The partial revision of the Swiss Patent Act, adopted by the Federal Assembly in March 2024, has reached an important milestone. On April 30, 2025, the Federal Council submitted the draft revision of the Patent Ordinance for consultation. This draft sets out the implementing provisions of the Patent Act.
The main new features of the grant procedure are included, notably the introduction of a systematic prior art search, and an optional examination of novelty and inventive step. The latest version of the ordinance, which dates back to 1978, is being fully updated and modernized, particularly with regard to digital aspects.
Interested parties have until August 22, 2025, to submit their comments and suggestions on the draft (see Consultation Procedure 2024/95). The revision is scheduled to be implemented in 2026, with the revised Act and the new Patent Ordinance entering into force simultaneously.
by François-Adrien CHAGNOLLAUD, June 17, 2025