You can file a European or an international application with the relevant authorities. Provided that you or your company is domiciled in Switzerland or Liechtenstein, you can also file it with us and we will forward it to the relevant authorities. If you wish to claim the priority of a Swiss application, we would be happy to issue a priority document for you.

A uniform law applies in Lichtenstein and Switzerland for patent matters. Therefore, a Swiss patent is automatically valid in Lichtenstein too.

Please note:

Preparing a patent application without any errors and answering any objections correctly can be difficult for those with no experience in patenting. In this instance, we strongly recommend that you seek advice from a patent attorney.

You can file an international application with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva or with the IPI. If you file your application with us, you can submit your documentation by post or online via the WIPO's ePCT portal (in this instance, select the IPI as Receiving Office). If you file your application online, you benefit from a reduction in the filing fee.

We would be happy to provide you with further information. The WIPO also has a guideline available that provides detailed information about the international (PCT) procedure.

http://www.wipo.int/pct/en
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
chemin des Colombettes 34
1211 Genf 20
Tel. +41 22 338 8338
Fax +41 22 388 8339

If you wish to claim the priority of a Swiss patent application for applications abroad, you will need to submit a priority document to the authorities abroad. We would be happy to issue one for you.

Note for the authorities: a Swiss priority document includes an extract from the patent register, a copy of the filing confirmation and a copy of the technical documents. Please note that these documents are not bound.