There are various phone numbers and websites to help you better understand the characteristics of intellectual property.
Free information by phone
For any query on intellectual property, you can call the Contact Center of the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) at +41 31 377 77 77, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 5 pm. If necessary, the person you speak to will put you in touch with an expert. You can also send an e-mail to info@ipi.ch.
Information online at pme.ipi.ch
This website, aimed at SMEs and non-specialists, provides basic information about protection options, guidance in this area and testimonials from Swiss SMEs about their experience of intellectual property.
An assisted search of patent literature
Are you the author of an invention and unsure of what you need to do? Do you have technical questions? As part of an assisted search of patent literature at the IPI’s premises in Bern, a patents expert will provide you with information about protecting innovations. You can also conduct searches together of patent databases and get a preliminary overview in the area of your invention. This service costs CHF 300 for a half-day.
Free advice on patents and software protection
Patent advisors from Switzerland and Liechtenstein, affiliated with the intellectual property advice network, can offer you 45 minutes of free consultation, during which you can ask your questions about patents and software protection covered by copyright.
