Where can I apply for a patent?
If it is clear after the patent search that the invention is indeed new, it is best to apply for the patent at the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) as soon as possible.
The invention is protected from the date of application. You also receive the so-called priority right abroad with the application. This is valid for twelve months, i.e. you can also apply for your patent abroad (with the date of application in Switzerland) within this period.
As the patent holder, you have the right to exclude third parties from commercial use (manufacture, sale, import/export, advertising) of your invention. However, the patent right only exists in the country in which the patent is registered. It expires at the latest 20 years after registration. As long as the patent is valid, you can freely dispose of it, i.e. you can also sell it.
Important: It takes an average of three to four years between the application and the granting of the patent by the IPI. Patenting an invention therefore takes time.
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