The new Design Law Treaty of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will make it easier for companies to register their designs internationally. It was adopted by the WIPO member states in Riyadh last November. The Federal Council approved the treaty in its session of 13 June 2025.

Among other things, the treaty stipulates what details a design application must contain, what details are needed for a filing date to be granted and under what conditions the publication of a design can be deferred. The Design Law Treaty thus allows for an internationally harmonised procedure for registering designs. As a result, companies will be able to register their designs abroad more easily.

 

The new treaty is comparable to the Patent Law Treaty applicable in Switzerland since 2008 and the Trademark Law Treaty in force since 1997. Unlike patent and trade mark procedures, design law procedures were hardly harmonised at all at the international level in the past. This made registration complicated and time-consuming for companies wishing to use and protect their designs internationally.

 

There is no need for any changes to legislation in Switzerland as a result of the Design Law Treaty, but it is subject to an optional referendum. The Federal Council has instructed the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) to submit a draft for consultation by the end of 2026 on the ratification of the Design Law Treaty.

 

Federal Council media release (available in German, French and Italian)