When you obtain a patent for an invention, you protect it according to the technical description provided to the relevant office. Each country has its own system, although common rules are found throughout the world. International agreements also smooth out most regulations. If you are based in Switzerland or wish to expand your business there, don’t forget to apply for a patent!
Patent protection is valid nationwide. A patent obtained in France cannot be applied to the Swiss market.
Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property
The IPI is the Swiss authority for the protection of trademarks, inventions and designs. Based in Bern, it advises and registers IP protection procedures.
Website: https: //www.ige.ch/fr.html
The IPI receives all patent applications for Switzerland. It actively communicates with the public and professionals to raise awareness of the intricacies of IP. An excellent dossier on the use of the Swiss cross and related legislation is an example of a highly qualified resource.
Register your patent in Switzerland!
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Swiss peculiarity on the state of the art
In Switzerland, patents are subject to verification by IPI experts with regard to technical descriptions. They must be sufficient to comply with legal requirements. However, novelty and inventive step are generally not investigated until 3 years after filing.
It is advisable to request a Search from the IPI at the time of filing. The technical notifications received help to guide the work on the technical documents provided in your file. Protection may, for example, be reduced, depending on the results of the Search.
The patent that would be granted only protects what is described in the documents. This is why the IPI clearly recommends that technical documents be drafted by a patent attorney.
Did you know thatYesMyPatent.com has a team of experts in France and abroad. We can help you register your patent in Switzerland, from drafting the patent to issuing the industrial property title.
The European patent to protect your invention in Switzerland
Switzerland is not a member of the European Union. However, if you have obtained a European patent, your invention is protected by a European patent, even in Switzerland.
The European patent currently covers 38 countries at once.
Vigilance: the European patent, like the PCT, commits you to an examination of novelty and inventive step BEFORE the patent is granted.
Whereas, for a patent in Switzerland alone, only the challenge of novelty by a third party interrupts the procedure, the European patent is more demanding from this point of view. That’s why it’s so important to call on the services of an industrial property attorney, so that you can carry out the right procedures in the right order.
