Switzerland

Practitioners in this busy marketplace observe that business is thriving, with reported increases in both filing and litigation. Although the traditional division between agents and law firms still exists, the latter have broadened their scope in order to offer more prosecution services, while trademark attorney practices (eg, Wild Schnyder AG) have sought to enter the litigation sector. The Swiss regime itself has undergone no major changes over the past year; however, 3D and other non-traditional marks, as well as trademark law in the online realm, remain the source of much debate. A particularly hot topic is the use of geographical indications in trademarks – legislators are especially keen to protect the valuable Swiss Cross and other Swiss-specific marks, and strict amendments to trademark law are proposed in this niche area.