16 FEBRUARY 2023
How trademark use requirements influence permissible brand evolutions
To ensure the viability of their brand’s evolving intellectual property, it is crucial that Swiss trademark owners understand and comply with proper use guidelines regulating any changes to existing marks.
Authors:
Isabelle Bruder
26 JANUARY 2023
How to protect trademarks against non-use effects in Switzerland
Understanding Switzerland’s particular trademark use requirements is crucial for rights holders developing their protection and defence strategies and for applicants hoping to secure their marks.
Authors:
Nathalie Denel and William Fauchoux
21 OCTOBER 2021
Swiss authorities relax examination practices for trademarks featuring a place name
With exceptions, it will no longer be a prerequisite to limit goods and services to their geographical origin for trademarks containing an indication of source. The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property appears to be becoming more flexible, aligning its approach with that of the European Union.
Authors:
Nathalie Denel
14 OCTOBER 2021
Trademark use requirements in Switzerland – what you need to know
The Swiss legislative landscape is strict when it comes to trademark use. Trademark owners can learn valuable lessons for putting together a protection strategy from past cases; use is at the heart of this, however this is complemented by specific knowledge of the jurisdiction, regarding territory, grace periods and partial use.
Authors:
Isabelle Bruder
19 AUGUST 2021
The Swiss response to the concerning issue of counterfeiting
Recent reports reveal the damage of counterfeiting to Switzerland’s largest industries. Companies, government bodies and non-profits are all taking action, utilising AI, blockchain, legislation and education to fight this illicit activity.
Authors:
Nathalie Denel
18 FEBRUARY 2021
Why a multifaceted approach is key to protecting jewellery designs in Switzerland
Protecting jewellery designs is as crucial as it is tricky. Brand owners looking to secure their unique creations should devise a strategy with regard to routes to copyright, design and 3D trademark protection.
Authors:
Nathalie Denel
14 JANUARY 2021
Preventing trademark degeneration in Switzerland
Even the most well-protected trademarks can degenerate and become free. IP owners must be proactive in ensuring that their marks do not go down this route.
Authors:
Isabelle Bruder
17 DECEMBER 2020
Strategic combined approach to trademark and domain name protections in Switzerland
A two-pronged approach is recommended to protect company names in Switzerland, which will ensure that businesses there are covered on all sides.
Authors:
Nathalie Denel
16 JULY 2020
Overview of appellations of origin and GIs in Switzerland in light of the forthcoming ratification of the Geneva Act
In a move that indicates major progress towards the enhanced protection of Swiss geographical indications, the Federal Council has proposed the ratification of the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on appellations of origin and GIs, and to amend the Trademark Protection Act accordingly.
Authors:
Nathalie Denel
18 JUNE 2020
Revisions to the Swiss Copyright Act
Switzerland has revised its copyright rules, which now provide remuneration for all authors of copyrighted works used online and allow digital use in the fields of research, education and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Authors:
Nathalie Denel and Isabelle Bruder
28 MAY 2020
The challenge of protecting shape marks in Switzerland
As the number of offerings in the market continues to grow, a name and logo are no longer always sufficient to differentiate a product or service. It is therefore hoped that Switzerland will enable the better protection and recognition of shapes as trademarks, in particular those relating to a product’s packaging and not the product itself.
Authors:
Nathalie Denel
09 APRIL 2020
Benefits of protecting business names as trademarks
Switzerland is a desirable place to start a business as a 3% increase in the number of registrations of new business names within the first nine months of 2019 shows. However, statistically, only a few new business owners think about protecting their business name as a trademark.
Authors:
Isabelle Bruder
27 FEBRUARY 2020
Protecting geographical names in Switzerland
Many brands include a term or a logo that relates to a geographical place. In Switzerland many applications to register these as trademarks are unsuccessful as there are strict examination rules in accordance with Articles 2(a) and 2(c) of the Trademark Protection Act. However, these have relaxed a little in the last few years.
Authors:
Nathalie Denel
