Patents Act (PatA)
English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.
Section 1 Requirements for Obtaining a Patent and
A. Patentable inventions
I. Principle
Amended by Art. 2 of the FD of 16 Dec. 2005 on the approval of the Act revising the European Patent Convention and on the amendment of the Patents Act, in force since 13 Dec. 2007 (AS 2007 6479; BBl 2005 3773).
Art. 1
1 Patents for inventions are granted for new inventions applicable in industry. 2 Anything that is obvious having regard to the state of the art (Art. 7 para. 2) is not patentable as an invention. 3 Patents are granted without the guarantee of the State.
Para. 2 — Amended by Art. 2 of the FD of 16 Dec. 2005 on the approval of the Act revising the European Patent Convention and on the amendment of the Patents Act, in force since 13 Dec. 2007 (AS 2007 6479; BBl 2005 3773). Para. 3 — Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1).
II. The human body and its elements
Art. 1a
1 The human body as such, at all stages of its formation and development, including the embryo, is not patentable. 2 Elements of the human body in their natural environment are not patentable. An element of the human body is, however, patentable as an invention if it is produced by means of a technical process, a beneficial technical effect is indicated and the further requirements of Article 1 are fulfilled; Article 2 remains reserved.
Art. 1a — Inserted by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1). Amended by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1).
III. Gene sequences
Art. 1b
1 A naturally occurring sequence or partial sequence of a gene is not patentable as such. 2 Sequences that are derived from a naturally occurring sequence or partial sequence of a gene may, however, be patented as an invention if they are produced by means of a technical process, their function is specifically indicated, and the further requirements of Article 1 are fulfilled; Article 2 remains reserved.
Art. 1b — Inserted by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1).
B. Exclusion from patentability
Art. 2
1 Inventions whose exploitation is contrary to human dignity or that disregard the integrity of living organisms or that are in any other way contrary to public policy or morality are not patentable. In particular, no patent may be granted for: a. processes for cloning human beings and the clones obtained thereby; b. processes for forming hybrid organisms by using human germ cells, human totipotent cells or human embryonic stem cells and the entities obtained thereby; c. processes of parthenogenesis by using human germinal material and the parthenogenetic entities obtained thereby; d. processes for modifying the germ line genetic identity of human beings and the germ line cells obtained thereby; e. unmodified human embryonic stem cells and stem cell lines; f. the use of human embryos for non-medical purposes; g. processes for modifying the genetic identity of animals which are likely to cause them suffering without being justified by overriding interests worthy of protection, and also
Art. 2 — Amended by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1).
C. Right to the grant of a patent
I. Principle
Art. 3
1 The inventor, his successor in title, or a third party owning the invention under any other title has the right to the grant of the patent. 2 Where several inventors have made an invention jointly, they have this right jointly. 3 Where two or more inventors have made the invention independently of each other, the person who makes the earlier application or whose application has the earliest priority date has this right.
II. In the examination procedure
Art. 4
In the procedure before the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI), the patent applicant is deemed entitled to request the grant of the patent.
Name in accordance with No I of the FA of 9 Oct. 1998, in force since 1 May 1999 (AS 1999 1363; BBl 1998 1633). Abbreviation in accordance with Annex No 3 of the FA of 21 June 2013, in force since 1 Jan. 2017 (AS 2015 3631; BBl 2009 8533).
D. Mention of the inventor
I. Right of the inventor
Art. 5
1 The patent applicant must provide the IPI with written confirmation of the name of the inventor. 2 The person named by the patent applicant shall be mentioned as the inventor in the Patent Register, in the publication of the patent application and in the grant of the patent, as well as in the patent specification. 3 Paragraph 2 applies by analogy if a third party produces an enforceable judgment establishing that he and not the person named by the patent applicant is the inventor.
Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1). Para. 2 — Amended by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1).
II. Waiver of mention
Art. 6
1 If the inventor named by the patent applicant waives his right to the measures provided for in Article 5 paragraph 2, these measures shall not be taken. 2 A declaration made beforehand by the inventor waiving the right to be mentioned as such has no legal effect.
E. Novelty of the invention
I. State of the art
Art. 7
1 An invention is considered to be new if it does not form part of the state of the art. 2 The state of the art comprises everything made available to the public by means of a written or oral description, by use, or in any other way prior to the filing or priority date. 3 With regard to novelty, the state of the art also includes the content of an earlier application or application with earlier priority designating Switzerland in the version originally filed, and with a filing or priority date that precedes the date mentioned in paragraph 2, and which was only made available to the public on or after that date, provided that: a. in the case of an international application, the requirements of Article 138 are fulfilled; b. in the case of a European application based on an international application, the requirements of Article 153 paragraph 5 of the European Patent Convention of 5 October 1973 in its revised version of 29 November 2000 are fulfilled; c. in the case of a European applicat
Art. 7 — Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1). Para. 3 let. b — SR 0.232.142.2 Para. 3 let. c — Inserted by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1).
