Name check
A name available in the commercial register may be a trademark filed by a third party. A search for identical matches finds nothing, while a similar name is enough to ground an opposition. We look for what resembles, not only what is identical.
Who it is forFounders before registration, companies launching a brand or a range, agencies proposing a name to a client, buyers changing the trading name.
Order
Four databases and a comparison exercise that an identical-match search does not perform, brought together in a report with a risk level.
Understand
Must my company name be unique?
It must be clearly distinguishable from any company name already registered in Switzerland and must not mislead. Clearly does not mean exactly: a single letter of difference is generally not enough.
Art. 944 and 951 CO
Does the commercial register check trademarks?
No. It checks company names against each other. You can therefore be lawfully registered and still receive a cease-and-desist letter from the owner of a similar trademark.
Art. 13 TmPA
What is a risk of confusion?
It is assessed on the overall impression: sound, spelling, meaning, and proximity of the goods or services. That is why we also compare names that sound alike and those easily misread.
Art. 3 TmPA and Federal Supreme Court case law
What does filing a trademark cost afterwards?
The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property charges CHF 550 for three classes and ten years of protection, with a CHF 100 discount for electronic filing. Our report tells you whether that filing has a chance before you pay for it.
IPI schedule of fees
Go further
FAQ
Not yet. We check, we recommend, and we explain the electronic filing procedure with the Federal Institute. If you want to delegate the filing itself, write to us.
It is a reasoned assessment, not a decision. A low risk level does not guarantee the absence of opposition, and we write that. For a name you are investing heavily in, our report is the solid basis a trademark lawyer will charge less to review.
That is a separate service: the trademark watch alerts you for a year to any similar filing, with the opposition note ready if needed.
A question before ordering?
You hesitate between two services, your case is unusual, you want a quote for a volume: say it here. Personal reply within two business days.
