Trademark Registration & Strategy
To protect a brand in Switzerland, you register it with the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI). A Swiss trademark is valid for ten years, can be renewed indefinitely, and gives you exclusive rights for the goods and services covered. Araucaria handles the full registration process for Swiss and international companies.
What We Do
We manage the full Swiss trademark process, from clearance searches, filing, and registration strategy to portfolio management, monitoring, renewals, and enforcement. We advise on scope of protection, handle oppositions and conflicts, negotiate agreements, and support the ongoing protection of your brand in Switzerland.
Whom It Is For
Swiss and international companies that want to register, protect, and manage their trademarks in Switzerland.
Beyond Swiss trademarks, Araucaria advises on international trademark strategy and manages global trademark portfolios directly, working with local counsel where required for filings, proceedings, or other jurisdiction-specific matters.
How It Works
- Clearance search to assess availability and potential conflicts.
- Preparation and filing, with advice on strategy and scope of protection.
- Management of provisional refusals and other examination issues raised by the IPI.
- Management of oppositions and other trademark conflicts.
- Trademark monitoring to identify conflicting applications and act in time.
- Representation before the IPI and management of the full trademark lifecycle, through renewal and beyond.
Swiss Trademarks in Brief
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreign company register a Swiss trademark?
Yes. A foreign company can own a Swiss trademark. Applicants domiciled abroad must have an address for service in Switzerland for proceedings before the IPI and can appoint a Swiss representative for this purpose.
Does an EU trademark protect us in Switzerland?
No. An EU trademark does not cover Switzerland. Separate Swiss protection is required.
How long does Swiss trademark registration take?
Straightforward applications may be examined within six working days. Other applications are generally examined within two months, unless issues arise.
Should we file directly in Switzerland or through the Madrid System?
It depends on your strategy. A national filing can be faster and more flexible, with goods and services tailored to Swiss practice. It can also be amended during examination without additional IPI fees, including to overcome a refusal, although some changes may affect the filing date.
Does the IPI check for conflicting earlier trademarks?
No. The IPI does not examine earlier conflicting trademarks. A clearance search helps identify conflicts before you invest in filing, launch, or branding.
Can Araucaria manage trademarks outside Switzerland?
Yes. Araucaria manages international trademark strategy, portfolio management, monitoring, conflicts, enforcement, and renewals directly, working with local counsel where required for filings or jurisdiction-specific proceedings.
Protect your brand in Switzerland
Get in touch to discuss your trademark registration or portfolio in Switzerland.