Copyright

 

Copyright law also regulates the related rights of performing artists, producers of phonograms and broadcasting companies.

What is protected?

Works of literature and art (including
computer programs)

How does it become protected?

Automatically at the moment of creation

Minimum requirements

Literary and artistic creations of
the mind that possess an individual
character

Photographs are protected irrespective of whether they have individual character or not.

No protection for
  • Content (i.e. ideas and concepts)
  • Laws and official decrees
  • Decisions by authorities
  • Means of payment
  • Patent documents
What are the exceptions?

Private use, citations, back-up copies
and reporting of current events

Scope of protection

Defined by the specific work

Period of protection Up to 70 years after the death of the author (50 years for computer programs);
50 years from the taking of a photograph without individual character
Indications of protection

©, “Copyright”, “All rights reserved”,
“Tous droits réservés” or similar
Use optional

Application fees (CH)

None

Renewal / maintenance fees (CH)

None

Unique to Switzerland

Collective rights management organisations:
SUISA, SUISSIMAGE, ProLitteris,
SSA, SWISSPERFORM

 

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