Patents , brands and designs – protected digitally The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property uses IncaMail

The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) verifies, issues and manages commercial property rights, i.e. patents, brands and designs. In conjunction with other authorities, associations and companies, the IPI promotes “Switzerland” as an indication of source on the international stage, oversees the collective rights management organizations for copyrights, and uses a variety of methods to provide information to private individuals and companies. A recognized delivery platform was required for digitized handling of its proceedings and correspondence.

The Ordinance on Electronic Communication in Administrative Proceedings (ECAPO, SR 172.021.2) allows the IPI to deliver its correspondence electronically, thanks to the recognized delivery platform IncaMail. The secure e-mail service from Swiss Post was integrated seamlessly into the existing document and process software Domtrac. Since February 2020, IncaMail is used by the IPI for all brand proceedings, including registration procedures for national and international brands or opposition and cancellation procedures. At the request of the lead parties, the IPI sends all correspondence electronically, including decisions. In parallel with the digitization of the IPI’s business processes, IncaMail will also be used in all patent and design proceedings in future.