Intellectual Property
Europe Guide 2024 : Switzerland
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+41 58 220 36 00About
Provided by Valfor
The IP team covers all fields of intellectual property law, namely patent, trademark and design, copyright law, including related practices such as know-how protection, trade secrets and unfair competition. We have been a driving force in advising on business transactions related to the Internet and have actively assisted our clients in a wide range of activities involving the use of IP on the Internet. The IP team offers administrative services such as trademark and design applications and portfolio management. In addition, the IP team manages large trademark, design and domain name portfolios.
Core Expertise
- Representing clients in IP cases before the Swiss Federal Supreme Court, the Federal Patent Court, the Federal Administrative Court and cantonal courts across the country
- Representing clients in IP-related international arbitration
- Advising on commercial transactions such as licensing, franchising and joint ventures
- Handling R&D cooperation agreements and technology transfer issues
- Conducting IP due diligence in M&A matters
- Assessing IP aspects of new business models
- Advising companies on trademarks, company names and domain names
- Advising on geographical indications and Swissness
- Handling trademark, design and domain name portfolio prosecution and management
- Advising on copyrights, advertising and entertainment law
- Assisting clients in IP-related matters regarding sponsorship, franchising, licenses and distributorships
- Protecting clients against counterfeiting
Chambers Review
Valfor offers a noteworthy team with a particular focus on trade mark mandates. The team is active in trade mark portfolio work, advising on registrations and branding issues. The lawyers also act on licensing agreements. BianchiSchwald, GHR Rechtsanwälte and PYTHON merged to form Valfor in July 2024.
Work Highlights
- Valfor advised Viacom18 on its media rights agreement with the International Olympic Committee including the exclusive media rights to broadcast the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Valfor are very responsive and commercially savvy. They always find the most commercially beneficial action for clients."
"They demonstrate exceptional financial stewardship by offering high-quality legal services within the agreed-upon budget."
"Valfor are very responsive and commercially savvy. They always find the most commercially beneficial action for clients."
"They demonstrate exceptional financial stewardship by offering high-quality legal services within the agreed-upon budget."
Notable Practitioners
Christoph Gasser advises on cross-border patent and trade mark disputes, in addition to assisting with copyright levies and distribution agreements. He also handles trade mark portfolios for clients in the oil and gas and transportation sectors.
"Christoph is deeply involved in IP and competition matters. Not only is it a pleasure working with him, but his levels of commercial awareness, knowledge and legal performance are incredible."
"Christoph consistently delivers exceptional client service, demonstrates a high level of legal sophistication and exhibits keen commercial awareness."