II. …
Art. 7a
Inserted by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1). Repealed by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, with effect from 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1).
III. Non-prejudicial disclosures
Art. 7b
Where the invention has been made available to the public in the six months prior to the application date or priority date, this disclosure does not form part of the state of the art when it is due to, or a consequence of: a. an evident abuse in relation to the patent applicant or his legal predecessor; or b. the fact that the patent applicant or his legal predecessor has displayed the invention at an official or officially recognised international exhibition falling within the terms of the Convention on International Exhibitions of 22 November 1928, and he has declared the fact at the time of filing and has produced sufficient supporting evidence in due time.
Art. 7b — Inserted by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1). Amended by No I of the FA of 3 Feb. 1995, in force since 1 Sept. 1995 (AS 1995 2879; BBl 1993 III 706). let. b — SR 0.945.11
IV. New use of known substances
a. First medical use
Art. 7c
Any substance or composition that forms part of the state of the art as such, but not in relation to its use in a surgical, therapeutic or diagnostic method specified in Article 2 paragraph 2 letter a is deemed to be new provided it is intended solely for such use.
Art. 7c — Inserted by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1). Amended by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1). Rectified by the Editorial Commission of the Federal Assembly (Art. 58 para. 1 ParlA – SR 171.10).
b. Further medical uses
Art. 7d
Any substance or composition that forms part of the state of the art as such, but not in relation to a specific use in a surgical, therapeutic or diagnostic method specified in Article 2 paragraph 2 letter a that is distinct from the first medical use specified in Article 7c is deemed to be new provided it is intended for use in the manufacture of a means to a surgical, therapeutic or diagnostic end.
Art. 7d — Inserted by Art. 2 of the FD of 16 Dec. 2005 on the approval of the Act revising the European Patent Convention and on the amendment of the Patents Act (AS 2007 6479; BBl 2005 3773). Amended by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1). Rectified by the Editorial Commission of the Federal Assembly (Art. 58 para. 1 ParlA – SR 171.10).
F. Effects of the patent
I. Right of exclusivity
Art. 8
1 The patent confers on its proprietor the right to prohibit others from commercially using the invention. 2 Use includes, in particular, manufacturing, storage, offering, placing on the market, importing, exporting and carrying in transit, as well as possession for any of these purposes. 3 Carrying in transit may only be prohibited if the proprietor of the patent is permitted to prohibit importation into the country of destination.
Art. 8 — Amended by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1).
II. Manufacturing process
Art. 8a
1 If the invention concerns a manufacturing process, the effects of the patent also extend to the products directly obtained by that process. 2 If the products directly obtained by the process concern biological material, the effects of the patent also extend to products obtained by propagating the biological material and which demonstrate the same characteristics. Article 9a paragraph 3 remains reserved.
Art. 8a — Inserted by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1). Para. 2 — Second sentence inserted by No I of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008, in force since 1 July 2009 (AS 2009 2615; BBl 2008 303).
III. Genetic information
Art. 8b
If the invention concerns a product that consists of or contains genetic information, the effects of the patent extend to any material in which the product is incorporated and in which the genetic information is contained and performs its function. Article 1a paragraph 1 and 9a paragraph 3 remain reserved.
Art. 8b — Inserted by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1). Second sentence amended in accordance with No I of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008, in force since 1 July 2009 (AS 2009 2615; BBl 2008 303).
IV. Nucleotide sequences
Art. 8c
The protection conferred by a claim to a nucleotide sequence that is derived from a naturally occurring sequence or partial sequence of a gene is limited to the sequence segments that perform the function specifically described in the patent.
Art. 8c — Inserted by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1).
G. Exceptions to effects of the patent
I. In general
Art. 9
1 The effects of the patent do not extend to: a. acts undertaken within the private sphere for non-commercial purposes; b. acts undertaken for research or experimental purposes in order to obtain knowledge about the subject-matter of the invention including its uses; in particular, any scientific research concerning the subject-matter of the invention is permitted; c. acts necessary for obtaining marketing authorisation for a medicinal product in Switzerland or in countries with equivalent medicinal product control; d. the use of the invention for teaching purposes at educational institutions; e. the use of biological material for the purpose of the production or the discovery and development of a plant variety; f. biological material that is obtained in the field of agriculture due to chance or is technically unavoidable; g. acts undertaken as part of a medical activity concerning an individual person or animal and involving a medicinal product, in particular the prescribing, dispensi
Art. 9 — Amended by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1). Para. 1 let. g — Inserted by Annex No 2 of the FA of 18 March 2016, in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2017 2745, 2018 3575; BBl 2013 1). Para. 1 let. h — Inserted by Annex No 2 of the FA of 18 March 2016, in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2017 2745, 2018 3575; BBl 2013 1).
