RESTRICTEDWORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONIP/C/W/117/Add.13
16 February 1999
(99-0598)
Council for Trade-Related Aspects
of Intellectual Property RightsOriginal:  French
REVIEW UNDER ARTICLE 24.2 OF THE APPLICATION OF THE
PROVISIONS OF THE SECTION OF THE TRIPS AGREEMENT
ON GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS
Responses to the Checklist of Questions1
Addendum
SWITZERLAND
The present document represents the responses to the Checklist which the Secretariat has
received from Switzerland, by means of a communication from its Permanent Mission, dated
11 January 1999.
_______________
I. INTRODUCTION
Preliminary remarks
As the ordinances implementing the new Federal Law on Agriculture are still in the process
of being adopted and published, the Swiss delegati on prefers to attach to this document only those
texts whose adoption is considered definitive.  The laws and regulations on geographical indications
will be fully updated once the ordinances have entered into force and been officially published.
Where wines are concerned, the present system for the protection of geographical indications
for wines is described in document IP/Q2/CHE/1, Section III (Switzerland’s replies to questions
posed by the EC).  It is different from the system already in place for certain agricultural products
(registration at federal level).  On 1 January 1999, a new ordinance will replace the text in force up to
31 December 1998 (Decree on Viticulture).  Very briefly, it can be said that the system will be based
on the same approach: registration will be the responsibility of the cantons which will notify their liststo the competent federal authority; the latter will then publish a register of geographical indications.
If necessary, the Swiss delegation will supplement its responses concerning geographical indications
for wines in a separate document.
The Swiss delegation reserves the right to add to or amend these responses as the systems
introduced are further developed.
                                                     
1 Documents IP/C/13 and IP/C/13/Add.1.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 2
II. RESPONSES TO THE QUESTIONS IN DOCUMENT IP/C/13
A. GENERAL
1. Is protection for geographical indications provided through unfair competition law, e.g.,
passing off, false designation of origin; through a formal procedure for notification/registration
before protection is available; or through both?  Does the recognition of a geographicalindication require registration?
In Switzerland, geographical indications are protected in various ways:
1.1 For some products (agricultural products): by a formal notification/registration
procedure, at federal level, for appellations of origin and geographical indications.
See the reply to question 2 below for more details.
1.2 For wine-sector products: by cantonal regulations on appellations of origin.  See the
reply to question 2 below for more details.
1.3 For services and products other than the agricultural products mentioned above:  by
the protection of indications of source, granted automatically, without a formal
notification/registration procedure, provided that the legal conditions are satisfied
(see replies to questions 8 to 10 below for more details); this protection is also
applicable when agricultural products are not registered under the formal procedure
mentioned above.
1.4 By the law on unfair competition (inaccurate or misleading descriptions of goods,
services, etc.).
In accordance with the regular practice of the courts, it is possible to have concurrent
application – in civil but not criminal law – of the legal protection derived from a special intellectualproperty (IP) law and the law on unfair competition (LCD).  The special IP laws exclude the
application of the LCD only if the former regulate the question completely and, in particular, if they
provide more extensive protection.  If an intellectual property right cannot be protected under a
special law, or if the relevant protection has not been obtained or no longer exists, protection cannot
be acquired under the LCD.  In other words, it is possible to have concurrent application of the LCD
and IP laws but not to obtain an extension of the protection afforded by the IP laws by seeking
recourse to the LCD.
The recognition of a geographical indication does not always require its registration (see
reply 1.2 to question 1 above).
2. Is there one single regime of protection of geographical indications for all products?  If
not, identify the different regimes.
No.  There is not one single regime for all products.
2.1 In general, the geographical indications of products and services are protected by the
Federal Law on the Protection of Trademarks and Indications of Source (LPM).Until the adoption of special rules for the geographical indications of agricultural
products in 1997, the LPM also covered the qualified indication of source
(corresponding to the appellation of origin).  Since 1997, if no request for the
registration of an appellation of origin or geographical indication is made for theseIP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 3
agricultural products, the LPM continues to apply.  The LPM also covers craft and
industrial products and services.
2.2 The so-called “qualified” geographical indications of agricultural products (and
processed agricultural products) enjoy additional (absolute) protection based on aregistration system.  This protection can only be obtained by observing certain very
strict rules (specifications, etc.; for further details see the replies to questions 8 to 10
below).
2.3 In the case of viticultural products, it is the responsibility of the cantons to establish
the necessary rules with regard to registered appellations of origin.  The cantons must
also maintain a list of the production areas re lating to their appellations of origin and
indications of source (new Ordinance on wine).
3. Do(es) the regime(s) of protection of geographical indications also extend to services?
Yes.  As already mentioned in reply 2.1 to question 2 above, indications of source for services
enjoy so-called ex lege  protection.
4. What provisions of law or regulations are directed to the recognition of geographical
indications required by Articles 22.2 and 23.1 of the TRIPS Agreement?  Citations to laws
should be provided and, if the texts of the laws have not been notified to  the WTO, copies should
be provided pursuant to Article 63.2.
The relevant laws and regulations are as follows:
4.1 Federal Law on the Protection of Trademarks and Indications of Source of
28 August 1992 (LPM; RS 232.11;  Articles 47-51, 52, 55-59, 64-65, 67-68, 70-72)
2;
4.2 Ordinance on the Protection of Trademarks of 23 December 1992 (OPM;
RS 232.111). Despite its misleading title, this Ordinance, which deals mainly with
trade mark registration procedures, also concerns indications of source (for example,
Articles 53 (identification of pr oducer) and 54-57 (border measures)3;
4.3 Ordinance on the Use of the Designation “Swiss” for Watches of 23 December 19714;
4.4 Federal Law on Agriculture of 29 April 1998 (LAgr; FF 1998 2112; entry into force
1 January 1999, in particular, Articles 14 sq., 63 sq., 169 and 172)5 (copy of the
relevant provisions attached;  Annex);
4.5 Ordinance on the Protection of Appellations  of Origin and Geographical Indications
in respect of Agricultural Products and Processed Agricultural Products of
28 May 1997 (Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs; RS 910.12).6 “Agricultural products”
means agricultural products, including spirits, but excluding wines, which are
                                                     
2 Text notified to the TRIPS Council in January 1996 (document IP/N/1/CHE/1).
3 Text notified to the TRIPS Council in January 1996 (document IP/N/1/CHE/1).
4 Text notified to the TRIPS Council in January 1996 (document IP/N/1/CHE/1).
5 Text already notified (see documents IP/N/1/CHE/G /2 and 2/Add.1). In the meantime, LAgr has been
completely revised. Articles 18(a) and 18(c) LAgr are numbered 14 and 16 in the new LAgr. Their content isunchanged.
6 Text already notified (see document IP/N/CHE/G/3). The Ordinance is based on Articles 18(a) and
18(c) (1997 amendment of LAgr) which have become Articles. 14 and 16 of the new 1998 LAgr.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 4
protected by another agricultural law (Ordinance on Viticulture and the Importation
of Wine).
