The new guidelines for the substantive examination of national patent applications will come into effect on 1 January 2019.From this date, those carrying out paediatric studies for medicinal products can request at the IPI an extension to a supplementary protection certificate (SPC) or, if no conventional SPC exists, a paediatric SPC. The IPI has therefore integrated the relevant legislative...

Are only start-ups innovative? Do SMEs run out of ideas? At the Swiss Innovation Forum in Basel, the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) is hosting a breakout session on this topic. On 22 November, the Swiss Innovation Forum (SIF) will take place in Basel. Once again, the main partner is the IPI. The motto of this year’s event is “Surprise” – the key to innovation and growth....

Eleven girls and boys visited the IPI on Switzerland’s National Future Day to get a fascinating glimpse into the world of work of their parents. We wanted to find out what they would invent themselves. On 8 November, children got to know the IPI and take a look into the world of trade marks, patents and designs as part of Switzerland’s National Future Day. Following the welcome at 8.30am,...

The IPI has now been providing patent and trade mark searches for more than thirty years. But in November 2003, following a steady growth in demand for professionally prepared bases for decisions on trade marks and patents, the IPI decided to give its services its own name and platform in the form of “ip-search”. ip-search stands not only for premium quality patent and trade mark searches, but...

The Institute Council of the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) has appointed Jürgen Horwath and Iwan Guler as new members of the IPI Executive Board. Mr Guler, whose appointment comes into effect in April 2019, follows in the footsteps of Ueli Buri, who has been selected as the new Data Protection Commissioner of the Canton of Bern. Jürgen Horwath will become an executive...

The exhibition at the Swiss Customs Museum on counterfeiting and piracy has been a great success. As a result, it is to be extended for a further year in 2019. The Swiss Customs Museum in Cantine di Gandria in Ticino is closing its doors until next April for the winter season. But in doing so, it has also taken stock of the most recent season: according to the Federal Customs Administration,...

In response to the Federal Supreme Court decision 4A_576/2017 of 11 June 2018, the IPI is changing the practice for granting supplementary protection certificates (SPCs).It is no longer essential that the product to be protected falls within the scope of protection of the basic patent (as in Federal Supreme Court decision 124 III 375 “Fosinopril”); instead, it is essential that the product is...

Even a door lock or a radiator can look chic: the jury of the DesignEuropa Awards announced the eight finalists for the award ceremony in November. The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) will host the DesignEuropa Awards 2018 on 27 November in Warsaw. Its jury has now presented four finalists for each of the two categories. “Industry Award” Category ·         Modular...

In our new newsletter we will inform you several times a year about the latest news and provide valuable information from the fields of patents and designs.A topic of focus will be the gradual introduction of the electronic IP rights administration system. With the introduction of electronic administration, the IPI has modernised its internal processes, which in future will open up new...

A partial revision to the Patents Act and its implementing provisions will come into force together with an ordinary revision of the Therapeutic Products Act on 1 January 2019. This was decided by the Federal Council at its meeting on 21 September 2018 (Media release of 21 September 2018 in German/French/Italian).The partial revision introduces the following improvements for medical personnel,...

An information event will take place at the IPI on 16 October 2018 on the changes to patent law that will come into force on 1 January 2019. The IPI will present the new procedures for the ‘paediatric extension’, while Swissmedic representatives and the pharmaceutical industry will highlight other aspects that should be considered in practice. There will also be the possibility to discuss together...

In the Global Innovation Index 2018, Switzerland’s performance is outstanding. Our country ranks first in global and European rankings. Good ideas therefore pay off. “Who invented it?” Switzerland enjoys an excellent international reputation when it comes to innovations, and this is reflected once more in figures. In a comparison between 126 countries, Switzerland has defended its top position...

