Lower trademark protection fees

In this difficult period of inflation, when everything is going up, there is finally some good news: on 16 December 2022, the Federal Council approved a reduction in fees to protect trademarks.

From 1 July 2023, the fee for registering a trademark with the IPI (Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property) will fall to CHF 450 (from CHF 550). There will also be a reduction of CHF 100 for electronic filings. The filing extension fee will also be reduced from CHF 700 to CHF 550 from 1 July 2024.

Why is it important to protect your brand?

Brand protection is an important component of a company's marketing strategy. A brand is a precious asset that enables a company to differentiate its products and/or services.

As the owner of a trademark, you alone are authorised to use it, and you protect yourself against any misuse or deception. A trademark registration certificate is also tangible proof of ownership of an intangible right. In other words, it strengthens your rights and protects your reputation.

Brand protection: what needs to be protected?

There are several components to a trademark registration: a word or an image, or a combination of the two. Any graphic representation of a company's products or services that distinguishes them from the competition may be registered as a trademark.

However, this does not stop at graphic representation. In addition to graphic representations (image, logo), it is also possible to register a three-dimensional or sound trademark, represented by a short melody.

Before protecting your brand

Before registering your trademark, you should carry out a search to determine whether a similar trademark has already been registered. This will avoid any conflict with an existing registration. Searches can be carried out by you or by professionals.

In order to be protected, a trademark must not be a generic designation, a protected abbreviation or a coat of arms. Nor may it be descriptive, misleading or contrary to public policy.

We also recommend checking that the chosen trademark is available as a domain name and that it does not correspond to a trade name.

A trademark is protected in the classes of goods and services that you select (three classes are included with the fee). Defining these classes correctly is probably the most complex stage of the registration process. Don't hesitate to seek advice from experienced professionals.

Long-lasting, extendable protection

Once registered, your trademark will be protected for the next 10 years. Protection can be renewed at the end of each 10-year period.

It will also be relatively easy to use the trademark internationally in many countries, thanks to the Madrid Agreements.