Master Swiss Design Patent Applications: The Fastest Way to Protect Your Innovative Designs!
Filing a Design Application in Switzerland
A Swiss design is defined as the design of a product or part thereof, characterized primarily by features of lines, contours, colors, shape, texture, or materials, including two-dimensional designs such as fabric patterns and bottle labels, as well as three-dimensional forms like watches, lamps, and chairs.
Required Documents:
- Design drawings (7 views)
- Priority documents and their certified copies in French/German/Italian or English (DAS unavailable)
- Ownership Declaration / Assignment
- Locarno International Classification Number
Authority:
- The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE/IPI)
CH Design Search:
- https://www.swissreg.ch/database-client/search/query/designs?tracking-content-element=46118-datenbank
Terms:
- CH Design can protect Initial period of 5 years, renewable every 5 years, up to a maximum of 25 years.
Due date:
- Paris Convention: 6 months from the earliest priority date.
Examination Process:
The IGE/IPI accepts multiple designs under the same Locarno class; Swiss designs must possess novelty and individual character. The IGE/IPI does not examine for novelty or individual character.
Filing fees must be paid within 2 months after receipt of the invoice from the IGE/IPI; the filing fee includes the fee for the first 5-year protection period.
Applicants may request deferred publication, up to a maximum of 30 months from the filing date or priority date. Deferred publication requests must be filed simultaneously with the new application.
Drawings or images must have neutral backgrounds, with depictions of the object providing sufficient contrast against the background; designs must be clearly discernible. No additional descriptions (text, measurements, etc.) are permitted.
- E-Filing: IGI/IPI accepts formats for drawings or images: .png; .tif; .eps; .psd; .jpg; .pcd; .bmp or .pdf
- Media: CD-ROM; DVD or USB
- Colors: Black and white or color
- Resolution: Reproducible, generally 300 dpi
Grant:
Upon successful completion of the design registration process, details of the design will be published on www.swissreg.ch, and the IGE/IPI will issue a certificate. Applicants may mark products with: “Modèle depose” or “Mod.dép.”
Grace Period for Novelty:
12 months prior to the filing date as grace period for novelty.
Grant and Annuity Fees:
No grant fee. Filing fee includes the first 5-year period annuity. Renewals every 5 years; first renewal fee due within 5 years from filing date. The IGE/IPI sends annuity reminders every 5 years to the proprietor.
Average grant time:
10 days