On 1 July 2018, the operative phase of a joint pilot project of the five largest patent offices of the world (IP5) to test a collaboration on search and examination work of PCT applications (Collaborative Search and Examination, CS&E) began. This CS&E concept involves processing the same PCT application by an examiner from the patent office responsible under the PCT together with examination...

sic! – the journal for intellectual property, information and fair competition law has been published since 1997 and is an indispensable journal for the professional community. It is financed by the IPI and the Swiss International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI Switzerland) as well as 14 other professional organisations. Its content is the responsibility of an...

Since 1 January 2017, the IPI has been actively combating misuse of “Swissness” in Switzerland and abroad. The cooperation of the business community and the authorities is making an impact, with the IPI successfully intervening in 287 cases in 2017 at home and abroad. A review of the enforcement of «Swissness» in 2017Overview of the enforcement of “Swissness” by the IPI

On 7 June in Paris, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the EPA announced the Winners of the European Inventor Award 2018. The Swiss physicist Prof. Ursula Keller received the prize for her invention of the ultra-fast laser pulses.

From 13 to 15 June 2018, the 40th PATINFO will take place in Ilmenau, Germany. Under this year’s theme “IP Search – Impact on Competition”, service providers, patent attorneys, and industry and patent office representatives will discuss the latest developments and trends at the largest German-speaking patent information conference. The IPI will again be present this year with an exhibition stand...

Georgia and Switzerland have today signed a bilateral agreement on the mutual protection of their geographical indications and the indication of source Switzerland. The agreement protects well-known Swiss indications and thus contributes to the preservation of the reputation of Swiss quality products over the long term. “Geographical indications and indications of source are an important marketing...

The association YOUNG ENTREPRISES SWITZERLAND (YES), which is co-sponsored by the IPI, connects schools with the Swiss economy. At the annual national competition, school teams set up their own mini-company. There are awards for various aspects, which the teams can choose as the focus of their work. The IPI bestows the IP Management Award to the start-up that deals most convincingly with the topic...

Our newsletter (available in German and French) provides up-to-date information from the IPI's trade mark division,  in particular  on developments in trade mark practice. You can read the current edition here: Newsletter 2018/05 in GermanNewsletter 2018/05 in French Would you like to subscribe free of charge to this or other newsletters? Then register here to keep up to date.  

The success of the Swiss biotech industry continues. In 2017, the success of recent years could be consolidated and even somewhat surpassed, as the latest statistics in the Swiss Biotech Report show. The report features the most important drivers of innovation and summarises issues and facts about the development of the Swiss biotech industry. The Swiss Biotech Report is compiled annually by a...

Have you developed an exceptional technology-based innovation? If so, you have the chance to win the coveted Swiss Technology Award 2018. You can apply up until 24 August 2018. The award ceremony will take place approximately in November at the Swiss Innovation Forum (SIF) in Basel. You can find more information on the SIF website. The IPI is the main partner of the Swiss Innovation Forum and...

Our newsletter (available in German and French) provides up-to-date information from the IPI's trade mark division,  in particular  on developments in trade mark practice. You can read the current edition here: Newsletter 2018/04 in GermanNewsletter 2018/04 in French Would you like to subscribe free of charge to this or other newsletters? Then register here to keep up to date.  

Do you have a brilliant idea? Protect it so that you can share it with the world. That is the message of the European video campaign that we want to share with you on World Intellectual Property Day. You can find further information on all matters concerning the protection of intellectual property in our SME-Portal.

The European Inventor Award 2018 honours ingenious inventors from a wide range of fields from all over the world. This year, Swiss scientist and professor Ursula Keller is among the finalists. She has been nominated for her ultrafast pulsed lasers invention. Vote for your favourite inventors to participate in a prize draw organised by the EPO.

On 11 April 2018, the Federal Council elected Peter Walser, with effect from 1 May 2018, and Luc Amgwerd, with effect from 1 July 2018, as new members of the Institute Council of the IPI. Peter Walser is a Swiss and European patent attorney, and has been a partner in a Zurich patent attorney firm for many years. He succeeds Vincenzo Pedrazzini who resigned from the Institute Council at the end...