4.6 Ordinance on Viticulture and the Importation of Wine (Ordinance on wine; to enter
into force on 1 January 1999)7;
4.7 Ordinance of the DFI (Federal Department of the Interior) of 10 December 1981
Regulating the Description of Swiss Cheeses (RS 817.141).  (This Ordinance will be
repealed on 1 July 2002).
5. If the required recognition of geographical indications is not provided through statutes
or regulations, please explain, in detail, th e mechanism or mechanisms through which the
protection required is provided.
The question is not applicable to Switzerland.  See the replies above and below.
6. Please provide a few examples of domestic geographical indications protected in
accordance with the means discussed above and in dicate the means by which such protection is
provided.
6.1 In the context of the Law on the Protection of Trademarks and Indications of Source
(LPM): “Swiss made” or “Geneva” for watches, “Swiss” for chocolate, and all the
names of agricultural products for which no registration application has been made
and accepted.  Indirect indications of source, such as “Mont Cervin” (“Matterhorn”)are also protected.  “Swiss made” for watches, for example, is protected within the
context of a special ordinance whose promulgation is provided for by the LPM
(Article 50).  In the other cases, the pr otection afforded by the LPM depends on the
existence of a link between the product and the place and the recognition of that
relationship by the circles concerned.  See also the replies to questions 27 and 52below (bilateral treaties).
6.2 In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs: the geographical indications
requested have not yet been registered, but are in the process of registration.  By way
of example, some 20 registration applications have been received for the following
products: Gruyère, Grisons dried meat and Abricotine du Valais.
6.3 In the context of the present Decree on viticulture and the future Ordinance on wine
(entry into force 1 January 1999):  communal appellations such as Féchy, Auvernier
and Malans; cantonal appellations such as Fendant du Valais and Perlan de Genève.
With respect to indications of source, descriptions such as Chasselas romand,
Ostschweizer Riesling and Sylvaner.
7. Is the higher level of protection required for wines and spirits under Article 23.2 of the
TRIPS Agreement provided for any other product?  If so, please specify such products and the
law under which they are protected.
The higher level of protection (“additional protection”) required for wines and spirits under
Article 23.2 of the TRIPS Agreement is also provided fo r other agricultural products, so long as it is a
question of a “qualified” geographical indication (pr oducts whose quality or characteristics are closely
                                                     
7 This text will be notified later, as indicated in the preliminary remarks. The Federal Decree on wine
cultivation and the Decree of 21 June 1996 amending the Federal Decree on wine cultivation apply until
31 December 1998 (see notification IP/N/1/CHE/G/4).IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 5
linked with their geographical origin).  This protection is afforded by the LAgr and by the Ordinance
on PAOs and PGIs.
The same level of protection is also provided by the LPM for all products (except registered
agricultural products, see above) and services, wherever there is a link between the product and the
place and this link is recognized by the circles concerned.  The difference between the protection
afforded to PAOs and PGIs and that provided for in dications of source in the LPM is that, with the
former, the protection is based on the principle of the public confidence in registers (Article 9 of the
Swiss Civil Code).  Their use is subject to very strict rules.  Moreover, once registered, PAOs and
PGIs cannot become generic.
B. DEFINITION AND CRITERIA FOR RECOGNITION
8. How are geographical indications defined?
The definitions vary according to the different laws and regulations for products and services.
8.1 In the context of the LPM
Indication of source (“indication de provenance” – “Herkunftsangabe”):
Any reference, direct  or indirect , to the geographical source of products or services,
including references to properties or quality in relation to the source.  Geographical
names or signs which are not considered by the circles concerned to be a reference tothe source of products or services are not indications of source within the meaning of
the LPM (Article 47.1, LPM).
• Direct indications of source are precise designations of the geographical
source of a product or service: names of places, continents, countries,
regions, towns, districts or valleys.
• Indirect indications of source do not refer to a particular place or region
explicitly but by means of verbal or figurative symbols such as names or
well-known representations of mountains, lakes, rivers or monuments of
national or international renown, well-known emblems of cities, or names or
figurative representations of famous historical personages such as“William Tell”.  The following are examples of indirect indications: the
New York Statue of Liberty can be clearly interpreted as a reference to the
United States; a graphical representation of the Matterhorn is considered to
be a reference to Switzerland or Valais, depending on the product concerned.
Its presence in a mark, in verbal or graphic form, imposes a corresponding
restriction on the product.
See below, reply 8.2 to question 8, for th e additional regime for agricultural and
processed agricultural products a nd reply 8.3 for wine-sector products.
The LPM applies when the other protection regimes for agricultural products are not
invoked.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 6
8.2 In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs (agricultural products other than
wine, i.e. including spirits)8:
• Protected or registered appellation of origin (PAO or RAO): name of a region
or a place used to describe an agricultural product or processed agricultural
product originating in that region or place whose quality or characteristics areessentially or exclusively due to a particular geographical environment, with
its inherent natural and human factors, and which is produced, processed and
prepared within a defined geographical area.  Traditional (non-geographical)
names of agricultural products which fulfil the aforementioned conditions can
be registered as appellations of origin (Article 2).
• Protected geographical indication (PGI): name of a region or a place used to
describe an agricultural product or processed agricultural product originating
in that region or place which possesses a specific quality, reputation or other
characteristics attributable to that geographical origin and is produced,
processed or prepared within a defined geographical area.  (Thus the
requirements for the PGI are less restrictive than those for the PAO)
(Article 3).
8.3 In the context of the Ordinance on wine (entry into force 1 January 1999):
• Appellation of origin: designates grapes, musts or wines of recognized quality from a
geographically defined area such as a canton, cantonal region, commune, locality,
chateau or domaine.  Wines with an appellation of origin may only come from grapesharvested in the geographical area concerned which fulfil the conditions specified for
category 1 (natural minimum sugar content by batch and limited production per unit
area).
9  The cantons define the use of appellations of origin.  They determine the
production area and the authorized assemblages (Article 10).
• Registered appellation of origin: designates grapes, musts and wines of recognized
quality which fulfil the conditions laid down for the appellation of origin and,moreover, meet the additional requirements established by the canton, including at
least the following: delimitation of the wine-growing area; varieties; methods of
cultivation; minimum natural sugar content; maximum yield per unit area;
vinification methods; analysis and organoleptic examination (Article11).
• A registered appellation of origin may not at the same time be an appellation of origin
as described above.
• Indication of source (“indication de provenance” – “Herkunftsbezeichnung”):
designates grapes, musts and wines from a geographically defined area.  Indication of
source is taken to mean the name of the region, or part thereof if it extends over morethan one canton, or a traditional designation that refers to a geographical area.
