What is a patent?

A patent is an IP right for a technical invention. It allows you to prevent others from using your invention for commercial purposes for up to 20 years. You decide who is allowed to produce, sell or import your invention in those countries in which you own a valid patent. You can also trade your patent, e.g. sell it or licence the use of your invention.

  
    
  

Before applying for a patent

  

What do I need to consider before applying for a patent?

  

How can I verify the novelty of my invention?

  

Who can help me?

  
  

How can I apply for a patent?

  

How much does a patent cost?

  

The Swiss patent register

  
  

Your patent application and examination

  

How do I obtain a Swiss patent?

  

Where do I apply for a European patent?

  

Where do I file an international patent application?

  
    
  
  
  
  

How can I use patent information?

Information from patents contain valuable up-to-date knowledge about companies and technologies. This information is available to everyone – so why not use it?

 

 

  
  

Invent, produce, market

In our Guide for Innovative and Creative Minds, you can find practical tips on patents, trade marks, designs and copyright to help you with the innovation process.

  
  

Training and courses at the IPI

Courses with a practical approach on areas related to the various IP rights for all levels of knowledge and experience.

  
  

News

13.11.2019 | IPI

The 2018/2019 Annual Report is online

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08.11.2019 | Event

Symposium on Creative Approaches to Improving Medicines Globally

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24.10.2019 | IPI

IPI fax numbers to be discontinued from 1 January 2020

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17.10.2019 | IP news, Designs

DesignEuropa Awards 2020: Call for entries has started

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Events

08.11.2019 | Event

Symposium on Creative Approaches to Improving Medicines Globally

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18.10.2019 | Event, Patents

Medtech & Pharma Platform 2019 from 24 to 25 October in Basel

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20.08.2019 | IP news, Patents, Event

Roundtable on the protection of computer-implemented inventions

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02.05.2019 | Patents, Event

En route to Ticino – protecting innovation at AGIRE event

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Jobs

  
  

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