Each year, the International Exhibition of Inventions brings together on average more than 700 exhibitors from 40 countries, with companies, inventors, organisations, as well as private and state institutes exhibiting their inventions. This year, the IPI will again be participating with a stand, so why not stop by and see us? If you take part in our competition by answering a few questions on...

The European Patent Office (EPO) has published the statistics for patent applications originating from Switzerland in its Annual Report 2017. For the second time, three higher education institutions (EPFL, ETH and the University of Zurich) were among the top 20 Swiss applicants. The company Roche, however, remains the most active patent applicant. The canton of Vaud is again the canton with the...

You are invited to attend our info event on 11 April 2018 at Hotel St. Gotthard in Zurich, where we will share information on the variety of ways in which strategic patent analyses can be used in the daily management of patents.This event, which will be held in German, is aimed at patent attorneys from industry and private practice as well as any other interested persons. You can find further...

After the huge success of the first edition in 2016, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) is organising a second edition of the DesignEuropa Awards. Applications are open to individuals and companies that have brought an outstanding design product onto the market with the aid of a registered Community design - an IP right that is registered with the EUIPO and is valid...

Our newsletter (available in German and French) provides up-to-date information from the IPI's trade mark division,  in particular  on developments in trade mark practice. You can read the current edition here: Newsletter 2018/02-03 in GermanNewsletter 2018/02-03 in French Would you like to subscribe free of charge to this or other newsletters? Then register here to keep up to date.  

On 1 February 2018, we at the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property held discussions on innovation, availability and affordability of medical products with a variety of selected stakeholders. The panelists had discussions on how innovation can address various types of diseases and on what is needed to make sure, innovation will not only be available but also affordable for patients. For...

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Our newsletter (available in German and French) provides up-to-date information from the IPI's trade mark division,  in particular  on developments in trade mark practice. You can read the current edition here: Newsletter 2018/01 in GermanNewsletter 2018/01 in French Would you like to subscribe free of charge to this or other newsletters? Then register here to keep up to date.  

In an age of rapidly growing populations, how can urban areas be sustainably developed? At the 7th International Swiss Talent Forum (ISTF) from 17 – 20 February 2018 in Thun, 70 talented youths from across Europe will search for solutions to the challenges of the urban areas of the future.  As a sponsor of the forum, which is organised by Swiss Youth in Science, the IPI pitches one of the...

Find out what has been making news in the IPI during the 2016/2017 business year. The latest annual report provides an overview of activities at the IPI, and shows why the credibility of intellectual property is a cornerstone of our prosperity. The photographs illustrate basic aspects of the practice of trade mark protection. We hope you enjoy reading it!

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Due to the high number of Swiss applications for the registration of trade marks, the time limit for the initial examination is usually increased to four months from the date of the payment of the filing fee and any class surcharges. Within this time limit, we will either confirm that your trade mark is to be accepted for registration in the trade mark register or inform you of any deficiencies...

From 1 January 2018, the new IPI directive for the supervision of the collective rights management organisations comes into force. It sets out guidelines for the IPI as supervisory authority when reviewing the management of the collective rights management organisations. The new directive will apply as of the reporting for the business year 2018.  The goal of the modernisation was to bring the...

The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) will be featured at the IP Service World 2017. The conference will take place on 27 and 28 November in Munich. The patent expert, Dr. David Rees, will give a talk on strategic patent analysis.

As of 20 November 2017, national designs entered in the Swiss design register are also available in Designview. This multilingual and user-friendly search tool is provided by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). It offers access to the registered designs of all participating national offices – generally patent and trade mark offices – as well as the interregional offices EUIPO,...

On 16 November, the IPI will be featured again as the main partner at the Swiss Innovation Forum (SIF) in the Congress Center Basel. Our IP experts at the IPI stand will answer questions regarding trade marks, patents and design.

