Swiss Institute Raises SME Awareness Of IP Protection

by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels

26 August 2010

Determined to raise awareness among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Switzerland of the importance of protecting intellectual property, the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) has publicized a comprehensive series of new services that are now available, specifically designed to support companies in Switzerland.

By highlighting its position and the services it offers, the IPI aims to provide SMEs with a greater understanding of the subject, in order that they can identify their potential in this field and protect themselves according to their needs.

Outlined under the slogan “Envisioned, Created, Protected”, the key measures and services provided by the IPI are as follows:

• The availability of a new website for SMEs, providing essential information on intellectual property at any time;
• The establishment of a new intellectual property telephone advisory service designed to complement existing services provided by the IPI contact centre;
• The availability on request of new guidelines on a variety of topics;
• Offers of training and awareness measures, which will systematically be renewed and developed.

According to the Swiss federal administration, SMEs form the backbone of the Swiss economy as a result of their capacity for innovation. Indeed, Swiss Justice Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf recently noted that these companies invest almost CHF3bn (EUR2.3bn) annually in research and development. The minister emphasized that it is this propensity to innovate combined with the correct management of intellectual property that are key factors in the success of these companies.

The federal administration highlights the fact, however, that for a number of these companies, there is a distinct lack of awareness of the need and means by which to protect their intellectual property. Recent studies have revealed that almost two in three companies do not actively protect their innovations and creations from either abuse or counterfeiting, it adds.

There are currently more than 300,000 SMEs in Switzerland, employing a total of almost 2.3 million individuals.

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