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Switzerland out in front for global intellectual property

The World Intellectual Property Organization ranks Switzerland and Swiss companies highly for three classes in 2021: international trademark filings, international patent filings and domain name dispute resolution.

With 94 applications, Novartis AG from Basel occupied the fifth spot for international trademark applications using the Madrid system.
With 94 applications, Novartis AG from Basel occupied the fifth spot for international trademark applications using the Madrid system. Image credit: Novartis

In its latest report, the Geneva-based World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) states that rather than being hampered by the coronavirus crisis, innovation worldwide has seemingly thrived in the second year of the pandemic. The WIPO’s global intellectual property services for patents, trademarks and designs reached record-setting levels. “These figures show that human ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit remain strong despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic,” said WIPO Director General Daren Tang in a press release.

Switzerland is the top filer for patents and brands

The number of international patent applications filed via the WIPO grew by 0.9 percent in 2021 to 277,500 applications. This is the highest figure ever recorded. Switzerland is at number 8 overall. Top of the rankings are China, the USA, Japan, South Korea and Germany.

With 94 applications, Novartis AG from Basel occupied the fifth spot for international trademark applications using the Madrid system. In the overall ranking by origin, Switzerland was placed sixth worldwide in 2021.

Switzerland among largest users of International Design System

Among the users of the International Design System, Switzerland was fourth with 1,826 applications, ranking after Germany, the USA and Italy. As online presence continues to be reinforced by companies, the number of disputes relating to domain names mediated or settled by the WIPO has also risen. In terms of cases filed, it consequently ranked fourth behind the USA, France and the UK.

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