Should I register my company name as a trade mark?
Tue, 28.11.2023, 11:00
Registering your business name as a trade mark can be a wise decision to protect yourself from the competition. Although it is not a legal requirement, it can help you protect your business against copying, counterfeiting and trademark infringement.

Register your business name as a trademark and strengthen your market position
As an entrepreneur, registering your company name as a trademark with the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) offers legal protection and exclusive rights in specified sectors. This action strengthens your company's credibility, sets you apart from the competition and creates a recognisable brand identity. Although registration is not compulsory, it is an important step in protecting and positioning your company in the market. Don't hesitate to ask an intellectual property expert to help you with this process.
Is it compulsory to register my company name as a trade mark?
Registering your company name as a trade mark is not legally compulsory, but it is highly recommended, especially in innovation-driven sectors. It protects you from the competition and enhances your brand image. A brand differentiates you from your competitors and establishes a special bond with your customers. By protecting your brand image, you ensure the uniqueness of your products or services, encouraging customer loyalty. By conveying unique messages and upholding your company's values, you attract new customers and retain existing ones.To succeed in the marketplace and establish a sustainable business, registering your company name as a brand seems an essential step.
Feeling burnt out by incessant competition copying your ideas? Are you looking for a way to protect yourself while adding value to your business? Registering your trademark could be the answer to these concerns.
By registering your trademark, you create valuable capital that grows with your business, becoming an attractive intangible asset when you sell it. Registration gives you a monopoly on use, protecting you against unauthorised use by competitors. However, this requires you to actively defend your rights if necessary.
How do I register my brand name?
Registering your brand name involves several key steps. Firstly, creating a creative distinctive sign is crucial to differentiating your products or services. It is advisable to add a word that reflects your business or your values. Make sure you choose your brand name carefully, as it represents your image and the quality of what you offer. A thorough search of trademarks already registered in Switzerland is essential to avoid potential conflicts. Although swissreg.ch can help, it is advisable to call in professionals for an exhaustive search.
To register your trademark, the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) can assist you. You can fill in an application form or use the e-trademark system at www.ige.ch. The IPI will examine your application and issue you with a certificate of registration if everything is in order. Any errors will be reported for correction. Once registered, you will receive a certificate of registration. If you are a foreigner, you will need the assistance of a representative domiciled in Switzerland to file your application. For a trouble-free process, it is advisable to be accompanied by specialists. Professional expertise will help you avoid problems related to competition or legal errors. IFJ and its legal experts can facilitate and speed up this complex administrative procedure, thereby preserving your image and your clientele.
How can IFJ and PGA Intellectual Property help me?
PGA Intellectual Property, in partnership with IFJ, is an internationally recognised company offering a wide range of services in the field of intellectual property. It offers professional advice on patents, trade marks and designs through a highly specialised team of over 20 experts in various technical fields, as well as a total team of 40 professionals. With in-depth knowledge and expertise in various areas of intellectual property, PGA Intellectual Property, in collaboration with IFJ, is here to help you secure your trademark rights.
Find out more about their comprehensive service offering here.