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
- Swissreg
- Madrid Monitor
- TMview
- E-trademark
- IR-online
- 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
- Trademarks: News Service Archive
- Patents: Patent Examination Guidelines (German, French)
- Patents: Fees
Who has what rights to the invention?
An invention generally belongs to the inventor.
However, if an employee invents something at work, the situation can look different: if it is a contractual obligation and the invention is created during the course of their work, the invention belongs to the employer provided nothing else is stated in the employment contract (Art. 332 CO).
Inventions created during the course of work but which are not part of the employee’s contractual obligations must be reported to the employer if this has been agreed in writing. The employer can then decide whether he wants to obtain the invention in question.
Individuals as well as legal entities can apply to patent an invention. Inventors are always what is known as “natural persons" (i.e. individuals). They have the right to be named as the inventor in the patent application.
The owner of the patent is the one who derives the benefits from the patent ̶ he or she decides how to exploit it.
News
01.04.2021 | Media release, Law and policy, Law enforcement
United against ‘Swissness’ misuse – the IPI and Swiss exporters are working together
...more
31.03.2021 | Media release, IPI
IPI Director General becomes delegate in the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation
...more
23.03.2021 | IPI, Media release, Patents, Trade Marks
Counterfeits are costing Switzerland dearly – a new OECD study concludes
...more