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Swiss Patent Costs & Timeline

Introduction

Understanding the costs and estimated duration of the Swiss patent application process is essential for planning your intellectual property strategy. Switzerland offers a relatively fast and cost-effective system compared to many other European jurisdictions. Below is a clear breakdown of all fees and a typical timeline for obtaining a Swiss patent.

💰 Swiss Patent Costs

The following are the standard fees charged by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI). Actual costs may vary depending on complexity and whether professional drafting services are used.

1) Filing Fees

  • Patent filing fee: approx. CHF 2000
  • Additional fees for claims (if exceeding allowed number): variable

This fee covers the initial submission and official filing date.

2) Publication Fees

  • Publication fee for the application: approx. CHF 1000-5000

The application becomes publicly available in the Swissreg database.

3) Search Report (Optional but Recommended)

Switzerland offers an optional search report:

  • Search fee: approx. CHF 500–900

Although not mandatory, this report helps evaluate novelty and inventive step before expanding protection internationally.

4) Annual Renewal Fees

To keep a Swiss patent active for up to 1 years, annual fees must be paid starting from the 4th year after filing.

Typical yearly fees:

  • Year 4: ~CHF 1000
  • Increases gradually each year
  • Year 20: can reach ~CHF 6000–7000

The progressive increase encourages applicants to maintain only commercially valuable patents.

5) Professional Attorney or Drafting Fees (If Applicable)

These costs vary depending on the complexity of the invention:

  • Drafting of description + claims: CHF 2,000–5,000
  • Prosecution and communication with IPI: variable
  • Translations (if needed): additional cost

Using a patent attorney is highly recommended for stronger protection.

⏳ Swiss Patent Timeline

Below is the typical duration of the entire process, assuming no major objections or delays.

1) Filing the Application

Time: Immediate
Once submitted, the filing date is established.

2) Formal Examination

Duration: 2–6 months
IPI checks:

  • Required documents
  • Structure and format
  • Claims consistency
  • Compliance with procedural rules

If corrections are required, the applicant must respond within the allowed time.

3) Publication in Swissreg

Time: Approximately 18 months after filing
The application becomes publicly accessible.

4) Granting of the Patent

Duration: 1-2 years after filing (typical)
Since Switzerland does not conduct substantive examination:

  • The process is generally faster than in many countries
  • Grant occurs after formal checks, responses, and publication stages

Exact timing can vary depending on communication with IPI.

🛫 Optional Extensions to Europe or Internationally

You may extend the Swiss application to:

  • EPO (European Patent Office)
  • PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty)

These routes have their own timelines and fees.

⭐ Summary of Costs & Timeline

Costs:
✔ Filing: ~CHF 2000
✔ Publication: ~CHF 1000-5000
✔ Optional search report: ~CHF 500–900
✔ Annual renewals (years 1-2)
✔ Attorney fees: depend on complexity

Timeline:
✔ Filing → Immediate
✔ Formal Examination → 2–6 months
✔ Publication → ~18 months
✔ Grant → typically 1-2 years