Products with an indication of source may only come from grapes harvested in the
                                                     
8 The principal categories covered by the PAO/PGI Ordinance are dairy produce, meat, cured, smoked
and prepared meat products, fruit, vegetables and other crops, processed products (bread, pastry, cakes, biscuits)
and spirits. Some foodstuffs, such as mineral water, are not agricultural products and lie outside the scope of theOrdinance. They are then protected by the LPM.
9 Category 1 (per cent Brix): 14.8 per cent (white varieties), 15.8 per cent (red varieties); category 2
(per cent Brix): 14.4 per cent (white varieties), 15.2 per cent (red varieties).IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 7
geographical area concerned which fulfil the conditions laid down for category 2
(minimum natural sugar content by batch lower than for category 1) (Article 12).
9. Would such a definition comprise geographi cal indications identifying products of a
certain quality or reputation which are indirectly linked to a specific region?
The question is ambiguous (examples of what the authors have in mind would be welcome).
Does the question relate solely to indirect geographical indications (well-known representations of a
locality, region or district)? Until further explanations are provided, the following reply must be
regarded as provisional.
In the context of the LPM: see the definition in reply 8.1 to question 8 above and the criteria
under the reply to question 10 below.  The definition is broad enough to include a whole range of
criteria: properties (characteristics), quality, reputation.  If the question concerns quality products or
products with a high reputation bearing an indirect geographical indication, the answer is yes.  As a
minimum requirement, the indication must relate to the source (Article 47.1, LPM).  For the definition
of “source” see the reply to question 10 below.  However, the producers or other entities may agree on
additional production and quality requirements.
In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs: see the definitions in reply 8.2 to
question 8 above and the criteria under the reply to question 10 below.  For the PAO and the PGI, the
definition refers, in particular, to criteria of quality or reputation which are directly linked to the
geographical area.
In the context of the Ordinance on wine: see the definitions under reply 8.3 to question 8
above and the criteria under the reply to question 10 below.  The definitions refer, in particular, to
criteria of quality or reputation which are directly linked to the geographical production area.
A wine appellation need not correspond to a geographical name.  For example, the name
“Goron” is an indication of source within the meaning of Article 12 of the Ordinance on wine
(“traditional designation”); it corresponds to a geographical area in Valais.  The indication “Goron” is
linked to criteria of quality and reputation which directly evoke the Canton of Valais.  The same
applies to the appellation “Nostrano” for wine from Ticino.
10. In determining whether recognition should be given a geographical indication, what
criteria are considered?
The following criteria may be taken into consideration:
10.1 Under the LPM:
The source of a product is determined by the place of manufacture or by the source of
the basic materials or components used.  Additional conditions may be imposed, such
as the observance of customary or locally prescribed manufacturing principles or
quality requirements (Articles 48.1 and 48.2, LPM).  In each specific case, the criteria
must be defined in terms of their influence on the reputation of the products(Article 48.3, LPM).
Thus, the LPM does not make any terminological distinction between an indication of
source and an appellation of origin.  However, it covers the concept of a “qualified”
indication of source, i.e. any reference to a place which enjoys a special reputation for
the products in question.  The characteristics of the product must be due to the
geographical environment of a specific country, region or place (natural and/orIP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 8
human factors).  All products from the geographical area are entitled to the same
system of protection under the LPM (e.g. “Swiss” for chocolate or “Geneva” for
watches, “Adelbodner” for mineral water, Langenthal porcelain, St-Gall embroidery).
The source of a service is determined by one of the following criteria: the registered
office of the service provider, the nationality of the persons who effectively control
the commercial policy and management, or the domicile of the persons who
effectively control the commercial policy and management.  Further conditions may
be imposed, such as observance of the customary or prescribed principles for the
provision of the services in question or a traditional link between the service provider
and the source country (Article 49, LPM).
Specific criteria are laid down.  For example, for the geographical indication
“Swiss made” for watches: Swiss movement, encasement and final inspection in
Switzerland (Article 1(a), “Swiss made” Ordinance).
10.2 Under the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs:
The criteria to be met for a PAO are as follows: agricultural product or processed
agricultural product originating in a certain region, possession of a certain quality or
characteristics essentially or exclusively due to natural and human factors, all the
stages (production, processing and preparation) must have taken place in the definedgeographical area, and the name of the product must not be generic (Articles 2 and 4).
With respect to PGIs: agricultural product or processed agricultural product
originating in a certain region; possession of a quality, reputation or other
characteristic attributable to that geographical area; at least one of the stages(production, processing or preparation) must  have taken place in the defined area; the
name of the product must not be generic (Articles 3 and 4).
A “generic” name is a name which, although it relates to the place where the product
was originally produced or marketed, has become a common name for that product.
To establish whether a name has become generic, account is taken of the views of the
producers and consumers, especially in its region of origin, and those of the cantonalauthorities (Article 4).
According to the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs, a name must designate a single
product and not a group of products (e.g. the expression “authentic products of the
region of Enhaut”, in the Canton of Vaud, could not be registered as a PAO or PGI).In this case a trademark is more effective (collective mark (Article 22, LPM) or
guarantee mark (Article 21, LPM)).
10.3 According to the Ordinance on wine:
See the criteria listed in the three definitions (AO, RAO and IS) under reply 8.3 to
question 8 above.
11. Is there any human creativity involved in the making of specific products under
protection by the system of geographical indicati ons?  If so, how much?  And do these products
involve any human factors?
Yes.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 9
In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs, the quality of products entitled to an
appellation of origin must be due essentially or exclusively to the geographical environment, which
includes both natural and human factors.
Where wines are concerned, the geographical environment and human factors are of
fundamental importance.
In the context of the LPM, the indication of source makes it possible to cover a broader range
of products in which human creativity (including know-how) is involved in varying degrees (e.g.
Brienz carriage clocks).  However, there may be cases in which the indication of source is used
simply to indicate the place of manufacture or the source of the basic materials and components used.
12. Are there any other intellectual property righ ts involved, such as patents for example?
The question is not clear.  Does it mean:  Can the protection offered by a geographical
indication be provided by the patent system instead? If that is the question, then the answer is clearly
No.
On the other hand, if the question reduces to asking what other intellectual property rights can
apply to wine sector products and agricultural, craft or industrial products, then the following
examples may be cited: right to the creation of new plant species (new vine variety, in the case of
wine), patent rights (in a method of manufacturing an agricultural or industrial product or a wine-
making process), and trademark and industrial design rights, to mention but a few.
Where trademark law is concerned, it should be noted that, if the authorities and groups
concerned so desire and are so authorized, they may file an indication of source as a guarantee mark
or collective mark.10  For example, the name “Goron” is not only protected as an indication of source
(traditional designation) but has also been registered as a guarantee mark owned by the State of theCanton of Vaud itself.
13. What authority, if any, may define the geographic region or area for which rights are
claimed and on what basis is such definition made?
In the context of the LPM: the geographical region or area is defined, in particular, by the
trade.  It may also be based on a legal text (e.g. “Swiss Made” for Swiss watches).
