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Country guide · Updated October 2026

Trademark registration in Switzerland

Who registers trademarks in Switzerland, what it costs, how long it takes and what foreign owners need — with links to the official sources and IP firms that can file for you.

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Quick answer

Trademarks in Switzerland are registered with the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI / IGE); the official filing fee is CHF 450 for up to 3 classes, and third parties can oppose within 3 months from publication of the registration on Swissreg. A registration lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed. Switzerland can be designated through the Madrid System.

Checked against official sources on 11 October 2026 · see sources

Office
IPI / IGE
Official fee
CHF 450 / up to 3 classes
Madrid Protocol
Member since 1997
Opposition
3 months from publication of the registration o…
Protection
10 years from filing date
Multi-class filing
Allowed

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Official fees in Switzerland

Official feeAmount
Filing fee (covers up to 3 classes)CHF 450
E-discount for online filing
Listed by the IPI as a separate discount line		CHF 100
Class surcharge (per class from the 4th class)CHF 100
Expedited examination fee
Optional		CHF 400
Opposition feeCHF 800
Renewal fee (10 years)CHF 550
Late renewal surcharge (within 6-month post-deadline period)CHF 50

Official office fees only (schedule as of 2024-07). Official fee schedule. Professional fees of a local firm are extra — compare fixed-fee packages.

How to register a trademark in Switzerland

  1. Search Swissreg and other databases for earlier conflicting marks.
  2. File the application online through e-trademark (or by post or email), listing the goods and services; the IPI's classification tool helps match accepted terms.
  3. Pay the filing fee and any class surcharges; the application is published on Swissreg and a filing certificate is issued.
  4. The IPI examines formal and substantive (absolute) grounds and issues an objection if it finds deficiencies, which the applicant can remedy.
  5. If the mark passes examination, it is registered and the registration is published on Swissreg.
  6. Owners of earlier identical or similar marks may file an opposition within three months of publication of the registration.

Examination, publication and opposition

  • Examination: The IPI examines formal and substantive grounds. Straightforward applications are examined within six working days and others generally within 2 months of payment of the filing fee; expedited examination (CHF 400) guarantees a decision or objection within one month.
  • Publication: Swissreg (the IPI's online trademark register), where both applications and registrations are published
  • Opposition period: 3 months from publication of the registration on Swissreg (post-registration opposition)

Protection, renewal and use

  • Term: 10 years from the filing date, renewable.
  • Late renewal: 6 months after expiry, with a surcharge of CHF 50
  • Use requirement: a registration can be challenged after 5 years of non-use.
  • Rights system: first to file.

Madrid Protocol

Switzerland is a member of the Madrid System (in force since 1997). You can designate it in an international application filed through your home office, or file a national application directly. A local firm can advise which route is cheaper for your classes and timeline.

Trademark classes

Nice Classification; the basic filing fee covers up to three classes, with a surcharge from the fourth class. One application can cover several classes. Not sure which classes you need? See all 45 classes or classes by business type.

How Switzerland compares

Guides: registering in any country · costs by country · Madrid

Good to know in Switzerland

  • Switzerland is not part of the European Union, so an EU trade mark does not cover Switzerland; protection requires a Swiss national filing or a Madrid designation.
  • Opposition takes place after registration: the three-month window opens when the registration is published on Swissreg.
  • The basic filing fee covers up to three classes, and an e-discount is available for online filing through e-trademark.
  • Applications whose goods and services mostly match terms in the IPI database can be examined within about six working days.
  • The mark must be used within five years of registration (the 'grace period' for use), otherwise it can be cancelled for non-use.

Questions

How much does it cost to register a trademark in Switzerland?
The IPI filing fee is CHF 450 for up to three classes, with a CHF 100 surcharge for each class from the fourth; the IPI also lists a CHF 100 e-discount for online filing. Expedited examination costs an extra CHF 400.
How long does trademark registration take in Switzerland?
The IPI examines straightforward applications within six working days and others generally within two months of payment of the filing fee. Expedited examination guarantees a decision or objection within one month.
Is Switzerland part of the Madrid Protocol?
Yes. The Madrid Protocol has been in force for Switzerland since 1 May 1997.
Does an EU trademark cover Switzerland?
No. Switzerland is not an EU member state, so protection must be obtained through a Swiss national application with the IPI or by designating Switzerland in an international registration.
How long does a Swiss trademark last?
A Swiss trademark is protected for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely for CHF 550 per 10-year period. Late renewal within six months after expiry incurs a CHF 50 surcharge.
When can a Swiss trademark be opposed?
Owners of earlier marks can file an opposition within three months after the registration is published on Swissreg; the official fee is CHF 800.