Protect intellectual property

In addition to research and teaching, the remit of ETH Zurich also extends to the commercial exploitation of research results. The aim of such an exploitation is to maximise revenues for the Swiss economy and assure a flow of funds back to research. ETH Zurich employees are requested to contact ETH transfer in order to obtain protection on intellectual property.

Inventions and patents

Patents may be granted for inventions of technical character, if the invention is new, involves an inventive step and has industrial applicability.

Software and copyright

Copyright protects original works of computer programs. All software distributed to third parties has to be reported to ETH transfer and registered.

Trademark

Trademarks are used to distinguish a company’s goods or services from those of other companies. They may consist of words, pictures, or a combination of these elements, possibly together with colours. Registration is valid for ten years and may be renewed by a further ten years.

Design

A design is the specific external shape of a product. In order to claim protection, the design must be new, show a certain originality and must not be subject to technical constraints. A design can be protected for a maximum of 25 years. A registered design may not be copied or simulated.

Introduction to Intellectual Property (IP) rights

Contact

Patrizia Zuppinger

ETH transfer
Rämistrasse 101
8092 Zürich
Switzerland

Links

IP & Licensing

Links and downloads