The short answer
Yes. The legally required register information includes the trademark owner's name or company name and address. Applications also become visible on Swissreg. Appointing a representative does not make the owner anonymous. Public details can also be used for misleading payment requests.
An application is not a confidential placeholder
The IPI publishes the application on Swissreg after the preliminary examination. The owner's name or company name and address are required register details. Any representative is listed with their own details. Appointing one does not remove the owner's information.
Before filing, clarify who should actually own the mark and which correct address details to use. If you work from home, discuss this early. Do not simply enter an inaccurate address. The application should reflect the actual circumstances, not a desired appearance of anonymity.
Sources: IPI: Application procedure and visibility on Swissreg · IPI: 2026 Guidelines, Part 3, section 4.8 on register information
Withdrawing later does not undo publication
The IPI is legally required to provide information about IP rights and associated personal data. In principle, anyone may inspect the registers. Its privacy policy states that register data remains visible after an IP right is cancelled, so that past legal relationships can still be traced.
Treat filing as a publication step. Carefully check names, addresses and the version of the mark beforehand. A later change may be necessary and possible, but it is not a promise that earlier details will disappear everywhere. Advice or representation cannot guarantee complete anonymity for the trademark owner either.
Sources: IPI: Privacy policy, publication and retention of register data · IPI: 2026 Guidelines, Part 3, section 4.8 on register information
Distinguish official fees from private register offers
The IPI warns about offers and invoices for useless entries in private registers or directories. Such entries do not provide official trademark protection. A printed logo, a correct application number or an urgent payment deadline does not by itself make a letter an IPI invoice.
Compare the sender, payment recipient and description of the service with your application documents and agreed services. Have unclear letters confirmed through a contact you already know at the IPI or your representative. Tell your accounting team about the application too, so they do not pay unexpected demands merely because the trademark details match. Continue to observe genuine deadlines while checking.
What you can do now
- Identify the owner and correct address details before filing.
- Discuss public visibility with everyone involved.
- Check unexpected payment requests through known contacts before approving payment.
Frequently asked questions
Does a trademark representative hide my name in the register?
No. The owner and representative are separate register entries. A representative can manage the procedure but does not replace the legally required details of the actual trademark owner.
Sources: IPI: 2026 Guidelines, Part 3, section 4.8 on register information
Do I need a paid entry in a private trademark directory?
Such a directory does not provide official trademark protection. The IPI advises against the private register offers described. Check whether a letter concerns a genuine agreed service or is simply an additional offer.