Introduction
Registering a trademark in Switzerland gives your brand a powerful layer of protection — but that protection doesn’t last forever. Every trademark must be renewed every 10 years at the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI).
If you forget to renew your trademark, you risk losing your exclusive rights to your brand name and logo. Below, we explain the legal and business consequences, the grace period available, and what you can do to restore your rights.
To learn more about Swiss trademark registration and renewal, visit our dedicated page: Swiss Trademark Services.
How Long a Swiss Trademark Lasts
A Swiss trademark is valid for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed for consecutive 10-year periods. The renewal must be filed before the expiration date, and the renewal fee paid to the IPI (Institut Fédéral de la Propriété Intellectuelle).
For official guidance, visit the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI).
What Happens If You Miss the Renewal Deadline
If you miss your renewal deadline, your trademark immediately loses protection under Swiss law. This can have several serious implications:
- You lose exclusive rights to your mark in Switzerland.
- Competitors could register or use similar branding.
- You can’t enforce your rights against infringers.
- Your brand reputation could be at risk.
Essentially, your trademark protection — and the business value behind it — can vanish overnight.
The Six-Month Grace Period
Swiss trademark law provides a six-month grace period after the official expiration date. During this time, you can still renew your trademark by paying an additional late fee.
If the renewal is not completed within this window, the trademark is deleted from the register and cannot be reinstated. You would have to file a new application, and there’s a real risk that someone else could register a similar mark before you.
The Impact on Your Business
Losing a registered trademark can cause serious disruption beyond legal ownership:
- Brand confusion: Customers may associate competitors’ products with your name.
- Loss of trust: Years of reputation building can be undermined.
- Financial losses: Rebranding costs can be significant.
- Reduced valuation: Intellectual property is a key business asset.
How to Prevent Trademark Expiry
Avoiding missed renewals is easy with a few proactive steps:
- Track renewal dates carefully in your business calendar.
- Set up automatic reminders at least six months before expiration.
- Use a professional Swiss service provider like RB Swiss Group to handle renewals.
- Maintain a Swiss domicile address to ensure all IPI correspondence is received promptly.
Maintain Full Brand Protection with RB Swiss Group
At RB Swiss Group, we help businesses manage their intellectual property and stay compliant with Swiss legal requirements. From company formation to address services and administrative compliance, we make sure your business assets — including trademarks — remain fully protected.
Explore related services:
Secure Your Brand Today
Don’t risk losing your Swiss trademark due to a missed renewal. RB Swiss Group provides expert support to renew, manage, and protect your trademarks and ensure that your company remains fully compliant in Switzerland.
👉 Contact us today to keep your brand protected and your business secure.
📌 Contact RB Swiss Group
RB Swiss Group GmbH
Blegistrasse 7
CH - 6340 Baar
Phone: +41 41 410 61 61
Mail: info@rbswiss.com
Web: www.rbswiss.com