Switzerland discusses issues and concerns regarding intellectual property with numerous countries. The IPI works closely with the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and embassies and consulates general abroad. The forums for such discussions are the joint economic commissions organised by SECO as well as visits by representatives of the IPI and other federal agencies (e.g. state secretaries and federal councillors) to partner countries. Finally, the Swiss embassies also actively engage in discussions on the ground, in consultation with the IPI.

The IPI confers particularly closely and regularly with certain key countries, such as important trade partners. Since 2007, Switzerland has engaged in bilateral dialogue on intellectual property with China, led by the IPI. A similar bilateral dialogue on intellectual property with India was reactivated in 2026. There are also regular discussions with the United Kingdom, the European Union and Singapore. 

Switzerland’s cooperation with partner countries encourages the exchange of knowledge between authorities as well as between economic stakeholders and government agencies. The dialogue with partner countries focuses on issues relating to intellectual property which are important for the Swiss economy. Swiss companies and associations can submit specific questions and concerns to the IPI.