Switzerland · Trademark & IP
Trademark registration, patents, copyright, official IP offices, and filing costs.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
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