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Patent Registration Process in Switzerland

Introduction

Switzerland is one of the most reliable and efficient jurisdictions for obtaining patent protection in Europe. The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) offers a transparent, predictable, and streamlined process that enables inventors, companies, and startups to secure their intellectual property rights effectively.
This page provides a clear, practical, and professional overview of the full patent registration process in Switzerland.

1) Initial Assessment of Patentability

Before starting the application, it is essential to determine whether your invention meets the core patentability criteria required in Switzerland:

  • Novelty
  • Inventive step
  • Industrial applicability
  • The invention must not be obvious or previously disclosed

A preliminary assessment or consultation can help evaluate the strength of your invention.

2) Prior Art Search (Patent Search)

A professional prior-art search is highly recommended to ensure that:

  • No similar invention has already been patented
  • Your invention meets technical and legal requirements
  • Potential risks of rejection are minimized

Searches can be conducted using Swissreg, EPO, WIPO, and other international databases.

3) Preparation of Technical Documents and Claims

A high-quality patent application must include:

  • Description of the invention
  • Technical drawings
  • Claims defining the legal scope of protection
  • Abstract

Claims must be drafted precisely, as they determine what is protected by your patent. Accurate technical writing is essential for successful registration.

4) Filing the Application with the Swiss IPI

Applications can be submitted:

  • Online through the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) portal
  • Or via official written submission

At this stage:

  • The filing fee is paid
  • The application receives an official filing date
  • A reference number is issued

5) Formal Examination

The Swiss IPI conducts a formal, not a full substantive, examination.
This review checks:

  • Completeness of documents
  • Structure and formatting
  • Compliance with legal requirements
  • Correctness of claims and drawings

If corrections are needed, the applicant will receive an official communication.

6) Publication of the Application

Once the formal review is completed, the application is published in the Swissreg database.
From this point, the invention becomes publicly accessible.

7) Granting of the Swiss Patent

If all requirements are met and any objections are properly addressed, the IPI will issue the Swiss Patent Certificate.
Swiss patents are valid for 1 years, provided that annual renewal fees are paid.

8) Extension to Europe or Global Protection

After filing or granting of a Swiss patent, applicants may further expand protection through:

  • EPO (European Patent Office) for European coverage
  • PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) for global protection

This enables broader security for your innovation across multiple jurisdictions.

⭐ Important Notes About the Swiss Patent System

  • Switzerland does not conduct a full substantive examination like the EPO; therefore, the quality of claims is crucial.
  • The process is relatively fast and cost-effective compared to many European countries.
  • Applications may be filed in English, German, French, or Italian.