16 July 2026
Register a Trademark in Switzerland
Find here details about the trademark registration procedure in Switzerland. For information about intellectual property laws, contact our Swiss lawyers.
Here is a guide on trademark registration in Switzerland for 2026. If you are interested in the enhanced protection of your rights, our law firm in Switzerland can assist with the registration of a trademark.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Applicable law | Trade Mark Protection Act |
Types of trademarks | Generic, individual, collective trademarks, 3-D trademarks, names, logos, etc. |
Special registration for foreigners (YES/NO) | NO, foreigners do not need to meet special requirements to register trademarks in Switzerland, but applicants without a Swiss domicile must provide an address for service in Switzerland |
| Possibility to register domain name as a trademark (YES/NO) | YES, e-commerce and other online companies can file for trademark registration in Switzerland |
| Online registration possibility (YES/NO) | YES, applications can be filed online |
| Trademark examination duration (approx.) | The maximum period for examination is 6 months |
| Special requirements to register a trademark in Switzerland | The application can be filed in French, German, or Italian |
| Trademark registration timeframe (approx.) | It usually takes about 4 to 6 months to register a trademark in Switzerland if no objections arise |
| Validity of registered trademark | A trademark has a validity period of 10 years |
| Renewal requirements | The renewal application can be filed within the 12 months before expiry and at the latest 6 months after expiry (with a surcharge). Renewal will be valid for another 10 years |
| International recognition of Swiss trademark (YES/NO) | Not automatically, but a Swiss trademark can be extended to other countries through the Madrid System |
| Fast-track registration procedure available (YES/NO) | YES, it is possible to register a trademark through a fast-track procedure against a fee |
| Trademark registration services availability (YES/NO) | YES, our law firm in Switzerland offers trademark registration services |
| Other IP-rights services availability (YES/NO) | Our Swiss lawyers offer support in filing trademark oppositions, renewing trademarks, assistance in IP-related litigation cases |
Who can register a trademark in Switzerland?
Swiss trademark registration is available for natural persons and companies, no matter their nationalities or countries of incorporation.
How are trademarks categorized in Switzerland?
Swiss trademarks can be divided into three categories:
- individual trademarks;
- collective trademarks;
- guarantee trademarks.
What types of trademarks can I register in Switzerland?
The following:
- figurative marks, such as logos or symbols;
- words and numbers, as well as combinations of them;
- combined marks, which consist of mixes of words and figurative elements;
- 3D marks, such as shapes;
- color marks;
- sound marks.
Our lawyers can offer more information on trademark registration in Switzerland. We also have an infographic on this topic:
What are the steps to register a trademark in Switzerland?
- documents preparation and filing;
- trademark verification and publication;
- examination;
- approval.
Is trademark verification recommended before filing the application?
Yes, it is recommended to have a trademark verified before submitting the application file. Our Swiss lawyers can perform this verification.
What are the documents to file for trademark registration in Switzerland?
The following:
- the standard application form;
- details of the applicant;
- a graphic representation of the mark;
- a list of goods/services the mark will represent;
- the receipt of the payment fee.
NOTE: The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property also accepts priority claims, in which the priority document must also be submitted upon registration.
What is the trademark registration procedure for a foreigner in Switzerland?
Foreign citizens and companies can file for trademark registration in Switzerland without too much hassle. The application can be filed in one of the three official languages in Switzerland – German, Italian or French – and without the need to come here. Even if they are no longer required to appoint a local agent, they can use the services of our law firm in Switzerland, which can offer assistance and updates during the entire procedure.
Is trademark registration representation available in Switzerland?
Yes. Clients can rely on one of our lawyers in Switzerland for representation. We will draft and include the power of attorney in the application file, as required by law.
Is it possible to register a Swiss trademark at EU level?
Yes, it is possible to obtain protection of a Swiss trademark at EU level, through the Madrid System by designating the European Union, as both Switzerland and the EU are members of the Madrid Protocol.
The video below also shows the registration process:
How long does it take to register a trademark in Switzerland in 2026?
4 to 6 months, provided there is no opposition filed.
If the first trademark registration application was refused, how long do I have to file a new application?
On the grounds of provisional refusal, a new application for trademark registration must be filed within 5 months.
What is the validity of a Swiss trademark, and can it be renewed?
The validity of a Swiss trademark is 10 years, and renewal is available for 10 years on an indefinite period.
Can a Swiss trademark be cancelled?
Yes, if you do not use a trademark in the first 5 years after issuance, it can be cancelled.
For other information about intellectual property legislation, you can contact our law firm in Switzerland.