Region: Switzerland

Limited scope of protection for Burlington’s figurative sock mark

Illustrating the need for clear development of more abstract, simpler figurative marks, the Federal Supreme Court has essentially limited the scope of protection for a combination of basic geometric elements to cases of identity.

09 July 2024

WIPO tops ranking of world’s most accessible IP office websites, but overall momentum to assist users slows

Exclusive WTR research reveals the national IP offices with the most (and least) accessible websites for users, with WIPO leading the way.

28 June 2024

BUREK KING found to be confusingly similar to BURGER KING

The decision reiterates that the conceptual difference between two marks will generally not outweigh the visual and aural similarities between them.

24 June 2024

ID NOW found to be descriptive

The Federal Administrative Court concluded that the term ‘ID’ was familiar in connection with the detection of viruses in the medical sector.

05 April 2024

From in-house leadership to private practice: former AB InBev, FIFA veterans share advice for navigating career change

Two former in-house leaders from AB InBev and FIFA talk to WTR about their recent moves to law firm practices – including what spurred such significant career changes.

04 April 2024

Federal Supreme Court issues landmark decision on customisation of branded goods

In a dispute between Rolex and a Swiss company engaged in the customisation of luxury watches, the court considered for the first time the issue of the unauthorised customisation of branded goods.

06 March 2024

COOLFLEX held to be descriptive for mattresses

The Federal Administrative Court concluded that part of the relevant consumers would understand the sign as meaning “cool and flexible”.

23 January 2024

FIFA releases 2026 IP guidelines; Meta and Christian Louboutin file joint suit; Grok domain infringement rife – news digest

In our latest round-up, we look at a long-running AIG dispute concluding with a settlement, US Customs seizing copycat of a rare collectors’ watch, and much more.

28 November 2023

BAUR AU LAC case: Federal Supreme Court puts an end to trademark dispute between two families

The decision serves as an important reminder of the differences between trademark use and registration.

21 November 2023

Harvesting rights: Federal Administrative Court grants protection to Apple’s device mark for content-related goods

The court notably stressed that the IPO's current approach obstructs the purpose of trademark law, making the registration of trademarks for content-related goods/services unachievable.

16 October 2023