"Swissness"
The new "Swissness" legislation strengthens the designation "Switzerland" and the Swiss cross. It helps to prevent and curb their misuse so that the value of the "Swiss" label is maintained in the long term.
Legal framework
Below is a list of legal texts concerning trade mark law:
Swiss legislation
Please note that an English translation is provided where available. Where a translation is not available, only the German version is linked below. In this instance, you can also access the French and Italian versions by clicking through to the German version.
- Federal Act on the Protection of Trade Marks and Indications of Source (TmPA)
- Trade Mark Protection Ordinance (MSchV)
Related legal texts
- Ordinance on the Protection of Designations of Origin and Geographical Indications for Agricultural Products and Processed Agricultural Products (PDO/PGI Ordinance)
- Ordinance on the Register for Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications for Non-Agricultural Products (Ordinance on Non-Agricultural PAOs and PGIs)
- Ordinance on the Use of the Name "Swiss" for Watches ("Swiss Made" Ordinance for Watches)
- Ordinance on the Use of Swiss Indications of Source for Cosmetic Products
- Federal Act on the Protection of the Swiss Coat of Arms and Other Public Signs (CAPA)
- Ordinance on the Protection of the Swiss Coat of Arms and Other Public Signs (WSchV)
- Federal Act of 25 March 1954 on the Protection of the Emblem and Name of the Red Cross (Red Cross Act)
- Regulation concerning the Use and Protection of the Sign and Name of the Red Cross (Red Cross Regulation)
- Federal Act on the Protection of the Names and Emblems of the United Nations Organization and other Intergovernmental Organisations
European legislation
International legislation
- Madrid Agreement for the Repression of False or Deceptive Indications of Source on Goods (MA)
- Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks (MP)
- Common Regulations under the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks and the Protocol Relating to that Agreement
- Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property as amended in Stockholm on 14 July 1967
- WIPO Joint Recommendation Concerning Provisions on the Protection of Well-Known Marks (PDF)
- Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field
- Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement)
- Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks
- Convention of 13 April 1892 between Switzerland and Germany concerning the Reciprocal Protection of Patents, Designs and Trademarks