In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs, it is the trade (the producers and/or
processors form a group and it is this group that is entitled to file a registration application) that
defines the geographical area, on the basis of the existing political boundaries.  The area must be
coherent and justified by tradition and the typical nature of the product linked with the soil (Articles 6
and 7).
In the context of the Ordinance on wine (and, moreover, in the Decree in force until
31 December 1998): the cantons define the production regions and areas, as well as the conditions of
use of the appellations of origin and the registration conditions.  At present, the Confederation
confines itself to establishing the basic definition of appellations of origin and indications of source(see reply 8.3 to question 8 above).
14. Does your legislation contain criteria for homonymous geographical indications for
wines?
                                                     
10 See explanation of “established mark” under the reply to question 17 below.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 10
In the Ordinance on wine:  no.
This question may be decided by intercantonal agreements (e.g. Vully from Fribourg and
Vaud).  Generally speaking, we are not aware of any problems relating to homonymous communal
appellations.  If necessary, the situation can be clarified by means of an additional indication(St-Saphorin sur Morges as compared with St-Saphorin (Lavaux)).
The bilateral treaties which Switzerland has signed with several other countries (see replies to
questions 27 and 52 below) contain an homonymous indication clause, which may or may not be
supplemented by a protocol.
15. Does your national legislation provide for recognition and protection of geographical
indications or appellations of origin of foreign countries?
Under Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, Switzerland has concluded bilateral and
multilateral agreements on the protection of indications of source, appellations of origin and similar
designations.
The international law forms part of domestic law.
16. Is there any specific prohibition in the legislation/regulations/rules/procedures covering
geographical indications not protected in the countr y of origin?  If so, please specify the relevant
statutory provision.
The answer is No.  However, the question ca lls for further clarification: What type of
protection is intended? As appellations of origin or geographical indications? As trademarks?
At present, foreign geographical indications are protected under the bilateral treaties which
Switzerland has concluded with certain countries (see the reply to question 52).  These indicationsreceive “additional” protection in accordance with Article 23 of the TRIPS Agreement.  The treaties
also cover products other than wine and spirits (see replies to questions 27 and 52 below).
As a general rule, the LPM, which covers broader notions of indications of source than the
Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs or that on wine, does not authorize the use of a foreign geographical
name in a trademark or as a trademark, on the grounds that a geographical indication is “in the public
domain”11 and cannot be monopolized as a trademark (Article 2(a), LPM).  However, there are three
cases in which protection as a trademark is possible:
• When the public does not understand the indication as being geographical;
• when a graphic element and/or other original element give the mark a distinctive
character (Article 1.2, LPM). In this case, the protection relates to the graphic style,
which determines the overall effect of the mark.
• when it has established itself on the foreign market, in the country to which the
indication of source refers (e.g. ATF 100 Ib 351 “HAACHT”, Article 2(a), LPM).
The same applies when the foreign geographical name has been entered in the
                                                     
11 N.B.  This term should not be confused with that used for a patent which enters the public domain
(so that anyone can use it), e.g. at the end of 20 years of legal protection or for non-payment of taxes.
Geographical indications are in the public domain from the outset. They form part of the national, cantonal or
communal heritage.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 11
trademark register of the country of origin, as long as the mark does not mislead as to
the source of the products or services (ATF 117 II 327 “Montparnasse”).
C. PROCEDURE FOR RECOGNITION
17. With respect to any formal system for recognition of geographical indications, must the
applicant be a governmental organization or can a private entity own the rights to a
geographical indication?
In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs: the applicant must be a private group
(composed of producers and/or processors and representative of the product) (Article 5).  Anyone
meeting the requirements laid down in the specification may use the geographical indication without,
however, being its owner.
In the context of the LPM, the protection for Swiss geographical indications is automatic.  It
does not require any recognition or registration procedure and neither is there any procedural fee.  It
should be pointed out that an indication of source can be registered as an “established mark”12
(whether in the form of an individual mark, a coll ective mark or a guarantee mark), provided that it
has established itself on the market as the distinctive sign of a particular company (seeATF 117 II 324 “VALSER”).  The mark is registered with the Institut Fédéral de la Propriété
Intellectuelle  (Federal Intellectual Property Institute, hereinafter: the Institute) of the Federal
Department (Ministry) of Justice and Police.
• A guarantee mark is a sign used by several companies under the supervision of its
holder, with a view to guaranteeing the quality, geographical origin, method of
manufacture or other common characteristics of these companies’ products or
services.  In particular, the following are deemed to be such characteristics: quality
(cotton clothing); identical geographical origin (Swiss products, products of a
particular canton); similar method of manufacture (organic or free-range products,
environmentally friendly products); special technical characteristics (approvedproducts); “fair-trade” products or services
13.  To avoid any conflict of interest, the
guarantee mark may not be used by the holder or by a company with which he has
close economic ties.  For a consideration, the holder must authorize the use of the
guarantee mark for products or services with the common characteristics guaranteed
by the trademark regulations (Article 21, LPM).  The guarantee mark may be used inaddition to the registered PAO or PGI if the product concerned includes other
essential features not linked to the geographical place;
                                                     
12 According to the Message  (explanatory report) of the LPM (FF ( Feuille Fédérale ) 1991 I, page 19),
“the draft incorporates a practice which has always been  recognized by the courts and jurists by expressly
reserving the possibility of converting to a mark, when it has been used as such for a relatively long time, a signfrom the public domain which has established itself in the trade as a sign that individualizes the products (orservices) of a particular company provided, however, it is not a question of an expression in general use.” Thus,the courts recognize that a geographical name which indicates the source of the goods may also become an
individual sign when it has been used as a mark by a single company over a long period of time. It seems that
jurists are not unanimous on this point. According to so me authors, if the characteristics of the product depend
on the quality of the soil, the right to use the name of the place cannot be taken away from other producers ofthe same products. See also the reply to question 44 concerning PAO/PGIs.
13 Products grown, raised or manufactured in developing countries, e.g. in accordance with standards
that favour the environment or development aid objectives, and for which the Swiss consumer would pay a
higher price, part of the difference between the cost pr ice and the purchase price being remitted, for example, to
the developing country farmer or manufacturer.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 12
• a collective mark is the sign of a group of production, trade or service companies; it is
used to distinguish the products or services of members of the group from those of
other companies (Article 22, LPM).
Users of both the guarantee mark and the collective mark must observe the corresponding
rules.  Those for the guarantee mark establish th e common characteristics of the products or services
guaranteed by the mark; they also provide for ef fective monitoring of the use of the mark and
appropriate penalties (private agreements).  The rules for collective marks define the group of
companies authorized to use the mark.  These rules must not be contrary to public order, morality or
the law in force (Article 23).  They are approved by the Institute if the conditions of Article 23 are
fulfilled.  If the rules no longer correspond to the legal requirements and the holder fails to correct
them within a time-limit set by the judge, the registration of the mark is cancelled (Article 25).  If,
contrary to the essential provisions of the rules, th e holder tolerates the repeated use of the mark and
fails to correct this situation within the time-limit set by the judge, the registration will be cancelled
when the time-limit expires (Article 26).
