Frequently Asked Questions
Reference to trademark protection
Is the use of the symbol ® obligatory if the trademark is registered ?
In the vast majority of countries, use of the symbol ® in conjunction with a registered trademark or service mark is not obligatory; this applies in particular to Switzerland and all surrounding countries. In a few countries of Latin America (e.g. Mexico), of Africa, of the Middle and Far East use appears to be obligatory or a condition for demanding extensive compensations of caused damages; in Portugal use of the symbol ® is apparently obligatory for certain categories of products (pharmaceuticals, watches, certain luxury foodstuffs).
In the vast majority of countries, use of the symbol ® in conjunction with a registered trademark or service mark is not obligatory; this applies in particular to Switzerland and all surrounding countries. In a few countries of Latin America (e.g. Mexico), of Africa, of the Middle and Far East use appears to be obligatory or a condition for demanding extensive compensations of caused damages; in Portugal use of the symbol ® is apparently obligatory for certain categories of products (pharmaceuticals, watches, certain luxury foodstuffs).