Pat-INFORMED is the name of the most recent initiative which WIPO launched on 3 October 2017 in Geneva at the WIPO annual general meeting in cooperation with the research-based pharmaceutical industry.According to the Media Release from the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) the Pat-INFORMED database will be made publicly available mid-2018. The aim of...

On 1 January 2018, the Monitoring Office for Technological Measures (OTM) will be transferred to the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI). The Federal Council adapted the Copyright Ordinance accordingly at its meeting of 29 September 2017. Media release in German, French, Italian (pdf)

From December 2017, the IPI will classify Swiss patent documents (i.e. patent applications and patent specifications) according to the Cooperative Patent Classification System (CPC) in addition to the Classification according to the International Patent Classification (IPC). The first documents will be published on 15 December.The CPC is the joint classification system of the European Patent...

The IPI will again present itself this year as a main partner at the Swiss Innovation Forum (SIF) from 16 November 2017 in Basel. The SIF provides a national platform for the promotion of innovation, creativity and design in Switzerland. Also taking place at this event will be the Swiss Technology Award and the MassChallenge Ceremony. You can find more information about the programme and both...

Nominations for the European Inventor Award 2018 are now open. The Award recognises outstanding inventors from around the world, from all technical fields and backgrounds. People from industry, research institutes, IP associations and universities, as well as the general public, are all welcome to make a suggestion. You can even nominate yourself if you want!

Nominations for the European Inventor Award 2018 are now open. The Award recognises outstanding inventors from around the world, from all technical fields and backgrounds. People from industry, research institutes, IP associations and universities, as well as the general public, are all welcome to make a suggestion. You can even nominate yourself if you want!

A presentation on «Patenting procedures relating to the pharmaceutical field» will be held at the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) on 7 September 2017. Patent examiners from the European Patent Office and the IPI will be on hand along with a judge from the Federal Patent Court, a patent attorney from a solicitor’s office, and a patent attorney from a large corporation to...

The research and development of medicinal products specifically for children should be fostered. In order to achieve this, the Patents Act has been revised within the scope of the revision to the Therapeutic Products Act. Pharmaceutical companies that carry out paediatric studies can be granted a six-month extension to a supplementary protection certificate that has already been granted or granted...

If you want to submit an application for the grant of a patent under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and designate the IPI as the Receiving Office, you no longer have to send your application on paper or by fax. You can now also submit your application online via the ePCT portal of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This system makes submitting international applications...

We have tidied and spruced up our website to make it easier to navigate and to present our diverse content more clearly. As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions about our online presence:  web_content@ipi.ch.

The Swiss Biotech Report 2017 has just been published. It illuminates the most important drivers of innovation and summarises issues and facts about the development of the Swiss biotech industry. Compiled by a group of representatives from public institutions – including the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property – and current enterprises, it appears annually. Press release (pdf, 124 KB)

Everyone knows about fake handbags at the beach and replica brand-name sunglasses on the internet. But who is behind such goods? Who gains and who loses by them? And who puts themselves at risk? The STOP PIRACY Association has opened the second season of the special exhibition on counterfeiting and piracy called, “Beguiling Appearance – Murky Shadows?” at the Swiss Customs Museum in Cantine di...

On 24 May 2017, the Bern School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (HAFL) is dedicating a symposium to the topic of 3D food printing. Sibilla Delorenzi, a patent expert at the IPI, will be holding a talk at the event on how a patent landscape analysis can help identify market developments and stakeholders.

The copyright working group AGUR12 II concluded its work on 2 March 2017 and reached a compromise on various issues. The Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) will take into consideration the results of the AGUR12 II on the revision of the Copyright Act and submit a proposal on how to proceed to the Federal Council by July 2017. Media release (pdf)Glossary (pdf)Chronology

The TRIPS Agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO) was revised on 23 January 2017. The revision of the agreement provides poorer WTO members with access to generic drugs. This change is in particular important for those countries that do not have their own pharmaceutical industry. This is the first revision of a WTO agreement since the organisation was created in 1995. Switzerland had...

