Application success rate in Switzerland: 5 year trend
In Switzerland, trademark applications are managed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) (Eidgenössisches Institut für Geistiges Eigentum).
Switzerland’s trademark application success rate over the last five years averages 80.43%. The trend has shown some fluctuation, with a notable dip in 2020, followed by a strong recovery in subsequent years.
Applications filed in | Registered | Filed | Success rate |
|---|---|---|---|
2019 | 14,206 | 17,162 | 82.78% |
2020 | 12,094 | 18,013 | 67.14% |
2021 | 10,494 | 13,254 | 79.18% |
2022 | 14,326 | 16,445 | 87.11% |
2023 | 14,737 | 17,012 | 86.63% |
Total (average) | 65,857 | 81,886 | 80.43% |
Comparison to major IP Offices
Switzerland's success rate is notably higher than countries like the United States (56.91%) or Canada (50.76%), but slightly lower than the EU (90.80%) or Benelux (90.90%).
Find out more about how this trademark office compares globally in our full report on trademark success rates worldwide.
Country | Success rate |
|---|---|
Switzerland (IGE-IPI) | 80.43% |
The European Union (EUIPO) | 90.80% |
Benelux (BOIP) | 90.90% |
The United States | 56.91% |
Canada | 50.76% |
Here are some reasons behind its performance:
Thorough but Fair Examination: The IPI performs both formal and substantive examination, including for descriptiveness and conflicts with earlier rights. While rigorous, the system is transparent and consistent in its application of legal standards.
High Standards for Distinctiveness: The IPI maintains a relatively strict threshold for what qualifies as a distinctive mark, which partly explains the lower success rate compared to regions like Benelux or the EUIPO.
Multilingual Jurisdiction: With four national languages, Switzerland’s review process is more nuanced. Marks are often examined across linguistic contexts, which can add complexity but also ensures a robust evaluation.
How to maximize your chances of registration success in Switzerland
While Switzerland offers a stable and efficient trademark system, the average success rate of 80.43% means that one in five applications may not pass without issues. To improve your likelihood of approval, it’s recommended to begin with a comprehensive trademark search to identify any potential conflicts. Ensure that your mark is distinctive and not merely descriptive, and clearly define the goods and services associated with your application.
Working with a professional trademark lawyer can be a game-changer. Legal professionals experienced with IPI processes can help you pre-screen your trademark, file correctly the first time, and respond effectively to office actions.
If you’re about to file your first trademark in Switzerland, check out our step-by-step guide on maximising your chances of successful application. You can also use Trama’s free lawyer’s check to get tailored insights and advice from our experienced legal team.