II. In particular
Art. 9a
1 If the proprietor of the patent has placed patent-protected goods on the market in Switzerland or within the European Economic Area, or consented to their placing on the market in Switzerland or within the European Economic Area, these goods may be imported and used or resold commercially in Switzerland. 2 If he has placed apparatus that can be used with a patent-protected process on the market in Switzerland or within the European Economic Area, or consented to its placing on the market in Switzerland or within the European Economic Area, the first and each subsequent person who acquires the apparatus is entitled to use this process. 3 If the proprietor of the patent has placed patent-protected biological material on the market in Switzerland or within the European Economic Area, or consented to its placing on the market in Switzerland or within the European Economic Area, this material may be imported and propagated in Switzerland, provided this is necessary for its intended use. T
Art. 9a — Inserted by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1). Amended by No I of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008, in force since 1 July 2009 (AS 2009 2615; BBl 2008 303).
Art. 10
Repealed by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, with effect from 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1).
H. Marking of patented products
I. Patent mark
Art. 11
1 Products that are protected by a patent, or their packaging, may be marked as being patented with the Federal Cross and the number of the patent. The Federal Council may prescribe additional indications. 2 The proprietor of the patent may require any prior user or any licensee to affix the patent mark on the products manufactured by them or on the packaging of such products. 3 If the prior user or licensee does not comply with the requirement of the proprietor of the patent, he is liable to the latter for any resulting losses without prejudice to the proprietor’s right to require the use of the patent mark.
Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Feb. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1).
II. Other markings
Art. 12
1 Any person who issues or offers for sale his business papers, notices of any kind, products or goods bearing any other notice referring to patent protection must inform any third party on request of the number of the patent application or the patent to which the notice refers. 2 Any person who accuses third parties of infringing his rights or warns them against such infringement must, on request, give them the same information.
J. Residence abroad
Art. 13
1 Any person who is involved in administrative proceedings provided for in this Act and does not have a residence or principal place of business in Switzerland must designate an address for service in Switzerland unless international law or the competent foreign body permits the authority to serve documents directly in the state concerned.. An address for service in Switzerland is not required for: a. filing a patent application for the purpose of being accorded a filing date; b. paying fees, filing translations and filing and handling requests after the grant of the patent, in so far as the requests do not give rise to any objections. 1bis The IPI is entitled to declare to the competent foreign body that direct service is permitted in Switzerland in intellectual property matters provided Switzerland is granted reciprocal rights. 2 The provisions concerning the practice of the profession of attorney remain reserved.
Art. 13 — Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Sept. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1). Para. 1 — Amended by Annex No 4 of the FD of 28 Sept. 2018 on the Approval and Implementation of European Convention No 94 on the Service Abroad of Documents relating to Administrative Matters, in force since 1 April 2019 (AS 2019 975; BBl 2017 5947). Para. 1 — Amended by Annex No 3 of the Patent Attorney Act of 20 March 2009, in force since 1 July 2011 (AS 2011 2259; BBl 2008 407). Pa
K. Term of patent
I. Maximum term
Art. 14
1 The maximum term of the patent is 20 years from the filing date of the application. 2 …
Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1). Para. 2 — Repealed by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, with effect from 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1).
II. Premature lapse
Art. 15
1 The patent lapses: a. if the proprietor surrenders it by written declaration to the IPI; b. if a renewal fee that has become due is not paid within the prescribed time. 2 …
Para. 1 let. b — Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Feb. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1). Para. 2 — Repealed by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, with effect from 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1).
L. Reservation
Art. 16
Patent applicants or proprietors who are Swiss nationals may rely on the provisions of the binding text for Switzerland of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property of 20 March 1883, where those provisions are more favourable than the provisions of this Act.
Art. 16 — Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1). SR 0.232.01, 0.232.02, 0.232.03, 0.232.04
Section 2 Right of Priority
A. Conditions and effects of priority
Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1).