On 16 January 2017, Switzerland and China signed a declaration of continued cooperation between the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property and the Chinese State Intellectual Property Organization in Bern.A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has existed between the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) and the Chinese State Intellectual Property Organization (SIPO) since...

Microorganisms can now be deposited for the purposes of a patent procedure at the Culture Collection of Switzerland (CCOS), which is headquartered in Waedenswil (Notification of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) of 16 January 2017).Other depositary institutions recognised by the IPI: International depositary institutions under the Budapest Treaty.

Patenting practice in the field of watch technology has its own challenges. A half-day public event jointly organized by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) will allow gaining some insight into these challenges.The event will take place at the IPI on 15 September 2016. Patent examiners from both offices, Tobias Bremi from the Swiss...

Patenting practice in the field of watch technology has its own challenges. A half-day public event jointly organized by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) will allow gaining some insight into these challenges.The event will take place at the IPI on 15 September 2016. Patent examiners from both offices, Tobias Bremi from the Swiss...

The globalisation of law is not leaving copyright untouched. The traditional author-centred approach is increasingly being replaced by considerations that look at society as a whole, as in how Anglo-American copyright is, at least, theoretically based. Read more and registration DateWednesday, 30 November 2016 at 18:15 (lasts approx. 75 minutes)(From ca. 19:30, there will be some light...

On 2 December 2016, the Federal Council acknowledged the results of the consultation on the partial revision of the Copyright Act (CopA). The report on the results shows that modernising copyright law is generally welcomed although views on the course to take diverge widely. The Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) is therefore currently carrying out a review and will submit a proposal...

On 2 December 2016, the Federal Council adopted amendments to the Trade Mark Ordinance, the Design Ordinance and the Patent Ordinance. These amendments harmonise procedures before the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) to the extent permitted by applicable law. This is to simplify the system. The Federal Council has, at the same time, approved the formal total revision of...

The Federal Council approved the "Swiss Made" Ordinance for Cosmetics at its meeting on 23 November 2016. This strengthens the good reputation of the “Swiss Made” brand for cosmetics as well as Switzerland as a location for research and production. The ordinance enters into force on 1 January 2017. More information. Media release in German / French / Italian

The European Patent Office (EPO) introduced a new practice for opposition procedures on 1 July 2016 with the aim of shortening such proceedings. It has optimised its internal workflows so that the total time needed for a decision in straightforward cases is reduced to 15 months, calculated as from expiry of the opposition period. This new practice continues to respect the general principles...

On 7 July 2016, a one-day conference is taking place at the headquarters of the European Patent Office on the current status of the European patent with unitary effect (also known as the unitary patent or UP) and the Unified Patent Court (UPC). At the conference, you can find out about the preparatory work already completed, the ongoing ratification in the member states and the implications for...

The introduction of a resale right would allow visual artists to receive a share of the proceeds from the resale of their works through art dealers. The Federal Council today adopted a report on this subject, which fulfils a postulate from Council of States member Luginbühl. The report presents various possibilities for the resale right and analyses the economic impact of its introduction. Media...

Patent landscape analyses give an insight into new fields of technology. They help to identify research priorities and patenting activities in a field of technology, making them a useful tool for research managers, forward-thinking entrepreneurs, investors and even policy makers.At the IP Service World 2015, Dr. Jochen Spuck, ip-search’s Head of Product Development, explains how patent landscape...

A patent landscape analysis helps to take fundamental strategic decisions by analysing patenting activities and highlighting key areas of development. They are therefore a useful tool for development managers, entrepreneurs, investors as well as for policy makers and promoters of innovation.The WIPO has published guidelines on creating and using patent landscapes with the aim of setting a quality...

ip search is inviting its customers to an exchange of ideas in the Zentrum Paul Klee.We have recently revised the structure and functionality or our search reports, and would like to take this opportunity to show you how you can efficiently use our reports to analyse your freedom to operate.This event is taking place on the morning of 18 November 2015. After lunch, there will also be the...

