How do I develop a design strategy? At the Swiss Innovation Forum in Basel, the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) is holding a breakout session on this topic. Under the motto "Try", inspiring projects will be presented at the Swiss Innovation Forum (SIF) in Basel on 21 November.  In addition to keynotes, participants can take part in breakout sessions and...

Patent protection and IP strategies are only relevant for large companies that operate globally – or so think many leaders of SMEs and start-up. But think again! At the SEF4KMU networking lunch on 1 October 2019 in Etoy/VD, attorney-at-law and Lawyer of the Year 2019 Bernard Volken will show why even smaller companies should pay more attention to the topic of intellectual property. Would you...

On 19 September in Bern, the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) will host a roundtable on “Patenting procedures relating to computer-implemented inventions.” The free seminar will focus on the patentability of software in Europe. Computer programs are, as such, protected under copyright. However, thousands of patents are granted for...

The nomination period for the European Inventor Award 2020 is now open. Up until 30 September, participants can help determine who should receive the coveted award by nominating an inventor. Participation is not limited to inventors. Anyone working in business, research, intellectual property associations, universities and members of the general public can submit a nomination. You can find...

Switzerland has once again retained its spot at the top of the Global Innovation Index (GII). Sweden and the USA also made it onto the podium. Each year, the GII evaluates the innovation performance of countries. The rankings are based on 80 indicators such as investment in research and development, trade mark and patent protection and high-tech exports. The World Intellectual Property...

From 1 August, five changes will take effect in the field of patents in Switzerland. They concern, for example, the procedure for multiple changes to the register and for applications which are submitted too early. You can find details of the changes to practice in our newsletter (only available in German or French).

Exceptional inventors have been awarded with the European Inventor Award 2019 at a ceremony in Vienna. The winners, from Austria, France, Japan, the Netherlands and Spain, were honoured for their outstanding achievements in plastic recycling, cancer diagnostics, rechargeable battery technology, marine antifouling and DNA testing. “The imagination, intellect and expertise on display at this...

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) published its Status Report on IPR Infringement (in English) on 6 June 2019. The report summarises the findings of the research carried out in recent years by the EUIPO, through the European  Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights (Observatory), on the extent, scope and economic consequences of intellectual...

On 23 May, companies from all over Switzerland gathered at the SEF.Wachstum (meaning ‘growth’) event. The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) was present as a partner organisation with an exhibition stand. During the ‘SpeedDating4Growth’ part of the programme, experts from the IPI answered questions about protecting innovation. “Some attendees asked about current issues...

Bündnerfleisch, Formaggio d'alpe ticinese or the designation “Swiss” for watches – geographical indications offer an important competitive edge in the global market. This is why it should in future be possible for Swiss producers to obtain protection for such indications in all member states of the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement via a simple, cost-effective application procedure. The Federal...