Art. 17
1 Where an invention is the subject of a regular filing of an application for a patent for an invention, a utility model or an inventor's certificate, and where the filing takes place in or with effect in a country that is a party to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property of 20 March 1883 or the Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization of 15 April 1994, (Appendix 1C, Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights), it shall give rise to a right of priority in accordance with Article 4 of the Paris Convention. This right may be claimed for a patent application filed in Switzerland for the same invention within 12 months from the date of the first filing. 1bis The first filing in a country that grants reciprocity to Switzerland has the same effect as the first filing in a country that is party to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. 1ter Except as otherwise provided by this Act or by the Ordinance, paragrap
Para. 1 — SR 0.232.01, 0.232.02, 0.232.03, 0.232.04 Para. 1 — SR 0.632.20 Para. 1 — Amended by Art. 2 of the FD of 16 Dec. 2005 on the approval of the Act to Revise the European Patent Convention and on the Amendment of the Patents Act, in force since 13 Dec. 2007 (AS 2007 6479; BBl 2005 3773). Para. 1bis — Inserted by No I of the FA of 17 Feb. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1). Para. 1ter — Inserted by No I of the FA of 3 Feb. 1995, in force since 1 Sept. 1995 (AS 1
B. Entitlement to claim the right of priority
Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1).
Art. 18
1 … 2 The right of priority may be claimed by the first applicant or the person who has acquired the right belonging to the first applicant to file a patent application in Switzerland for the same invention. 3 If the first filing, the filing in Switzerland or both were effected by a person who was not entitled to the grant of the patent, the entitled person may claim the priority deriving from that first filing.
Para. 1 — Repealed by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, with effect from 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1). Para. 2 — Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1). Para. 3 — Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1).
C. Formal requirements
Art. 19
1 Any person claiming a right of priority must file a declaration of priority and a priority document with the IPI. 2 The right of priority is forfeited if the time limits and formal requirements laid down by the Ordinance are not complied with.
Art. 19 — Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1).
D. Burden of proof in legal proceedings
Art. 20
1 Acceptance of a priority claim in the procedure for the grant of the patent does not relieve the proprietor of the patent of the obligation to prove the existence of such right in the case of legal proceedings. 2 The filing on the basis of which priority is claimed is presumed to be the first filing (Article 17 para. 1 and 1bis).
Para. 2 — Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1. Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1).
E. Prohibition of double patenting
Art. 20a
Where an inventor or his successor in title has obtained two patents with the same filing date or priority date for the same invention, the effects of the patent based on the earlier application cease insofar as the scope of protection afforded by the two patents is the same.
Art. 20a — Inserted by No I of the FA of 3 Feb. 1995, in force since 1 Sept. 1995 (AS 1995 2879; BBl 1993 III 706).
Art. 21–23
Repealed by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, with effect from 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1).
Section 3 Modifications concerning the Validity of
A. Partial surrender
I. Conditions
Art. 24
1 The proprietor of the patent may partially surrender the patent by requesting the IPI to: a. revoke a patent claim (Art. 51 and 55); or b. limit an independent claim by combining one or more patent claims, which are dependent on it; or c. limit an independent claim in some other way; in such cases, the limited claim must refer to the same invention and define an embodiment that is included in the specification of the published patent and in the version of the patent application that determined the date of filing. 2 …
Art. 24 — Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1). Para. 2 — Repealed by Art. 2 of the FD of 16 Dec. 2005 on the approval of the Act to Revise the European Patent Convention and on the Amendment of the Patents Act, with effect from 13 Dec. 2007 (AS 2007 6479; BBl 2005 3773).
II. Issue of new patents
Art. 25
1 If, as a result of a partial surrender, patent claims remain that may not exist in the same patent in accordance with Articles 52 and 55, the patent shall be limited accordingly. 2 The proprietor of the patent may apply for the issue of one or more new patents to cover the dropped patent claims; such new patents are given the filing date of the original patent. 3 Following registration of the partial surrender in the Patent Register, the IPI shall set a time limit for the proprietor of the patent to apply for the issue of new patents in accordance with paragraph 2; after this time limit has expired, an application is no longer accepted.
Art. 25 — Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1).
B. Nullity action
I. Grounds for nullity
Art. 26
1 The court shall, on application, declare the nullity of the patent if: a. the subject-matter of the patent is not patentable under Articles 1, 1a, 1b and 2; b. the invention is not described in the patent specification in a manner sufficiently clear and precise for it to be carried out by a person skilled in the art; c. the subject-matter of the patent goes beyond the content of the patent application in the version that determined the filing date; d. the proprietor of the patent is neither the inventor nor his successor in title, nor has a right to the grant of the patent on other legal grounds. 2 Where a patent is granted with recognition of priority, and the application claiming the priority does not lead to a patent, the court may require the proprietor of the patent to state the grounds and to present evidence; if the information is withheld, the court has full discretion in its judgment of this.