When Gyro Gearloose has a problem, he puzzles and tinkers until a functional technical masterpiece is standing in his workshop. Afterwards, the neighbours are amazed at its practical benefits.The starting point of any innovation is the vision. However, is it worth blindly realising an idea for a product without looking beyond the workbench or the lab? Developing a product right up until it is...

Medical cluster is a business network of the Swiss medical technology sector. Their Annual Conference 2015 focuses on combining therapeutic and diagnostic procedures adapted to the individual patient. Regulatory aspects concerning new combinations of active ingredients, personalised medicine and e-Health form the key topics.The Institute of Intellectual Property will be represented at the...

From 10 to 12 November 2015, the European Patent Organisation (EPO) will be hosting the annual Patent Information Conference in Copenhagen. In plenary sessions and seminars, strategies and tools for the effective and profitable use of patent information will be introduced and discussed: How can information be linked meaningfully? How can quality be created and recognised in patent searches? ...

IP managers, decision-makers and investors will be gathering at the London IP Summit to share information and ideas on innovation, management, IP monetisation and IP strategies. Here, you can find out the latest trends regarding the importance of patents and trade marks for innovative product development and the strategic alignment of your company in the market. Investments are only made in...

More than 200,000 international registrations are filed every year under the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty). This makes the PCT a unique instrument for protecting innovation. The PCT also generates more than three-quarters of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)'s income, making it of great significance not only for users but for the WIPO member states as well. Even though the PCT...

The Federal Council carried out Parliament's mandate on Wednesday and approved the implementing ordinances for the 'Swissness' legislative amendment. In doing so, the Federal Council has fully utilised the legal framework available. It has taken into consideration the legitimate concerns of the industries concerned as well as all substantive recommendations made by the parliamentary committees...

Product Piracy is a global problem and concerns every industrial sector. Today especially small and medium sized enterprises that have earned their place on the market by being especially innovative and creative are affected by it. On 3 September 2015 STOP PIRACY and the  Pôle de propriété intellectuelle et de l’innovation [PI]² of the University of Neuchâtel are conducting  a congress on “Best...

The IPI is supporting the Swiss Innovation Forum (SIF) as a main partner. The Swiss Innovation Forum is a national initiative for the targeted promotion of innovation, creativity and design, initiated and supported by the the Swiss Economic Forum. The training and networking platform is aimed at innovative entrepreneurs as well as key decision makers from industry, science, research, education and...

The Federal Council appointed Catherine Chammartin as the new Director General of the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) on Wednesday. She will take up her post on 1 November 2015. Medienmitteilung (pdf, 18 KB)Communiqué de presse (pdf, 124 KB)Comunicato stampa (pdf, 124 KB)

Even though the Swiss patent system has stood the test of time over the years, it is worthwhile reviewing from time to time to ensure that it still meets the requirements of a rapidly changing framework. Two economic consulting companies therefore addressed this issue under the mandate of the IPI, and have made recommendations accordingly."The potential for optimising the Swiss national patent...

The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) is financing the participation of indigenous peoples at a seminar of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The seminar aims to serve as a platform for the direct transfer of information and knowledge on the subjects of intellectual property, genetic resources, traditional knowledge and folklore, with participation aiming to...

Companies are frequently confronted with a variety of problems. By the time an SME thinks about protecting its intellectual property, however, it’s often too late. Felix Addor, deputy director general of the IPI, takes a stand on this issue in an interview published on the federal administration's SME portal.The IPI’s platform ,Envisioned. Created. Protected., provides relevant information to...

Companies are frequently confronted with a variety of problems. By the time an SME thinks about protecting its intellectual property, however, it’s often too late. Felix Addor, deputy director general of the IPI, takes a stand on this issue in an interview published on the federal administration's SME portal.The IPI’s platform ,Envisioned. Created. Protected., provides relevant information to...

