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A Patent gives inventors exclusive rights to their technical innovations in Switzerland for up to 20 years. It acts like a legal shield, stopping others from making, selling, or using the protected invention without permission from the patent holder.

Under Swiss intellectual property law, patents encourage innovation by letting inventors profit from their work. To qualify, an invention must be new, non-obvious, and industrially applicable. Common examples include new machines, chemical processes, or technical solutions to practical problems. The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property handles all patent applications and enforces these rights.

Get a Patent when you've created a new technical solution that could bring value to your business in Switzerland. The ideal time is before sharing your invention with anyone���even potential investors or partners. Filing early protects your rights and prevents others from claiming your innovation first.

Patents work especially well for innovations in manufacturing, technology, pharmaceuticals, and engineering. Consider applying when your invention solves a technical problem in a novel way, could generate licensing revenue, or gives you a competitive edge. Remember that Swiss patent protection takes time, so start the process well before planned market launch.

• Cross Licensing Agreement: A specialized patent arrangement where two companies trade rights to use each other's patented technologies. Common in tech and manufacturing sectors for complex products requiring multiple patents.
• National Patents: Standard 20-year protection for technical innovations, examined and granted by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property.
• European Patents: Extended protection across multiple European countries, including Switzerland, through a single application process with the European Patent Office.
• Provisional Patents: Temporary 12-month protection while developing the full patent application, particularly useful for early-stage innovations.

• Inventors and Innovators: Scientists, engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs who create new technical solutions and seek protection for their ideas.
• Patent Attorneys: Specialized lawyers who draft patent applications, handle negotiations, and guide clients through the registration process with the Swiss Federal Institute.
• Companies and Research Institutions: Organizations that invest in R&D, own patents, and commercialize protected innovations.
• Patent Examiners: Officials at the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property who review applications and grant patents.
• Licensees: Businesses that pay to use patented technologies under specific terms and conditions.

• Technical Documentation: Prepare detailed descriptions, drawings, and diagrams of your invention, including how it works and its practical applications.
• Prior Art Search: Research existing patents and publications to confirm your invention's novelty using Swiss and international patent databases.
• Inventor Details: Gather full legal names and contact information for all inventors involved in developing the innovation.
• Invention Timeline: Document when the invention was conceived, first tested, and any public disclosures or sales.
• Business Strategy: Define your commercial goals and target markets to determine optimal patent protection scope.

• Title: Clear, concise name describing the invention's technical nature and scope.
• Abstract: Brief summary of the invention's key technical features and main purpose.
• Technical Description: Detailed explanation enabling a skilled person to reproduce the invention.
• Patent Claims: Precise legal statements defining the invention's scope and protection boundaries.
• Drawings: Technical illustrations showing the invention's components and operation.
• Priority Claims: References to earlier patent applications, if applicable.
• Inventor Information: Full legal names and addresses of all contributing inventors.

A Patent differs significantly from a Patent Application in both purpose and legal effect. While they're closely related, understanding their distinct roles is crucial for protecting intellectual property in Switzerland.

• Legal Status: A Patent is the granted right that provides legal protection, while a Patent Application is the formal request document seeking that protection.
• Timing and Duration: Applications are temporary documents valid during the examination process, whereas Patents provide 20 years of protection once granted.
• Enforcement Power: Only granted Patents can be enforced against infringers - applications provide no direct enforcement rights.
• Content Requirements: Applications focus on detailed technical descriptions and claims for examination, while Patents contain the final, approved claims and specifications.
• Modification Flexibility: Applications can be amended during review, but Patents' scope remains fixed after grant unless challenged.