In intellectual property law, a sign refers to the sign or name used to identify and distinguish a commercial or craft establishment in a physical or digital location. It is mainly used to inform the public of the existence of the business and to enable its visual or verbal identification. The sign is often displayed on the facade of a building or near the site. The sign used as a domain name is the trade name on the Internet.
Unlike a trademark, which identifies products or services, a trade name is linked to the place where the business operates. It may consist of a word, a logo, a symbol, or a combination of these elements, provided that it is lawful and does not infringe on prior rights, such as a trademark or trade name that is already protected.
In France, signs enjoy legal protection under competition law and civil law, provided that they are actually used and do not cause confusion with pre-existing distinctive signs. However, unlike trademarks, signs are not subject to specific registration with an IP Office.