Swiss Trademark Representative
A company based abroad that wants to file or manage a Swiss trademark must have an address for service in Switzerland. Araucaria acts as your Swiss trademark representative, handles the procedure before the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI), and manages correspondence and deadlines.
Do You Need a Swiss Trademark Representative?
If you are domiciled or established outside Switzerland, Article 42 of the Trademark Protection Act requires an address for service in Switzerland for proceedings before the IPI. This can be provided by appointing a representative based in Switzerland.
The requirement applies to foreign applicants and trademark owners dealing with the IPI, including in Swiss national proceedings and the Swiss phase of an international registration under the Madrid System.
Swiss Protection Is Separate
An EU trademark does not protect you in Switzerland. Foreign companies therefore need separate protection in Switzerland, either through a Swiss national application or an international registration designating Switzerland.
Depending on your strategy, a direct Swiss filing may offer procedural advantages and greater flexibility than the Madrid route. We advise on the appropriate route and handle the Swiss procedure in either case.
What We Do as Your Swiss Representative
We act as your representative before the IPI, prepare and file applications, receive and manage official correspondence and deadlines, and handle provisional refusals, including refusals of international registrations designating Switzerland under the Madrid System. We also manage oppositions, renewals, and other trademark matters, and advise on scope of protection and strategy throughout the process.
Why Appoint a Law Firm?
Unlike a filing agent focused primarily on administrative processing, a Swiss law firm can advise on strategy, handle refusals and disputes, and represent you throughout the life of the trademark. This gives you one point of contact for both registration and enforcement.
How It Works
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Swiss representative mandatory for foreign trademark owners?
For proceedings before the IPI, parties domiciled abroad must have an address for service in Switzerland. Appointing a Swiss representative is the usual way to meet this requirement.
Can you represent an international registration designating Switzerland?
Yes. We represent holders of Madrid registrations for the Swiss part of the procedure, including examination issues and provisional refusals issued by the IPI.
Can you take over from another representative?
Yes. We can take over an existing Swiss trademark matter at any stage. A power of attorney is sufficient; no notarization or legalization is required.
Can you handle a provisional refusal issued against the Swiss designation of our international trademark?
Yes. We assess the refusal, advise on the available options, prepare the response, and represent you before the IPI throughout the Swiss procedure.
Do we need to visit Switzerland?
No. The representation and procedure can be handled remotely.
Can you also handle oppositions and other disputes before the IPI?
Yes. We advise and represent clients in oppositions and other trademark proceedings before the IPI, as well as related strategic matters.
Does appointing Araucaria tie us in long term?
No. You can change or end the representation at any time, subject to the requirements of the matter and any pending deadlines.
Appoint Araucaria as your Swiss trademark representative.