# Trademark registration in Switzerland > 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. Source page: https://trademarkshub.com/trademarks/switzerland Facts checked against official sources: 2026-10-11 ## Key facts - **Trademark office:** Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (Eidgenössisches Institut für Geistiges Eigentum) (IPI / IGE) - **Official fee:** CHF 450 — Filing fee (covers up to 3 classes) - **Madrid Protocol:** Member since 1997 - **Opposition period:** 3 months from publication of the registration on Swissreg - **Protection:** 10 years from the filing date, renewable - **Multi-class applications:** Allowed ## Official links - Trademark office: https://www.ige.ch/en/ - Law: Federal Act of 28 August 1992 on the Protection of Trademarks and Indications of Source (Trade Mark Protection Act, SR 232.11), status 1 July 2025 — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/23396 - Law: Ordinance of 23 December 1992 on the Protection of Trademarks and Indications of Source (SR 232.111), status 1 July 2025 — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/23934 ## Official fees (as of 2024-07) - Filing fee (covers up to 3 classes): CHF 450 - E-discount for online filing: CHF 100 — Listed by the IPI as a separate discount line - Class surcharge (per class from the 4th class): CHF 100 - Expedited examination fee: CHF 400 — Optional - Opposition fee: CHF 800 - Renewal fee (10 years): CHF 550 - Late renewal surcharge (within 6-month post-deadline period): CHF 50 ## Steps 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:** 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:** 3 months from publication of the registration on Swissreg (post-registration opposition) - **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. ## Good to know - 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. ## FAQ ### 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. ## Sources - IPI – Costs and fees (national trade mark applications): https://www.ige.ch/en/protecting-your-ip/trade-marks/national-applications/costs-and-fees - IPI – National applications (procedure): https://www.ige.ch/en/protecting-your-ip/trade-marks/national-applications - IPI – Duration of procedure: https://www.ige.ch/en/protecting-your-ip/trade-marks/national-applications/duration-of-procedure - IPI – After registration: https://www.ige.ch/en/protecting-your-ip/trade-marks/after-registration - IPI – Renewing protection: https://www.ige.ch/en/protecting-your-ip/trade-marks/after-registration/renewing-protection - IPI – Trade marks: https://www.ige.ch/en/protecting-your-ip/trade-marks - WIPO Lex – Trade Mark Protection Act (Switzerland): https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/23396 - WIPO Lex – Trade Mark Protection Ordinance (Switzerland): https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/23934 - WIPO – Madrid Protocol contracting parties: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/treaties/ShowResults?search_what=C&treaty_id=8 Need a firm that files in Switzerland? Find one at https://trademarkshub.com/trademarks/switzerland (TrademarksHub lists IP firms by country; featured placements are paid and labelled). General information, not legal advice.