The guarantee mark and the collective mark provide protection for a term of ten years,
renewable for further ten-year periods.
18. What are the competent authorities where the protection of a geographical indication
can be obtained?
In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs, protection of geographical indications is
obtained from the Federal Agriculture Office (hereinafter “the Office”) of the Department (Ministry)
of the Economy, which examines applications and processes the registration (Articles 5 sq.).
In the context of the Ordinance on wine, protection is obtained from the cantonal authorities.
The cantons define the use of appellations of origin and indications of source on the understanding
that the federal provisions of the LAgr and the Ordinance on wine are also respected.14  They keep an
inventory of their appellations and indications of source and make it known to the Office, which
maintains a list of protected wine designations.  This list is published periodically (Articles 10 to 13).
19. Do the procedures which lead to the recognition of a geographical indication take place
ex officio or must they be based on the initiative of an entity or person?
In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs, the procedures which lead to the
recognition of a geographical indication are based on the initiative of a private group (composed of
producers and/or processors and representative of the product).  Thus, the applicant may not be a
person or a private company.  In the case of a PAO, for example, the group must consist of all the
trade associations involved in the production, processing and preparation of the product.  The product
preparation phase ends at the stage in which the product is allowed to bear the name of the PAO.
Since in the case of a geographical indication it is sufficient for just one of the production phases totake place in the defined area, the group does not necessarily have to consist of all the various trade
associations (Articles 5 and 6).
As far as wine is concerned, the initiative is generally shared by the trade, on the one hand,
and the canton, on the other.  There is not any application for recognition as such.
20. What, if any, fees are involved in the application and maintenance of rights in a
geographical indication?
                                                     
14 Conditions relating to the viticultural land register, classification, wine harvest controls, etc.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 13
In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs, the Office charges fees for examining the
registration application and for registration.  These fees are calculated on the basis of the time
required.  If there is an objection to a proposed registration, the Office will also charge a fee for
examining the objection (Article 15 and Annex to the Ordinance).
In the context of the LPM, there is no fee, the protection being automatic provided the
geographical indication fulfils the conditions laid down by the law (Article 47, LPM).  On the other
hand, if the indication is registered as an “established mark” (individual mark, guarantee mark or
collective mark), there is a fee of SwF 800 for two classes of products.
21. If criteria must be set out in an application for recognition of a geographical indication,
are those criteria purely geographic in nature?
This question is not entirely clear.  Does it mean whether it is sufficient to indicate the
geographical name? What are the possible “purely” geographical criteria to which the question refers?
The precise meaning of the word “purely” is difficult to grasp.
All the criteria listed in the reply to question 10 above relate to the geographical origin of the
product.
With respect to the procedure for the recognition of PAOs and PGIs, for example, the answer
is yes in the sense that the quality, reputation, natural and human factors and source of the products
using these geographical indications are linked to their geographical origin.  Criteria such asreputation or human factors express the link with the place of origin.  According to the definition of a
PAO in the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs, for example, there must be an objective and very close link
(“essentially” or “exclusively”) between the quality of the product and its geographical origin in the
broad sense of the term, i.e. the human and natural factors (or the soil).
(N.B. In the LPM, it is nevertheless possible for a geographical indication to be used and
registered as a trademark if its use is clearly whimsical and there is no chance of anyone being misled
as to the true source (e.g. “Matterhorn” for bananas).  In this particular case, however, the name does
not meet the requirements of Article 47 of the LPM; accordingly, it is not a protected geographical
indication within the meaning of Articles 22 sq. of the TRIPS Agreement, but a mere trademark).
22. What other criteria, if any, must be set ou t in an application for recognition of a
geographical indication?
In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs, the application must include, in particular,
the following: the name of the applicant group and evidence of its representativeness, the appellation
of origin or geographical indication to be registered, evidence that the name is not generic, evidence
that the product comes from the geographical area (historical record and traceability15), evidence of
the link with the geographical environment or geographical origin, and a description of authentic and
unvarying local methods, if any, together with the specification.  The latter must include the following
particulars: the name of the product, the boundaries of the geographical area, a description of the
product and the method of obtaining it, the name of a designated certification (inspection) body and
details of the labelling (Articles 6 and 7).
23. What information must be supplied in an application for rights in a geographical
indication?
                                                     
15 Traceability of the product: system for tracing the path of the product from production to marketing,
e.g. indelible traceability marks, where the nature of the product permits.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 14
See reply 10.2 to question 10 above.
24. Must the goods or services with respect to which a geographical indication is claimed be
set out?
Yes (see the reply to question 23 above).
25. What mechanisms are provided to oppose th e recognition of a geographical indication?
How is an investigation conducted after such a complaint?
In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PG Is, the application to register a PAO or a PGI
may be opposed.  The complaint must be sent to the Office, in writing, within three months of the date
of publication of the registration application.  Registration may be opposed on the following grounds:
the name does not satisfy the conditions laid down in the Ordinance; the name is a generic one; thegroup is not representative or the proposed registration would jeopardize a well-known or reputable,
entirely or partly homonymous name or trademark which has been in use for a long time.  The Office
decides whether or not the complaint is valid (Articles 10 and 11).
For this purpose, it may consult a committee of  experts (the PAO an d PGI Commission), as
well as the cantonal and federal authorities (for example, the Institute when the complaint is based on
the priority and renown of a prior mark).  Its decision may be appealed to the Appeals Commission of
the Federal Department (Ministry) of the Economy and, in the last instance, to the Federal Tribunal
(Supreme Court) (Article 11).
26. Who can oppose the recognition of a geographical indication?
In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs, in addition to the cantons, anyone who
can show that he has a legitimate interest can oppose the registration of a PAO or PGI (Article 10.1).
In the context of the LPM, disputes concerning indications of source must be brought before
the courts.
Moreover, the holder of a prior mark containi ng an indication of source may also oppose a
new registration if it is identical - for identical products or services or for similar products or services
where there is a risk of the consumer being misled, or if it is similar - for identical or similar products
where there is a risk of the consumer being misled (Article 31).
27. If your national legislation provides for recognition and protection of geographical
indications or appellations of origin of foreign countries, what is the procedure that has to be
followed in order to obtain such recognition and consequent protection?