Para. 1 let. d — Amended by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1). Para. 2 — Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1).
II. Partial nullity
Art. 27
1 Where a ground for nullity applies to only a part of the patented invention, the court shall limit the patent accordingly. 2 The court shall give the parties an opportunity to be heard on the proposed new version of the patent claim; it may also request the opinion of the IPI. 3 Article 25 applies by analogy.
III. Right of action
Art. 28
Any person with a proven interest may bring a nullity action, with the exception of an action under Article 26 paragraph 1 letter d, which may be brought only by an entitled person.
Art. 28 — Amended by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1).
C. Effects of the modification of the validity of
Art. 28a
The effects of the granted patent shall be deemed not to have occurred from the outset insofar as the proprietor of the patent surrenders the patent or the court declares the nullity of the patent based on a nullity action.
Art. 28a — Inserted by Art. 2 of the FD of 16 Dec. 2005 on the approval of the Act to Revise the European Patent Convention and on the Amendment of the Patents Act, in force since 13 Dec. 2007 (AS 2007 6479; BBl 2005 3773).
Section 4 Modifications concerning the Right to th
A. Action for assignment
I. Conditions and effects against third parties
Art. 29
1 When the patent application has been filed by an applicant who, under Article 3, is not entitled to the grant of the patent, the entitled person may apply for assignment of the patent application or, if the patent has already been granted, he may apply for assignment of the patent or file an action for nullity. 2 … 3 If an assignment is ordered, licences or other rights granted to third parties in the intervening period lapse; however, if they have used the invention commercially in Switzerland in good faith or have made special preparations to do so, these third parties are entitled to be granted a non-exclusive licence. 4 Any claims for damages are reserved. 5 Article 40e applies by analogy.
Para. 2 — Repealed by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, with effect from 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1). Para. 3 — Amended by No I of the FA of 16 Dec. 1994, in force since 1 July 1995 (AS 1995 2606; BBl 1994 IV 950). Para. 5 — Inserted by No I of the FA of 16 Dec. 1994 (AS 1995 2606; BBl 1994 IV 950). Amended by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1).
II. Partial assignment
Art. 30
1 If the plaintiff cannot prove his right to all claims of the patent, assignment of the patent application or of the patent shall be subject to the deletion of the patent claims to which the plaintiff has not proved his right. 2 Article 25 applies by analogy.
Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1997 1997; BBl 1976 II 1).
III. Deadline for filing an action
Art. 31
1 An action for assignment must be filed within two years from the official date of the publication of the patent specification. 2 An action against a defendant acting in bad faith has no filing deadline.
B. Expropriation of the patent
Art. 32
1 Where public interest so dictates, the Federal Council may expropriate all or part of the patent. 2 The former proprietor of an expropriated patent is entitled to full compensation which, in the event of any dispute, is fixed by the Federal Supreme Court; the provisions of Section II of the Compulsory Purchase Act of 20 June 1930 apply by analogy.
Para. 2 — SR 711
C. Transfer of the right to the grant of the paten
Art. 33
1 The right to the grant of the patent and the right to the patent passes to the heirs; these rights may be assigned to third parties either wholly or in part. 2 Where the said rights are owned by two or more persons, each entitled person may exercise the rights only with the consent of the others; however, each one may independently dispose of his part or bring an action for infringement of the patent. 2bis The transfer of a patent application and of the patent by legal act is valid only if evidenced in writing. 3 A patent may be transferred without the transfer being recorded in the Patent Register; however, until an entry is made, any action provided for in this Act may be taken against the former proprietor of the patent. 4 Rights of third parties not recorded in the Patent Register are invalid against persons who have acquired the rights to the patent in good faith.
Para. 2bis — Inserted by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1).
D. Grant of licences
Art. 34
1 The patent applicant or the proprietor of the patent may grant third parties the right to use the invention (grant of licences). 2 Where the patent application or the patent is owned by two or more persons, a licence may not be granted without the consent of all entitled persons. 3 Licences of third parties not recorded in the Patent Register are invalid against persons who have acquired in good faith the rights to the patent.
Section 5 Legal Restrictions on Rights conferred b
A. Prior user rights; foreign vehicles
Art. 35
1 A patent may not be invoked against any person who, prior to the filing or priority date of the patent application, was commercially using the invention in good faith in Switzerland or had made special preparations for that purpose. 2 Any such person under paragraph 1 may use the invention for the purposes of their trade or business; this right may be transferred or bequeathed only together with the trade or business. 3 A patent has no effect with regard to vehicles which are only temporarily in Switzerland, nor to equipment attached to these vehicles.
Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1997 1997; BBl 1976 II 1).
Abis. Farmers’ privilege
I. Principle
Art. 35a
1 Farmers who have acquired plant reproduction material placed on the market by the proprietor of the patent or with his consent may reproduce, on their own farm, the product from this material cultivated on their own farm. 2 Farmers who have acquired animal reproductive material or animals placed on the market by the proprietor of the patent or with his consent may reproduce, on their own farm, the animals obtained through reproduction of this material or these animals on their own farm. 3 Farmers are required to obtain the consent of the proprietor of the patent when they wish to give the product of their harvest or the animal or animal reproductive material obtained to third parties for reproduction purposes. 4 Contractual agreements which limit or revoke the farmers’ privilege in the area of food and feed production are null and void.
Art. 35a — Inserted by Art. 2 No 2 of the FD of 5 Oct. 2007, in force since 1 Sept. 2008 (AS 2008 3897; BBl 2004 4155).
II. Scope and compensation
Art. 35b
The Federal Council determines the plant species included under the farmers’ privilege; in so doing, it shall in particular take into consideration their importance as raw materials for food and feed.
Art. 35b — Inserted by Art. 2 No 2 of the FD of 5 Oct. 2007, in force since 1 Sept. 2008 (AS 2008 3897; BBl 2004 4155).
B. Dependent rights
I. Dependent inventions
Amended by Art. 2 No 2 of the FD of 5 Oct. 2007, in force since 1 Sept. 2008 (AS 2008 3897; BBl 2004 4155).
Art. 36
1 If a patented invention cannot be used without infringing a prior patent, the proprietor of the later patent has the right to a non-exclusive licence to the extent required to use his invention, provided that the invention represents an important technical advance of considerable economic significance in relation to the invention that is the subject-matter of the prior patent. 2 A licence to use the invention that is the subject-matter of the prior patent may only be transferred jointly with the later patent. 3 The proprietor of the prior patent may make the grant of a licence conditional on the proprietor of the later patent granting him a licence to use his invention in return.
Art. 36 — Amended by No I of the FA of 16 Dec. 1994, in force since 1 July 1995 (AS 1995 2606; BBl 1994 IV 950).
II. Dependent plant variety rights
Art. 36a
1 When a plant variety right may not be claimed or used without infringing an earlier-granted patent, the plant breeder or the owner of the plant variety has the right to a non-exclusive licence to the extent required to obtain and use his plant variety right, provided that the plant variety represents an important advance of considerable economic significance in comparison to the patent-protected invention. For varieties for agriculture and food, the criteria under the Seed Ordinance of 7 December 1998 serve as a reference point. 2 The proprietor of the patent may make the grant of a licence conditional on the owner of the plant variety granting him a licence to use his plant variety right in return.
Art. 36a — Inserted by Art. 2 No 2 of the FD of 5 Oct. 2007, in force since 1 Sept. 2008 (AS 2008 3897; BBl 2004 4155). Para. 1 — SR 916.151
C. Exploitation of the invention in Switzerland
I. Action for the grant of a licence
Art. 37
1 Three years from the date of the grant of the patent, or at the earliest four years after filing the patent application, any person with a legitimate interest may apply to the court for the grant of a non-exclusive licence to use the invention if the proprietor of the patent has not sufficiently exploited it in Switzerland by the time of the action and cannot justify such a failure. Importing is also considered domestic exploitation. 2 … 3 At the request of the plaintiff, the court may grant a licence immediately after the action has been filed without prejudice to the final judgment providing that, in addition to the conditions set out in paragraph 1, the plaintiff provides prima facie evidence that he has an interest in the immediate use of the invention and that he provides adequate security to the defendant; the defendant shall be given the opportunity to be heard beforehand.
Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the FA of 16 Dec. 1994, in force since 1 July 1995 (AS 1995 2606; BBl 1994 IV 950). Para. 2 — Repealed by No I of the FA of 16 Dec. 1994, with effect from 1 July 1995 (AS 1995 2606; BBl 1994 IV 950). Para. 3 — Amended by No I of the FA of 16. Dec. 1994, in force since 1 July 1995 (AS 1995 2606; BBl 1994 IV 950).
