the enrichment of a dedicated service offering. In addition, the metropolis benefits from the influence of the 11 competitiveness clusters and 70 clusters of the greater Nouvelle Aquitaine region (digital technology, aeronautics, optics and lasers, geosciences, health, eco-housing, …). For its part, Bordeaux French Tech is particularly dynamic and brings together more than 500 innovative companies.
At the same time, higher education and research institutions have strengthened their positioning and their actions, such as the University of Bordeaux with its Ubee Lab incubator, which allows students and young graduates to implement an entrepreneurial project. The metropolis is showing its support for innovation and emerging sectors such as silver economy, eHealth, eSport, fintech, driven by a structured ecosystem (companies, schools, professional events, …).

This favorable breeding ground allows young shoots made in Bordeaux to distinguish themselves, attract investors and calmly pursue their growth. Some have great fundraising to their credit, such as Olikrom, which raised 4.5 million euros or Treefrog Therapeutics which raised 7 million euros.

3 / A pool of experts dedicated to supporting growing companies
Chartered accountants, lawyers, industrial property attorneys, consulting firms and investment funds, are specialized in the key sectors of the territory and are able to provide service at all stages of the life of high-growth companies (creation, priming, growth, pivot, fundraising …) and to be by their side over time, including within the framework of international expansion.

They can help you with your projects

We offer you here a non-exhaustive list of players dedicated to supporting and hosting startups in the metropolis of Bordeaux.

So, are you convinced?

Would you like to know more about industrial property issues? Would you like to discuss your strategy?
Our team is at the service of innovative entrepreneurs and will be happy to answer you.

Charles-Henri MICHEL

Patent Engineer – Expert in Industrial Property

In concrete terms, we explain to you what the protection of a trademark is and how it works on a practical level.

The mark is an industrial asset that is part of a company’s own identity. It allows you to be identifiable with your customers and various audiences.

Registering a trademark ensures exclusive use of the services and products designated in the chosen territory for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.

Conversely, failing to protect your mark leads to the possibility of its use by competitors. For this reason, it is essential to protect its assets once the mark and its environment (name, expression, sign, logo) are defined.

Registering a trademark can be a complex and tedious process. This is why, at AQUINOV, we advise you in the implementation of your strategy in order to find the most suitable protection framework for your project.

The different stages of AQUINOV support:

1. Discussion with our expert
The purpose of the first discussion is to set the context and define your expectations and needs in terms of trademark registration.

2. Diagnosis
Following this discussion, we will provide you with a diagnosis containing the necessary information on the various registration procedures and the progress of the process. A strategy proposal is sent to you with determination of the need for prior research, and a reflection on the choice of the geographical area concerned by the registration of the mark.

3. Development of an estimate
We create an estimate for the drafting of a wording and the filing of a trademark registration application, as well as an availability study accompanied by recommendations.

4. Trademark registration
We draft the trademark application for you, then carefully follow the examination procedure.

5. Follow-up and assistance
Once the trademark is registered, we set up a watch consisting of monitoring the filings of trademarks similar to yours. We assist you in the event of pre-litigation and ensure the renewal of the mark.

---

This article was written by:

Ana Berlinches

Trademarks, Designs & Models Legal Expert – Industrial Property Expert

The National Institute of Industrial Property (French INPI) has already approved twelve Geographical Indication (GI), including Limoges Porcelain, Aubusson Tapestry and Charentaise slippers. Basque linen joins this line.

The Geographical Indication protects the manufactured products or raw materials of a region with a “France Geographical Indication” label. Objective: enabling labeled companies to better defend their know-how, in particular against counterfeiting on import and export. This French label managed by the INPI was created in 2015 by the implementing decree of the HAMON law of March 17, 2014.

What is a geographical indication?

A geographical indication is the name of a region or a specific place used to designate a product that originates from this location and which has specific qualities and/or a reputation attached to this geographical origin. The production methods for this product must comply with specifications approved by the INPI.

This label guarantees the origin and manufacturing method of products and offers real transparency to consumers. In this case, this GI guarantees the manufacture of Basque linen in the Pyrénées Atlantiques department, France. This should have the virtuous effect of perpetuating manufacturing, maintaining jobs in the region, and above all fighting against fraud relating to these renowned products.

Who can benefit from geographical indications?

A company established in the geographical sector concerned and which respects the approved specifications can apply for a GI. The request must be addressed to the organization for the defense and management of said Geographical Indication.

Want to know more?

Our team is at the service of innovative entrepreneurs and will be happy to answer you.

---

This article was written by:

Lauranne Papineau 

Legal expert