Medical Cluster, a network of Swiss medical technology sector professionals, is organising Swiss Medtech Day at the Kursaal Bern on 17 June 2015. Plenary sessions and workshops will be dedicated not only to the importance of cooperating with global players from the perspective of an SME-heavy Swiss medical technology sector, but also to fostering creativity to create innovation.The Institute of...

Medical Cluster, a network of Swiss medical technology sector professionals, is organising Swiss Medtech Day at the Kursaal Bern on 17 June 2015. Plenary sessions and workshops will be dedicated not only to the importance of cooperating with global players from the perspective of an SME-heavy Swiss medical technology sector, but also to fostering creativity to create innovation.The Institute of...

The Institute of Intellectual Property is planning to substantially revise the www.ipi.ch and www.ip-search.ch websites. The aim is to present our information and services tailored to customers’ needs in a more up-to-date way. •    What bothers you as a user of our websites?•    Which website sections would you definitely not miss?•    Who has a better website solution in your opinion?Your opinion...

ip-search will be at this year’s PATINFO 2015 in Ilmenau (Thüringen) to present itself as a competent search service provider that listens to individual customer needs. Taking place from 10 to 12 June, the theme of this year's event is dedicated to the topic: "IP: cooperation, competition, confrontation”. As an experienced service provider, we know that reliable patent information is the...

Even though the Swiss patent system has stood the test of time over the years, it is worthwhile reviewing from time to time to ensure that it still meets the requirements of a rapidly changing framework. Two economic consulting companies therefore addressed this issue under the mandate of the IPI, and have made recommendations accordingly. Further information.

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Geneva: Signing the final Act at an official ceremony on 21 May 2015, delegates concluded the diplomatic conference and 10 days of intense negotiations to revise the Lisbon Agreement which provides for the protection and international registration of appellations of origin. In honour of the venue of the diplomatic conference, the now revised version...

From 1 July 2015, it will no longer be possible to file PCT applications in PCT-EASY mode.All PCT applications submitted on paper together with a copy in electronic form on or after 1 July 2015 will be treated as a PCT application in paper format. The fee reduction (CHF 100.00) will no longer apply for such applications. The IPI therefore draws attention to the possibility of filing online via...

From 1 July 2015, it will no longer be possible to file PCT applications in PCT-EASY mode.All PCT applications submitted on paper together with a copy in electronic form on or after 1 July 2015 will be treated as a PCT application in paper format. The fee reduction (CHF 100.00) will no longer apply for such applications. The IPI therefore draws attention to the possibility of filing online via...

Anyone whose products stand out from the ordinary and everyday has always been a target of plagiarists and illegitimate users. Counterfeiters try to copy the characteristics, materials or look of an original or legally-protected product in order to benefit from the reputation of the genuine article, which is based on a trade mark, an indication of source (such as 'Swiss Made'), a design or a...

Every year, the European Patent Office honours outstanding inventors. The public award ceremony of the European Inventor Award 2015 will take place on 11 June in Paris. The finalists of this year's qualifying round have been chosen. For each of the five inventor awards in the categories of industry, SME, research, non-European entry and lifetime achievement, three finalists are portrayed. Andreas...

Every year, the European Patent Office honours outstanding inventors. The public award ceremony of the European Inventor Award 2015 will take place on 11 June in Paris. The finalists of this year's qualifying round have been chosen. For each of the five inventor awards in the categories of industry, SME, research, non-European entry and lifetime achievement, three finalists are portrayed. Andreas...

The Swiss Biotech Report 2015 has just been published. It illuminates the most important drivers of innovation and summarises issues and facts about the development of the Swiss biotech industry. Compiled by a group of representatives from public institutions – including the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property – and current enterprises, it appears annually.More information about...

The theme of this year's biotechnology conference of the Patent Information User Group (PIUG), an international network for patent information specialists, is maximising value in biotechnology searching using the newest technologies and trends. In his presentation at the conference, Prof. Heinz Müller, a patent expert at the IPI, will delve into the opportunities and risks in creating and...