1. These Terms of Use govern the general legal framework between you and the IPI for the use of the 'Register changes', 'Application for international registration' and 'Current account debit order' online services.
    

2. In order to be able to use these online services, you must agree to these Terms of Use in advance. The IPI may unilaterally amend and supplement the Terms of Use at any time. The current version published on the IPI website is the valid version.
    

3. Requests for register changes, applications for international registration or current account debit orders submitted using these online services are legally binding. Submission via these online services is considered "another transmission method" within the meaning of Art. 9 para. 2 ECAPO and is listed as such on the website of the Federal Chancellery.
    

4. Your use of these submission channels, especially for the purpose of meeting time limits, is exclusively at your own risk. It is your sole responsibility to submit requests and applications in a timely manner so that any pending time limits can still be met even in the event of a planned or unplanned system interruption.
    

5. All data entered by you will only be transmitted to the IPI once you "submit" it. It can no longer be changed afterwards. Submissions that are incomplete or do not meet the technical processing requirements (e.g. file size or format) cannot be submitted. Attachments can only be uploaded as PDF files. Unless the law contains specific provisions, the IPI accepts PDF copies of official documents of evidence (e.g. PDF copies of contracts or powers of attorney signed by hand). In case of doubt, however, the IPI may request the originals of uploaded attachments.
    

6. After submitting a request for a register change, an application for international registration or a current account debit order, the IPI will send you confirmation of receipt indicating the date and time of submission. For requests and applications with a time limit, only the date and time indicated on the confirmation of receipt is relevant. This means that the date and time the request or application enters the IPI's computer system is the relevant time and date.
    

7. If you do not receive confirmation of receipt, this means that the IPI has not received your request or application. In this instance, submit your request or application via another permitted submission channel. In addition, it is your responsibility to save the confirmation of receipt in case you have to provide proof of submission. Submissions can be viewed online for up to 30 days after the relevant procedure has been concluded. Information on requests and applications available via these online services is not binding.
    

8. If there is a need for clarification regarding the documentation or requests and applications submitted, the IPI will contact you. In all cases, the IPI reserves the right, in justified cases (e.g. if there are doubts about the integrity or authenticity of a submission) to demand that a hard copy is submitted and, where necessary, with the evidence in its original form (e.g. power of attorney for representation).
    

9. You agree to use these online services with due care and to refrain from any action that could impair the functionality or security of the system or other infrastructure of the IPI. In particular, you are responsible for taking appropriate measures to protect your IT infrastructure from unauthorised access and misuse by third parties. The IPI is not responsible for any damage resulting from unauthorised access to your IT infrastructure.
    

10. The IPI exercises due care in setting up these online services. It accepts no liability for any data loss or corruption. It also does not guarantee that the data displayed is correct and up-to-date.
     

11. The online services are not subject to a service level agreement. The IPI reserves the right to interrupt, change, supplement or restrict the processes, structures or functionalities of these online services at any time. Availability is not guaranteed.
     

12. The IPI is not liable for damages resulting from improper use of these online services or use in breach of these Terms of Use. The IPI is also not liable for damages that are incurred by you as a result of transmission errors, technical defects, interruptions, malfunctions or incorrect data. The IPI shall only be liable in cases of gross negligence and intent.
     

13. The protection of your data is fully in accordance with the IPI's privacy policy, which is an integral part of these Terms of Use.
     

14. All disputes arising in connection with the 'Register changes', 'Application for international registration’ and 'Current account debit order' online services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts at the seat of the IPI in Bern. Swiss law shall apply.

June 2023 version