In the French Intellectual Property system, a Soleau envelope is often seen as a simple way to “protect” a creation. However, this phrasing is inaccurate. A Soleau envelope does not confer any protection — it is a probative tool. Definition of the Soleau envelope The Soleau envelope is a mechanism offered by the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), allowing to ascertain the date of documents or digital files. Today, the procedure is fully digitized and known as e-Soleau (see: New: e-Soleau is online). Filed materials are registered and preserved by INPI for a defined period. The mechanism is strictly probative: it enables proving that, on a ... ...See full article