Swiss intellectual property rights explained
Switzerland protects four intellectual property rights under its own law. Which ones need registration, how long each lasts, and which court decides.
Switzerland
Swiss intellectual property — filings, oppositions and practice changes at the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property and the Federal Patent Court.
EPO fees from 1 April 2026: the new schedule
The Administrative Council's decision of 11 December 2025 sets revised EPO fees from 1 April 2026. What the new amounts are, and where they bite in prosecution.
New EU tech transfer rules: licence checklist
Regulation (EU) 2026/877 has replaced the 2014 technology transfer block exemption. What licensing teams must re-check in live and draft agreements now.
China's 2026 Trademark Law: act before 2027
China's fifth Trademark Law revision takes effect 1 January 2027. What Swiss and EU brand owners should change now — and what remains unknown.
Swiss Patent Act 2027: what actually changes
The revised Swiss Patent Act enters into force on 1 January 2027: mandatory published search, optional examination, earlier annuities, English filing.
US patents: mandatory US counsel from July 2026
From 20 July 2026 foreign-domiciled patent applicants and owners need a USPTO registered practitioner. What Swiss and EU filers must change first.
Tesla v InterDigital: UKSC on FRAND forum
The UK Supreme Court allowed Tesla's appeal and held Delaware is not an available forum. What that settles for pool licences — and what it does not.
Ukraine's draft roadmap to EPC accession
Ukraine's intellectual property office consulted on a draft 2026-2027 roadmap for acceding to the European Patent Convention. It names five steps and no date.