Fees associated with filing an industrial design application in Switzerland as well as other design fees are available in the fee calculator.
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Multiple design applications
It is possible to file multiple design application if the designs belong to the same Locarno class.
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Filing requirements of a design application in Switzerland
The official languages of the proceedings in Switzerland are German, French and Italian.
A design application in Switzerland should contain:
- applicant’s and designer’s details;
- representation of an industrial design;
- proof of payment of the prescribed fees.
If the priority is claimed, Priority Document should be submitted within 6 months from the first filing date. Priority document drawn up in English, German, Italian or French will not require any further translation.
Legalization or notarization is not required. Simply signed Power of Attorney should be submitted simultaneously with filing a design application.
The term for filing an industrial design application claiming priority in Switzerland is 6 months from the date of priority.
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Examination of a design application in Switzerland
The industrial design application in Switzerland undergoes formal examination only. Substantive examination is not stipulated.
The information about a design application does not disprove its novelty if such a disclosure is made within 12 months before filing the application to the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property under the following circumstances:
- a third party has disclosed the design in an abusive manner to the detriment of the entitled person;
- the person entitled has disclosed the design himself.
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Grant, validity term and design renewal fees
When the examination procedure is successfully completed, the IPI shall register a design in the Swiss register. After registration, the IPI shall publish a design online at www.swissreg.ch. The date of publication is the date of the grant. The official grant fee is not stipulated for design registration in Switzerland. The design registration in Switzerland is valid for 5 years from the date of registration. Protection can be renewed for another four terms of 5 years for a maximum period of 25 years upon payment of renewal fees. The design in Switzerland may be renewed within 12 months preceding the expiry of the period of protection, but not later than six months after its expiry by paying the extra official surcharge fee.
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Duration of registration procedure
The average processing time from filing to registration of an industrial design in Switzerland is 12 months in case of a smooth procedure.
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Representation by a patent attorney
Foreign applicants should appoint an agent, a registered Swiss design attorney to represent them before IPI.
Online Search Databases: Swiss Industrial Designs, International Designs.
The above information was verified on 20.03.2024
Please contact us if the above information is not in conformity with Swiss IP Laws.