Paul Brändli joined the Federal Office of Intellectual Property in March 1960 after studying law at the University of Bern. In the same year, he became a scientific officer; in 1966, he was appointed assistant in the Secretariat; and in 1967, he became head of the Factory and Trade Marks Section. From 1970 to 1975, he headed the Legal Division as Vice Director General. From 1 January 1976, he served as head of the entire Office.

“During his nearly ten years at the Federal Office of Intellectual Property, ‘many events occurred that were decisive for the future of the Office and whose effects have not yet run their course’,” wrote the editor of the in-house newspaper ‘Echo’ regarding Paul Brändli’s move to the EPO. These events included the ratification of the three most important international patent conventions and their entry into force, a draft complete revision of the Copyright Act and key preparatory work for a complete revision of the Trade Mark Protection Act.

He also made a lasting impact at the EPO. “As a seasoned patent attorney and former head of the Swiss Patent Office, he brought a unique combination of expertise, pragmatism and vision to the EPO during a period of growth and transformation,” writes the EPO in a media release.

Paul Brändli showed great dedication to the protection of intellectual property in all its forms, both in Switzerland and at international level. Thanks to his technical expertise, diplomatic skills and visionary approach, he helped to shape the development of intellectual property law over several decades and was highly regarded far beyond Switzerland’s borders.

All of us at the IPI would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Paul Brändli.

The EPO’s media release: https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/news/memory-paul-braendli