Switzerland has concluded, for example, several bilateral treaties with Czechoslovakia (taken
over by the Czech Republic and Slovakia), Germany, France, Hungary, Portugal and Spain.16  These
treaties are structured as follows:
• Treaty proper (provisions on rights and obligations, scope and extent of protection,
homonymous indications, transitional, institutional and final provisions);
• a protocol supplementing or refining the application of certain provisions of the
treaty;
                                                     
16 For the exact titles, see the reply to question 52 below. Texts already notified in 1996 (see document
IP/N/4/CHE/1).IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 15
• an Annex A and an Annex B containing the negotiated list of geographical
indications;
• in the case of Switzerland, the list of geographical indications has so far been
structured as follows:
• Wines: French-speaking Swiss cantons; Eastern Swiss cantons; other Swiss
cantons;
• food and agriculture: bakery wares, beer, comestibles, fish, meat,
horticultural products, preserves, dairy produce, mineral water, spirits,tobacco;
• industrial products: glass and porcelain, industrial arts products, machines
and hardware, paper articles, games, toys and musical instruments, pottery,stones, earths, textile products.
These treaties and their lists represent the mutual recognition of geographical indications and
the resulting protection.
Irrespective of the requirements of the bilateral treaties, the practice of the Institute is quite
strict.  A sign is apt to mislead when it contains a geographical indication, alone or combined with
other elements, which leads the consumer to believe that the product comes from the country to which
the indication relates, whereas in reality it does no t (ATF of 25 August 1995 “San Francisco 49ers”).
The assessment is made according to the circumstance s in each particular case.  The criteria which
determine the assessment include:
• The extent to which the word is well-known as a geographical indication;
• an effective or easily identifiable link between the geographical indication and any
additional indications contained in the mark that might increase or reduce the risk ofthe public being misled;
• the products or services in question.
Where necessary, corrections are demanded.  Any misleading correction is rejected (e.g. a
correction such as “Tipo Milano, Made in Switzerland” is considered to be misleading).
D. 
MAINTENANCE
28. How long does recognition for a geographical indication continue?
28.1 The protection provided for a geographical indication is, by definition and under
Swiss law, indefinite in duration.
28.2 For agricultural products and processed agricultural products, it is expressly stated
that appellations of origin and geographical indications cannot, once registered,
become generic (Article 16.3, LAgr).IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 16
28.3 In the context of the LPM, it is protected, as an indication of source, against any
unfair and misleading use as long as the interested circles regard it as a reference to
the source of products or services (Article 47.2, LPM).
28.4 When the geographical indication is registered as an “established mark” (individual
mark, guarantee mark or collective mark), the protection is for ten years, renewable
for further ten-year periods, against payment of a fee (Article 10, LPM).
29. If recognition of a geographical indication must be renewed or reaffirmed, what
information must be provided in order to effect such a renewal or reaffirmation?  Specify any
fees involved in renewal or reaffirmation.
The question has no relevance to the protected geographical indications described in
replies 28.1, 28.2 and 28.3 to question 28 above.
For situations in which protection under trademark law is invoked, see reply 28.4 to
question 28 above.
30. Must a geographical indication be used in or der to maintain rights?  If so, how is such
use determined?
No, for the protected geographical indications described above (replies 28.1 to 28.3 to
question 28 above).  When the geographical indication is registered as an “established mark”
(individual mark, guarantee mark or collective mark), continuous non-use for a period of five yearsleads to the forfeiture of the mark, unless the holder can give a good reason for the non-use
(Article 12, LPM).
31. Is there a specified limit for non-use before ri ghts in a geographical indication cease and,
if so, what is that limit?
No.
Moreover, in the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs, appellations of origin and
geographical indications cannot be used as generic names  and, once registered, cannot become
generic.
An unregistered geographical indication can become generic, but only the courts can establish
this (the conditions for establishing the generic nature of an indication of source are extremely strict).
In accordance with a long line of precedents, anyone alleging that an indication of source has become
a generic name must furnish satisfactory proof.  If there is any doubt, the term is presumed to be an
indication of source.
32. Who monitors the use of geographical indicati ons to determine if the criteria identified
in the application continue to be met?
In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs, the use of appellations of origin and
geographical indications is monitored by a certification body (Article 18).  This body may be private
or public but must be accredited in accordance with European standard 45 011 (general criteriaconcerning certification bodies that undertake product certification) (Article 19).
Where wine is concerned, the RAO is not based on an application but on a decision by the
canton together with the joint-trade organization.  The cantons are then responsible for the necessary
monitoring.  As a rule, a RAO commission is set up.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 17
In the context of the LPM (indications of source),  it is the associations themselves, according
to the product and the circumstances, that do the monitoring.  Consumer organizations may also
perform this function.
If the geographical indication has established itself as a mark and been registered as a
collective or guarantee mark, then the holder of the mark will be responsible for monitoring its use.
This function, whose procedures are laid down in the regulations, may also be delegated to a third
party (Articles 23 to 26).
33. If a government entity is responsible for monitoring the use of geographical indications,
what are its procedures for doing so?
In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs, see the reply to question 32 above.
Even a public certification body must be accredited in accordance with the Ordinance of
17 June 1996 on accreditation and appointment (Article 19.1).
For wine, see the reply to question 32 above.
34. Are there means by which interested parties may request termination of a geographical
indication based on non-use or failure to maintain the criteria identified in the application?
Describe the procedure.
In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs, there is no provision that allows for the
possibility of requesting the termination of a geographical indication based on non-use.
On the other hand, when the criteria defined in the application are no longer satisfied, the
following remedies, for example, are available:
• For PAOs and PGIs, the certification bodies may notify the Office and the competent
cantonal chemists of irregularities detect ed during monitoring (Article 20, PAO/PGI
Ordinance).  The cantons are responsible fo r monitoring the use of protected names
within the framework of the powers assigned to them under the foodstuffs legislation
(Article 21.2).
• Law on foodstuffs: the administrative measures of the cantonal chemist (responsible
for monitoring the use of protected na mes within the framework of the powers
assigned to him under the foodstuffs legislation) include challenging the goods if they
are misleadingly described and deciding whether they may be used, with or without a
fee, disposed of by the interested parties or confiscated.  Moreover, the cantonal
chemist must report violations to the public prosecutor.  In less serious cases, instead
of reporting the violator he may give him a warning.  The reporting of a violation
may lead to penalties (short term of imprisonment or fine).
In the context of the LPM, there are two possibilities:
• Yes, if the geographical indication is registered as an “established mark” (for
example, as a collective mark or a guarantee mark): after five years of
continuous non-use (Article 12.1) or for repeated use of the mark ininfringement of the rules, without the holder intervening.  The judge gives the
holder a time-limit within which to reme dy the situation.  If the time-limitIP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 18
expires without corrective action having been taken, the mark is cancelled
(Article 26).
• No, if the indication of source is protected as such: there is not (as with the
Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs) any provision for requesting the termination
of a geographical indication based on non-use.  As the LPM does not requireregistration, we cannot know for certain whether an indication of source is no
longer being used for a particular product.
