Trade marks can also come into conflict with protected public signs, such as flags and coats of arms of the Confederation and the cantons, emblems of foreign countries, and signs of international organisations. You can avoid such conflicts by checking the list of protected public signs.

Trade marks may not contain protected national and international emblems such as flags and coats of arms.

Names, abbreviations and emblems (other signs) of the United Nations Organization and other intergovernmental organisations may not be used as a trade mark or an element of a trade mark.

If we find that such an infringement exists when examining a trade mark application, we will refuse to register the trade mark.

It is best to check that you are not using a protected sign without permission when you are in the process of creating your trade mark.

All abbreviations and emblems (other signs) of the United Nations Organization and other intergovernmental organisations that have been published in the Swiss Federal Gazette can be found in the lists on our website:

• List of abbreviations