Welcome to the second edition of the Swiss IP Navigator – your trusted quarterly companion in keeping up with the evolving world of Swiss Intellectual Property law.
In this issue, we dive into noteworthy developments and trends shaping the IP landscape. Highlighting Switzerland's innovative strength, we explore the record-breaking surge in EU patent applications from Switzerland that underscores the country's commitment to fostering technological progress. Additionally, we shed light on the upcoming Swiss copyright law revision, offering insights into its potential impact on businesses.
As always, we delve into recent key decisions from the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, Federal Supreme Court, and the Federal Administrative Court, unpacking their implications for IP practice.
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
Swiss EPO Patent Applications
Swiss patent filings at EPO reach record high in 2024, highlighting the country’s innovation strength. The number of patent applications from Switzerland to the European Patent Office (EPO) grew by 3.2% in 2024, reaching a record-breaking total of 9,966 applications (2023: 9,656).
Swiss Media to Gain Copyright Fees Federal Council adopts dispatch on amendment to Copyright Act; AI training remains unregulated amid ongoing debates. The proposed law aims to ensure compensation for the use of journalistic content ("snippets") by large online platforms.
No Likelihood of Confusion Between “one” and “ONe”? The Swiss Federal Administrative Court clarifies how to assess similarity of signs, descriptive word elements, and graphic differences in word/figurative marks – and why the trademark register alone is decisive. Read more
Sharp Images, Strong Marks: Court clarifies that primary reference should be made to the publication in the WIPO Gazette when assessing an international registrations. Read more
Federal Institut of Intellectual Property (IPI)
IPI sides with Instagram: Trademark confusion over 'WEDGRAM' highlights the power of a single shared element in brand disputes. Read more
Monster vs. Fruchtmonster: Likelihood of Confusion between Fruchtmonster and Monster due to similarity in meaning and dominant elements for mass consumer products with low attention levels. Read more
📢 Community News
Upcoming Events
August 29-30, 2025 INGRES: Tagung Ittinger Workshop zum Kennzeichenrecht Kartause Ittingen, Switzerland
September 12-13, 2025 INGRES: Zurich IP-Retreat 2025 Zurich, Switzerland
September 28-30, 2025 INTA: 2025 Trademark Administrators and Practitioners (TMAP) Meeting Berlin, Germany
September 5-6, 2025 Marques (VSP): Sommeranlass 2025 Switzerland
September 13-16, 2025 AIPPI: World Congress Yokohama, Japan
September 29-30, 2025 LESI: Pan-European Meeting The Hague, The Netherlands
