IP professionals

This is the portal for professionals working in the field of intellectual property. Here you'll find direct access to all necessary resources.

  

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Design protection

What is protected?Forms i.e. the exterior appearance of an object
How does it become protected?Registration in the design register
Minimum requirements• Novel
• Overall impression must clearly differentiate from existing forms
• Not against public order or public morality
No protection for• Purely technical functions
• Ideas and concepts
• Anything that violates federal law (e.g. protection of coats of arms) and treaties
What are the exceptions?None
Scope of protectionDefined by the representation
Period of protection5 years (renewable thereafter 4 × 5 years up to a maximum of 25 years)
Indications of protectionmod. dep.
Use optional, misuse punishable by law
Application fees (CH)200 CHF (basic fee) including publication of one representation
Renewal / maintenance fees (CH)200 CHF (5 years)
Unique to Switzerland• Publication can be deferred for up to 30 months
• Novelty not examined for)
  

An overview of IP rights (.pdf)