II. Action for cancellation of the patent
Art. 38
1 If the grant of licences does not suffice to meet the demand of the domestic market, any person with a proven interest may bring an action for the cancellation of the patent after a period of two years from the grant of the first licence under Article 37 paragraph 1. 2 If the legislation of the country of which the proprietor of the patent is a national or in which he is resident allows an action for cancellation of the patent for failure to exploit the invention in that country as early as three years after the grant of the patent, such an action shall be allowed instead of the action for the grant of a licence, subject to the conditions specified in Article 37 for the grant of licences.
Para. 2 — Amended by No I of the FA of 17. Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1).
III. Exceptions
Art. 39
The Federal Council may decree Articles 37 and 38 to be inapplicable with regard to nationals of countries granting reciprocity.
D. Licence in the interest of the public
Art. 40
1 Where public interest so dictates, the person to whom the proprietor of the patent has, without sufficient reason, refused to grant the licence requested, may apply to the court for the grant of a licence to use the invention. 2 …
Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the FA of 17. Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1). Para. 2 — Repealed by No I of the FA of 16. Dec. 1994, with effect from 1 July 1995 (AS 1995 2606; BBl 1994 IV 950).
E. Compulsory licences in the field of semi-conduc
Art. 40a
For inventions in the field of semi-conductor technology, a non-exclusive licence may only be granted to remedy a practice held to be anti-competitive in court or administrative proceedings.
Art. 40a — Inserted by No I of the FA of 16 Dec. 1994, in force since 1 July 1995 (AS 1995 2606; BBl 1994 IV 950).
F. Research tools
Art. 40b
Any person who intends to use a patented biotechnological invention as an instrument or means for research is entitled to a non-exclusive licence.
Art. 40b — Inserted by No I of the FA of 16 Dec. 1994 (AS 1995 2606; BBl 1994 IV 950). Amended by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1).
G. Compulsory licences for diagnostic tools
Art. 40c
For inventions concerning a diagnostic product or procedure for humans, a non-exclusive licence shall be granted to remedy a practice held to be anti-competitive in court or administrative proceedings.
Art. 40c — Inserted by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1).
H. Compulsory licences for the export of pharmaceu
Art. 40d
1 Any person may bring an action before the court to be granted a non-exclusive licence for the manufacture of patent-protected pharmaceutical products and for their export to a country that has insufficient or no production capacity of its own in the pharmaceutical sector and which requires these products to combat public health problems, in particular those related to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other epidemics (beneficiary country). 2 Countries that have declared in the World Trade Organization (WTO) that they wholly or partly renounce their claim to a licence in accordance with paragraph 1 are excluded from being beneficiary countries in accordance with the terms of their declaration. All other countries that fulfil the requirements of paragraph 1 may be beneficiary countries. 3 The licence in accordance with paragraph 1 is limited to the production of the pharmaceutical product in the quantity that meets the requirements of the beneficiary country; the total quantity must
Art. 40d — Inserted by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1).
I. Common provisions for Articles 36–40d
Art. 40e
1 The licences provided for in Articles 36–40d are granted only if efforts by the applicant to obtain a contractual licence on appropriate market terms within a reasonable period of time have been unsuccessful; in the case of a licence in accordance with Article 40d, a period of 30 working days is regarded as reasonable. Such efforts are not required in situations of national emergency or other circumstances of extreme urgency or in cases of public non-commercial use. 2 The scope and term of the licence are limited to the purpose for which it has been granted. 3 The licence may only be transferred with that part of the enterprise which uses the licence. This also applies to sub-licences. 4 The licence is primarily granted for supplying the domestic market. Article 40d remains reserved. 5 The proprietor of the patent has the right to appropriate remuneration. In assessing the remuneration, the circumstances of the individual case and the economic value of the licence are taken into acco
Art. 40e — Inserted by No I of the FA of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2551; BBl 2006 1). Para. 1 — Amended by No I 6 of the FA of 22 Dec. 2023 on the Introduction of a Simplified Procedure for Destroying Small Consignments in Intellectual Property Law, in force since 1 July 2025 (AS 2025 313; BBl 2023 1184).
Section 6 Fees
Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, in force since 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1).
Art. 41
The obtainment and maintenance of a patent and the processing of special requests are subject to the payment of the relevant fees prescribed in the Ordinance.
Art. 41 — Amended by Annex No 4 of the FA of 24 March 1995 on the Statute and Tasks of the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, in force since 1 Jan. 1996 (AS 1995 5050; BBl 1993 III 964).
Art. 42–44
Repealed by Annex No 4 of the FA of 24 March 1995 on the Statute and Tasks of the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, with effect from 1 Jan. 1996 (AS 1995 5050; BBl 1993 III 964).
