Do you want to start a new business for your new product?
The cantonal commercial registry is responsible for registering new businesses in the commercial register. Consider the principles for creating a business name and check whether your business name is still available.

Did you know that a protected trade mark and a business name can conflict with each other? That’s why we advise you to make sure that no identical or similar name is already protected as a trade mark before registering your name with the commercial registry. You can also have a search provider carry out a search for you.

Entering your business name in the commercial register does not automatically protect it as a trade mark. Trade mark protection derives only from entering a sign in the trade mark register maintained by the IPI. The commercial register entry only protects you to a limited extent from third parties using your business name for their products, so it can be worthwhile to also register your business name as a trade mark.

Further information

• Why protect a business name as a trade mark as well?
• Information sheet on areas of potential conflict between signs, only available in German, French and Italian.
• www.zefix.ch: Central Commercial Registry. The website also has links to the cantonal commercial registries.
• www.bj.admin.ch: the website of the Federal Office of Justice with information regarding business protection.
• www.gruenden.ch: A wealth of information for entrepreneurs from the company foundation platform of the Canton of Zurich.
• www.kmu.admin.ch: Information for businesses from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
• www.startbiz.ch: Federal office for entrepreneurs.

Support

• Trade mark consultants in Switzerland

Searches

• Professional searches: Searches for identical or similar trade marks protected in Switzerland can be carried out by a variety of professional providers.