The short answer
The core consists of the application naming the applicant, a representation of the trademark and the list of goods or services claimed. Further information depends on your circumstances. A complete marketing presentation does not replace these three specific elements of the application.
Identify the actual applicant clearly
Record the correct personal or company name and current address of the person or entity intended to own the trademark. Agree this internally. An agency contact, the invoice recipient and the legal trademark owner do not necessarily have to be the same person.
Where several people are involved or incorporation is still planned, clarify the legal entity before entering information. Have existing register details ready. If substantial doubts arise about legal personality, the IPI may request evidence. Do not invent a temporary identity merely to complete a required field quickly.
Sources: Fedlex: Trade Mark Protection Act, Articles 28 and 29
Settle the exact sign and the offering
For a word mark, prepare the chosen sequence of characters; for a logo, a clear representation of the version being filed. Decide which version you actually want protected. A collection of competing designs leaves uncertainty about the application and the sign to be used later.
Describe the specific goods and services too. The Swiss list must be submitted in German, French or Italian. A website address or a phrase such as everything for my business does not replace an appropriate list. Include realistically planned offerings before making the final selection.
Sources: IPI: List of goods and services · IPI: 2026 Trademark Guidelines, formal examination
Organise additional evidence and approval separately
If you intend to rely on an earlier foreign application, provide its details early so the priority question can be assessed. Representation or particular types of sign can require further information. The exact requirements should be established using the circumstances of your specific application.
Also retain designer agreements, search results and internal approval. Not all these documents automatically need to be filed, but they help preparation. Before submission, have someone check the name, address, sign and list together. Then save the version actually submitted and its confirmation.
What you can do now
- Check the owner's name and address with the responsible person.
- Provide one final sign and a specific list of offerings.
- Raise priority questions and additional evidence before filing.
Frequently asked questions
Must every application include a commercial-register extract?
Not automatically. Where the applicant's identity is unclear, the IPI may request an extract or comparable evidence. Individuals can apply too.
Sources: Fedlex: Trade Mark Protection Act, Articles 28 and 29 · IPI: 2026 Trademark Guidelines, formal examination
Can I use my English product list unchanged?
The Swiss goods and services list must be in German, French or Italian. Use the English list as working material and check the appropriate terms.
Sources: IPI: List of goods and services