Art. 45 and 46
Repealed by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976, with effect from 1 Jan. 1978 (AS 1977 1997; BBl 1976 II 1).
Section 7 Further Processing and Re-Establishment
Originally before Art. 47. Amended by No I of the FA of 3 Feb. 1995, in force since 1 Sept. 1995 (AS 1995 2879; BBl 1993 III 706).
A. Further processing
Art. 46a
1 If the patent applicant or the proprietor of the patent fails to observe a time limit prescribed by legislation or a time limit set by the IPI, he may file a request for further processing with the IPI. 2 He must file the request within two months of receiving notice from the IPI of failure to observe the time limit, and six months at the latest from the expiry of the said time limit. He must also carry out in full, within these time limits, the omitted act, supplement where necessary the patent application and pay the fee for further processing. 3 Acceptance of the request for further processing has the effect of restoring the situation that would have resulted from carrying out the act in good time. Article 48 remains reserved. 4 Further processing is ruled out in the case of failure to observe: a. time limits that do not have to be observed vis-à-vis the IPI; b. time limits for filing a request for further processing (para. 2); c. time limits for filing a request for re-establishm
Art. 46a — Inserted by No I of the FA of 3 Feb. 1995, in force since 1 Sept. 1995 (AS 1995 2879; BBl 1993 III 706). Para. 1 — Amended by Annex No 23 of the Federal Administrative Court Act of 17 June 2005, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 2197 1069; BBl 2001 4202). Para. 2 — Amended by Art. 2 of the FD of 22 June 2007, in force since 1 July 2008 (AS 2008 2677; BBl 2006 1). Para. 4 let. e — Repealed by Art. 2 of the FD of 16 Dec. 2005 on the approval of the Act to Revise the European Patent Co
B. Re-establishment of rights
Amended by No I of the FA of 3 Feb. 1995, in force since 1 Sept. 1995 (AS 1995 2879; BBl 1993 III 706).
Art. 47
1 Where the patent applicant or proprietor of the patent provides prima facie evidence of having been prevented, through no fault on his part, from observing a time limit prescribed by this Act or the Implementing Ordinance or one set by the IPI, he shall be granted, on request, the re-establishment of his rights. 2 The request shall be filed with the authority for which the act should have been carried out within two months of the removal of the cause of non-compliance with the time limit, and at the latest within one year of expiry of the unobserved time limit; at the same time, the omitted act must be carried out. 3 Re-establishment of rights shall be ruled out in respect of paragraph 2 above (time limit for the request for re-establishment of rights). 4 Acceptance of the request shall have the effect of restoring the situation that would have resulted from carrying out the act in good time; Article 48 shall remain reserved.
C. Reservation for third parties
Amended by No I of the FA of 3 Feb. 1995, in force since 1 Sept. 1995 (AS 1995 2879; BBl 1993 III 706).
Art. 48
1 The patent may not be invoked against any person who, during the following periods, has commercially used an invention in good faith in Switzerland or who has made special preparations for that purpose: a. between the last day of the time limit stipulated for payment of a patent renewal fee (…) and the day on which a request for further processing (Art. 46a) or a request for re-establishment of rights (Art. 47) was filed; b. between the last day of the priority period (Art. 17 para. 1) and the day on which the patent application was filed. 2 This prior user right is governed by Article 35 paragraph 2. 3 Any person claiming a prior user right based on paragraph 1 letter a must pay the proprietor of the patent appropriate compensation from the date on which the patent is revived. 4 In the event of dispute, the court shall decide on the existence and on the extent of the rights claimed by prior use and on the amount of compensation to be paid in accordance with paragraph 3.
Para. 1 let. a — Reference deleted by Annex No 4 of the FA of 24 March 1995 on the Statute and Tasks of the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, with effect from 1 Jan. 1996 (AS 1995 5050; BBl 1994 III 964). Para. 1 let. b — Amended by No I of the FA of 3 Feb. 1995, in force since 1 Sept. 1995 (AS 1995 2879; BBl 1993 III 706)
Section 8 Representation and Supervision
Inserted by Annex No 3 of the Patent Attorney Act of 20 March 2009, in force since 1 July 2011 (AS 2011 2259; BBl 2008 407).
A. Representation
Art. 48a
1 There is no obligation to be represented before the administrative authorities in proceedings under this Act. 2 Any party who does not want to represent himself in proceedings under this Act before the administrative authorities must be represented by a representative with an address for service in Switzerland.
B. Supervision
Art. 48b
Article 13 of the Patent Attorney Act of 20 March 2009 applies by analogy to representatives who are not registered in the Patent Attorney Register.
SR 935.62