For 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.
Quick links
- Trade Mark Database
- Register changes for trade marks
- Swissreg
- Madrid Monitor
- TMview
- E-trademark
- International trade mark registration
- Trade Mark Guidelines (German, French, Italian)
- Classification tool for trade marks
- Trade mark examination support tool
- Trade marks: Costs and fees
- Trade marks: WIPO fee calculator
- Cancellation procedure for trade marks on the grounds of non-use
- Protected public signs: Abbreviations
- Protected public signs: Other signs (emblems)
- Directory of Intellectual Property Offices
- Trade marks: News Service Archive
- Patents: Patent Examination Guidelines (German, French)
- Patents: Fees
Starting a company
Do you want to start a new business for your new product?
The cantonal commercial registry is responsible for registering new businesses in the commercial register. Consider the principles for creating a business name and check whether your business name is still available.
Did you know that a protected trade mark and a business name can conflict with each other? That’s why we advise you to make sure that no identical or similar name is already protected as a trade mark before registering your name with the commercial registry. You can also have a search provider carry out a search for you.
Entering your business name in the commercial register does not automatically protect it as a trade mark. Trade mark protection derives only from entering a sign in the trade mark register maintained by the IPI. The commercial register entry only protects you to a limited extent from third parties using your business name for their products, so it can be worthwhile to also register your business name as a trade mark.
Further information
- Why protect a business name as a trade mark as well?
- Information sheet on areas of potential conflict between signs, only available in German, French and Italian.
- www.zefix.ch: Central Commercial Registry. The website also has links to the cantonal commercial registries.
- www.bj.admin.ch: the website of the Federal Office of Justice with information regarding business protection.
- www.gruenden.ch: A wealth of information for entrepreneurs from the company foundation platform of the Canton of Zurich.
- www.kmu.admin.ch: Information for businesses from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
- www.startbiz.ch: Federal office for entrepreneurs.
Support
Searches
- Professional searches: Searches for identical or similar trade marks protected in Switzerland can be carried out by a variety of professional providers.
Events
19.01.2023 | Law and policy, Event
Conference on Intellectual Property & Sustainability at the University of Geneva
...more