As a rule, when we negotiate bilateral treaties, we ask the interested circles for their lists of
indications of source.  It is the responsibility of the trade groups to draw up such a list.  The fact that a
name does not appear on their list of proposed names could be an indication – but not conclusive
evidence – that the product is no longer being manufactured in that geographical area or that the groupin question does not wish to use that indication for that product.  However, even in these instances, the
geographical indication cannot be appropriated by persons not forming part of the region concerned if
there is a risk of the consumer being misled, nor be monopolized as a trademark.
35. Do the procedures which lead to forfeiture of a geographical indication take place
ex officio or must they be based on the initiative of an entity or person?
In the context of PAOs and PGIs, prosecutions for illegal use are initiated on receipt of a
complaint, but ex officio if the offender is making a business of it (Article 172, LAgr).
When the criteria initially defined in the PAO or PGI application are no longer satisfied, the
group may change the specification.  Such changes are subject to the same procedure as registrations
(see reply to question 23 above).  See reply to question 34.
In the context of the LPM, see also the reply to question 34.
E. SCOPE OF RIGHTS AND USE
36. May anyone who meets the criteria submitted to obtain recognition of a geographical
indication use that geographical indication aft er recognition is given or must additional criteria
or procedures be followed by that party before use is permitted?
In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs, anyone meeting the criteria laid down in
the specification may use the protected appellation of origin or geographical indication.  He does not
have to be recognized or meet additional criteria or follow additional procedures.  Like any user of an
appellation of origin or geographical indication, he must entrust the monitoring of the production,
processing and preparation of the product to a certification body (Article 18).
In the context of the LPM, anyone who fulfils the conditions laid down by this Law may use
the indication of source, provided that the conditions of the LPM are fulfilled (see replies 8.1 and 10.1
to questions 8 and 10 above).  It should be noted that associations or groups can take responsibility for
the monitoring and observance of the rules of production.  The degree of coercion varies according to
the product and the service, as well the association.
When the indication of source is protected as a collective or guarantee mark, users must
respect the terms of the rules governing their mark.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 19
Where wines are concerned, the cantons establish the conditions of use of appellations of
origin.  Anyone meeting the criteria laid down in the specification may use the protected appellation
of origin or geographical indication.
37. Who makes the determination regarding use of a geographical indication by particular
parties, the entity responsible for the recognit ion or the entity that obtained the recognition?
In the context of PAOs and PGIs: the group requesting recognition is not the “owner” of the
name but only a user, like anyone else who meets the specification.  The group must be
representative.  Thus, a PAO/PGI may not be used to impose a method employed by a minority.
Representativeness is examined in relation to each trade association, and both the number of
enterprises or producers concerned and their turnover must be taken into account.  The dossier
submitted by the requesting group must contain the necessary particulars, including the number ofproducers/processors (Article 6).
Monitoring may be arranged through the entity which obtained recognition (the requesting
group) by way of a contract concluded between that entity and the certification body, but it may also
be carried out directly by the certification body (by way of a contract concluded between the user andthe certification body) (Articles 7 and 18).
38. Are there fees involved in receiving authorization to use a particular geographical
indication and, if so, what are those fees and how are they established?
In the context of the LPM, there are no relevant provisions, the protection of the indication of
source being automatic.  It is possible for groups – established on the basis of private law – to lay
down rules, voluntarily accepted, concerning the use of a geographical indication (the association
Chocosuisse, for example).
If the geographical name is registered as an “established mark” (individual, collective or
guarantee mark), there is a registration fee of SwF 800 for two classes of products.
Where PAOs/PGIs are concerned, the contract mentioned in the reply to question 37 above
generates costs determined by the parties.  It is a question of pecuniary compensation for expenses
incurred by the certification body in connection with a private-law contract.  There is no provision in
the Ordinance concerning a user fee as such.  The question of the costs incurred in protecting a
PAO/PGI must be settled by the group itself, amongst its members in accordance with the agreedrules and (private-law) contracts.
Where wines are concerned and according to the canton, a fee is payable for monitoring, but
not for the use of the geographical indication as such.
39. If there is a dispute regarding use of a geographical indication by a particular party,
what procedures are followed to resolve it?
The question is not very clear.  Does it relate to a third party which is not a member of the
group that registered the PAO/PGI or to a member of that group?
For PAOs and PGIs: see the replies to questions 34 above and 47 below sq.
For wines: see the replies to questions 34 above and 47 below sq.
In the context of the LPM: if the use of a geographical indication by a third party is disputed,
the case must be brought before the judge (see the reply to question 47 sq. below).IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 20
If the geographical indication has been registered as an “established mark” (individual,
collective or guarantee mark), the proceedings that can be taken against the unlawful use of the mark
are those described in the reply to question 47 sq. above.  The holder of a collective or guarantee
mark, for example, may also oppose the registration of another identical or similar mark registeredlater than his own (Articles 31 to 34).
40. Must individual authorized users of a geog raphical indication use that geographical
indication continually to retain their right to us e it and, if so, how is their use determined and
how long will disuse be permitted?
In the context of the LPM (indication of sour ce), the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs and the
Ordinance on wine, authorized user s of a geographical indication are not obliged to use it continually.
However, in the context of the LPM, the obligation to use exists when the indication of source
has been registered as an “established mark” (individual, guarantee or collective mark).  If, reckoned
from the expiry of the time-limit for raising an objection or, if an objection has been raised, from the
end of the opposition procedure, the holder has not used the mark in connection with the registeredproducts or services during a continuous period of fi ve years, he may no longer assert his right to the
mark, unless there is a good reason for the non-use (Article 12.1).  If the mark is first used or use is
resumed after more than five years, the right to th e mark is restored with effect from the original
priority date, provided that no one has invoked non-use under paragraph 1 before the date of first use
or resumption of use (Article 12.2).
41. If there is a dispute over continuity of use by a particular party, how is it resolved?
The question does not apply to indications of source under the LPM, to PAOs and PGIs under
the Ordinance on PAOs/PGIs, or to AOs, RAOs and indications of source under the Ordinance on
wine (see the first paragraph of the reply to question 40).
For indications of source registered as an “established mark”, see the second paragraph of the
reply to question 40.
42. Does the regime for protection of geographical indications allow geographical
indications to be licensed and, if so, what conditions are imposed on such licences?  If such
conditions are not met, what is the ef fect on the geographical indication?
In relation to geographical indications (whether in the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and
PGIs or in the context of the LPM (indication of source) or the Ordinance on wine), licensing is not
authorized; the idea of licensing is contrary to the “philosophy” of protection of the indication of
source.
Where the indication of source has been registered as an “established mark”, licensing is
allowed for the individual mark and the collective mark.  It must be entered in the register (Article 27,
LPM).  As the guarantee mark serves a different purpose (it is not used to distinguish one product orservice from another but to perform a guarantee func tion), it must be accessible to anyone who meets
the requirements (Article 21.3, LPM).  For the guarantee mark, see the reply to question 17.
