🇨🇭 Switzerland · Trademark & IP
Trademark registration, patents, copyright, official IP offices, and filing costs.
Quick answer
Swiss trademarks are registered with the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI). You search the register, file under Nice classes, and — as Switzerland examines only absolute grounds — the mark registers, after which third parties have three months to oppose. A Swiss trademark lasts 10 years and is renewable; Switzerland is outside the EU, so a separate filing is needed there.
Trademarks and patents in Switzerland are registered with the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI/IGE).
- National trademarks and patents are filed with the IPI.
- Switzerland is not in the EU trademark system — protection is national (plus international routes).
- Registration grants exclusive rights within Switzerland.
Step-by-step
- 1
Search the register
Search the IPI register (Swissreg) for conflicting or similar marks before filing — clearance is on you, as Switzerland does not refuse on earlier marks.
- 2
File the application
File with IPI, describing the mark and classifying the goods/services under the Nice Classification.
- 3
Registration and opposition
IPI examines absolute grounds only; the mark registers and is published, after which third parties have three months to oppose.
- 4
Renewal and maintenance
A Swiss trademark lasts 10 years from filing and can be renewed indefinitely for further 10-year terms.
- 5
Cover patents, designs and copyright
Protect inventions with IPI/EPO patents and appearance with registered designs; copyright arises automatically on creation.
- 6
Enforce and go international
Enforce your rights against infringers and use the Madrid Protocol to extend protection abroad; the EU needs a separate EU trademark.
Checklist
- Swissreg (IPI) register search
- Application (Nice classes + mark)
- Registration + 3-month opposition
- Renewal (10 years)
- Patents (IPI/EPO) + registered designs
- Automatic copyright
- Separate EU trademark for the EU
- Madrid Protocol for international
Official authorities
- Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI)
Federal intellectual-property office.
Frequently asked questions
Does Switzerland examine earlier marks?
No — the IPI checks only absolute grounds; owners of earlier marks must oppose within three months of registration, so clearance searching matters.
Does an EU trademark cover Switzerland?
No — Switzerland is not in the EU, so an EU trademark does not cover it; you need a separate Swiss registration.
How long does a Swiss trademark last?
Ten years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely for further 10-year periods.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- ch.ch — Swiss Authorities Online — Official information portal for federal, cantonal and communal authorities
- State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) — Visas, residence permits (B/C), and naturalisation
- Federal Tax Administration (FTA) — Federal tax and VAT (cantonal taxes are levied separately)
- EasyGov.swiss — One-stop company registration and business admin