Good to know for businesses
Application for assistance from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security
Factsheet
Protect innovations
Whoever stands out from the crowd with their products has always been the target for imitators and unauthorised users. The phenomenon of counterfeiting and piracy has assumed alarming proportions worldwide and even Swiss companies are increasingly becoming victims of counterfeiters – particularly in the European and Asian markets. Large corporations as well as small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) from all sectors of the economy are affected.
To ensure that you’re the one who profits from your innovations and creations – and not free riders – you must protect your intellectual property from counterfeiters and enforce your rights.
The following pages provide information on intellectual property protection:
Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI)
The website of the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) contains information on intellectual property.
SME - IPI
The SME-IPI information platform provides SMEs with specific information on protecting intellectual property and enforcing IP rights. Take a look at how you can avoid infringing others’ products and protect your own innovations and creative work.
IPR Helpdesk and China IPR SME Helpdesk
Assist SMEs with case studies, e-learning modules, webinars and information on protecting intellectual property in China and Europe.
Information from the European Commission
Customs assistance procedure
There are various options available to producers and rights holders for enforcing their intellectual property rights:
Application for assistance from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security
In Switzerland, it’s possible to apply for assistance to the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS). This allows you to request that customs refuse the release of goods at the FOCBS crossing if there’s a suspicion that they infringe intellectual property rights in Switzerland. If the FOCBS withholds goods based on such an application, the rights holder has the option of obtaining preliminary measures within ten days through the responsible court.
Form for assistance from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) (in German)
Fact sheet on the provision of assistance by the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS)
Application for action for the EU customs
Businesses can also make an application for action by the competent customs for the entire EU or selected European countries.
Community application for action by customs authorities
Do have any other questions about counterfeiting and piracy
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