More protection for the Swiss brand called for
Switzerland is a popular marketing asset: According to the Institute of Intellectual Property, some 6,400 brands in Switzerland alone use it in some form to promote themselves. To better protect the “Switzerland” brand, laws are now set to be updated.
Switzerland is a popular advertising factor: in Switzerland alone, around 6400 brands are adorned with it in some form, as the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property found out. In order to better protect the Swiss brand, laws are now to be revised. The Federal Council is planning a revision to legally regulate the use of the designation "Switzerland" and the Swiss cross. The national government wants to allow the Swiss cross to be displayed on goods in future. At present, it may only be used as decoration, but not as a designation of origin.
The Federal Council also wants to take stronger action against abuse. Last fall, the government proposed that black sheep in Switzerland should be better monitored and more legal action taken against them. In particular, it wants to increase monitoring abroad.
The Federal Council is hoping for support in protecting the Swiss brand from industry associations. It has called on them to take the initiative in proposing product-specific "Swiss Made" ordinances. There is currently only one ordinance for the watch industry dating back to 1971.
The Federal Council also wants to take stronger action against abuse. Last fall, the government proposed that black sheep in Switzerland should be better monitored and more legal action taken against them. In particular, it wants to increase monitoring abroad.
The Federal Council is hoping for support in protecting the Swiss brand from industry associations. It has called on them to take the initiative in proposing product-specific "Swiss Made" ordinances. There is currently only one ordinance for the watch industry dating back to 1971.
