Swiss IP Navigator April 2025

Swiss IP Navigator

Dear IP Community,

Welcome to the debut edition of the Swiss IP Navigator – your new quarterly guide to the dynamic world of Swiss Intellectual Property law.

In this launch edition, we explore a selection of key trademark decisions from the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI), the Federal Administrative Court, and the Federal Supreme Court. In addition, we feature an essential IP Introduction for Startups, an expert article on Open Source Software, and a curated roundup of upcoming IP events in Switzerland and internationally.

Set your course with Swiss IP Navigator and join us every quarter as we navigate the latest trends in Swiss IP law!

Read more on these pressing topics below. Should you have any questions or need tailored advice, the MME IP team is here to help protect and advance your creative and commercial endeavors.

💡 Spotlight

Open Source: Opportunity or Risk for Developers?

Why should software developers license their code under an open-source license? What are the benefits – and what should they watch out for? In the second part of our Open Source series, we dive into these questions.

Read more

Introduction to IP for Startups
This concise guide outlines essential insight to IP, from trademark registration to patent applications, tailored to safeguard your innovative ideas. Gain actionable insights into transforming your IP portfolio into a strategic asset for long-term success.

Read more

⚖️ Practice Pulse

Federal Supreme Court

In a dispute over the use of the ‘Edmond de Rothschild’ trademark, Switzerland’s Federal Supreme Court says that sponsoring cultural events as a bank isn’t enough to maintain exclusive brand rights for cultural and educational services. Read more
Federal Supreme Court delivers a major blow to the "Bimbo QSR" brand, declaring its name has a racist connotation. As language and cultural standards evolve, this decision reveals the growing influence of societal values on global trademarks. Read more

Federal Administrative Court

The Swiss national ice hockey team will no longer be allowed to use the Swiss coat of arms. In its decision from October 2024, the Federal Administrative Court confirmed the IPI's decision to prohibit the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation from using the Swiss coat of arms on their jerseys. The SIHF missed the deadline for an exceptional licence. Read more
Armani loses trademark dispute – eagle logo not recognised. The Federal Administrative Court denies the likelihood of confusion between the famous ‘Armani’ eagle logo and ‘PARUI’. Read more

Federal Institut of Intellectual Property (IPI)

IPI upholds the opposition of comparis.ch AG against EMG SA’s trademark "Comparea", finding a likelihood of confusion due to the strong visual and phonetic similarity between the marks and the identity or high similarity of the financial and insurance services claimed. Read more
IPI ruled in favour of Make-Up Art Cosmetics Inc., concluding that the mark "MAAKA" was likely to be confused with the well-known mark "MÄC" due to the high distinctiveness of the earlier mark and the overlap in the categories of cosmetic products. Read more