Overview of design protection
What is protected?
Shapes and forms i.e. the exterior appearance of an object
How does it become protected?
Registration in the design register
Minimum requirements
- Novel
- Overall impression must clearly differentiate from existing shapes and forms
- Not against public order or public morality
No protection for
- Purely technical functions
- Ideas and concepts
- Anything that violates federal law (e.g. protection of coats of arms) and treaties
What exceptions are there?
None
Scope of protection
Defined by the illustration of the design
Period of protection
5 years (renewable thereafter 4 × 5 years)
Maximum of 25 years
Indications of protection
- mod. dep.
Application fee (CH)
CHF 200, including protection for five years and publication of one illustration
Renewal fee (CH)
CHF 200 for an additional five years of protection
Unique to Switzerland
- Publication can be deferred for up to 30 months
- Novelty not examined for