43. How is "grandfathered use" of a geographical indication, under Article 24.4 of the
TRIPS Agreement, applied in your country?IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 21
In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs, for example, under a transitional
provision agricultural products and processed agricultural products using an appellation of origin or
geographical indication may be manufactured, packaged and labelled in accordance with the old law
for two years from the date of publication of the registration.  They may be marketed for three years
from that date (Article 25).
Such transitional provisions are also to be f ound in the bilateral treaties which Switzerland
has concluded with certain countries (see replies to questions 27 above and 52 below).
F. RELATIONSHIP TO TRADEMARKS
44. What steps are taken to ensure that, in  recognizing a geographical indication, the
obligations of Article 16.1 of the TRIPS Agreement are not nullified and impaired?
In general, given that direct and indirect geographical indications indisputably describe the
geographical source of a product, they are treated as signs in the public domain.  Accordingly, as a
general rule, they cannot be monopolized by a single enterprise.
In the context of the LPM: the general principle described above applies.  Unless they have
established themselves as marks for the products or services concerned, signs in the public domain are
excluded from protection (absolute reason for exclusion, Article 2.1).  The same applies if the sign is
liable to mislead or is contrary to the law in force (Article 2 (c) and (d)).
Thus, indications of source can be registered as trademarks when they have established
themselves as marks for the products or services concerned (ATF 117 II 324 “VALSER” mineral
water).  If the mark has established itself abroad, in the country to which the indication of source
relates, the mark is registered in Switzerland (ATF 100 Ib 351 “HAACHT”).  The same applies when
the foreign geographical name has been entered in the trademark register of the country of origin,
provided that the mark does not mislead the public as to the source of the products or services (ATF117 327 “MONTPARNASSE”).
In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs, the holder of a prior mark may object to
the proposed registration of a PAO/PGI if it would jeopardize his mark.  If his objection is accepted,
the appellation of origin or geographical indication may not be registered.  If the objection is rejected,
the PAO/PGI will be registered and the holder of the mark may continue to use it (simultaneously
with the appellation of origin or geographical indi cation) provided, however, that he meets the criteria
laid down for the use of the appellation of origin or geographical indication.  This rule does not apply
to well-known or reputable marks which have been used for a long time (Articles 10 and 11).
45. What steps are taken to ensure that, in  recognizing a geographical indication, the
obligations of Articles 16.2 and 16.3 of the TRIPS Agreement are not nullified and impaired?
See reply to question 44.
46. What procedures are foreseen in case of a co nflict of a geographical indication with a
trademark?
See replies to questions 44 above and 47 below.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 22
G. ENFORCEMENT
47. How are rights in the geographical indication  enforced?  Are provisions available under
unfair competition law?  Trademark law?  Othe r laws?  Provide citation s to the laws and, if
they have not been notified under Article 63.2 of the TRIPS Agreement, please provide copies.
For PAOs and PGIs (agricultural and processed agricultural products), AOs, RAOs and
IS (wines):
Criminal provisions: anyone who intentionally makes unlawful use of an appellation of origin
or geographical indication protected under Article 16 (agricultural and processed agricultural
products) or of an appellation of origin, a registered appellation of origin or an indication of source
covered by Article 63 (wines) will, upon a complaint or report being received, be liable to a maximum
of one year’s imprisonment or a maximum fine of Sw F 100,000.  If the offender is making a business
of it, he will be prosecuted ex officio.  The penalty is imprisonment or a maximum fine of Sw F
200,000 (Article 172, LAgr).
For civil proceedings, see the remedies provided  by the LPM.
LPM:
The possible remedies in civil law are as follows: declaratory action to establish a right or
legal relationship (Article 52); actions to enforce performance (i.e. prohibition of an infringement or
threat of infringement of a geographical indication) , order to desist, order to reveal the source of
objects illegally bearing an indication of source (Article 55); confiscation, destruction, etc.
(Article 57);  provisional measures (Article 59);  publication of judgement (Article 60).
The criminal penalties are imprisonment for a maximum of one year or a fine of up to
Sw F 100,000 for whoever intentionally uses an inaccurate indication of source or a designation liableto be confused with an inaccurate designation, or creates a risk of deception by using a name, address
or mark in connection with products or services from another source.  If the offender is making a
business of it, he will be prosecuted ex officio.  The penalty is imprisonment and a fine of up to
Sw F 100,000 (Article 64).
There is provision for border measures: right of the Federal Customs Administration to notify
the beneficiary of an indication of source or a trade or business association with the capacity toinstitute legal proceedings when there is reason to suspect the imminent importation or exportation of
products to which the indication of source has been illegally affixed (Article 70).  The holder of the
indication of source may request the Federal Customs Administration to detain the goods, for a
maximum of ten working days.  In exceptional circumstances, the detention period may be extended
by a maximum of ten working days.  If there is a risk of damage, the Federal Customs Administrationmay ask for appropriate security.  Anyone who improperly requests the detention of goods must make
good the injury caused if the provisional measures are unjustified or if they have not been ordered
(Articles 70 to 72, LPM, and Articles 54 to 57, OPM).
Trade and business associations whose rules and regulations authorize them to protect the
economic interests of their members and organizations of national or regional importance with a
statutory duty to protect the consumer also have the capacity to bring legal proceedings (Articles 52,
55 and 56).IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 23
LCD (unfair competition):
Civil provisions:  Anyone whose goodwill, credit or professional reputation, or business or
economic interests are the subject of an act of un fair competition or are threatened therewith may
request the judge to prohibit it, if imminent, to put an end to it if it still continues or to declare itillegal if the trouble it has caused persists.  In particular, he may request that a rectification be made or
that the judgement be communicated to third parties or published.  He may also ask for damages
(Article 9, LCD).  Provisional measures are also  possible (Article 14, LCD).  Proceedings may be
instituted by customers whose economic interests are threatened or injured by an act of unfair
competition.  Proceedings may also be initiated by  trade or business associations whose rules and
regulations authorize them to protect the economic interests of their members and organizations of
national or regional importance with a statutory duty to protect the consumer (Article 10, actions toprohibit (prevent) or terminate the unfair act).
Criminal provisions:  Anyone who intentionally engages in unfair competition (for example,
gives inaccurate or misleading information on his goods, takes measures liable to give rise to
misunderstanding with respect to the goods, etc.) wi ll, upon complaint, be liable to imprisonment or a
fine of up to SwF 100,000 (Article 23, LCD).
Law on foodstuffs:
Criminal provisions: anyone who, intentionally or negligently, gives false or misleading
indications on foodstuffs will be liable to a short term of imprisonment or a fine of up to Sw F 20 ,000
(Article 48 (h)).
48. Who has the right to enforce a geographical indication?
In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs, any user may enforce a geographical
indication.
In the context of the LPM, a declaratory action to establish a right or a legal relationship
under the LPM may be brought by anyone who demonstrates a legal interest in such a declaration.  An
action for the enforcement of performance (termination or prohibition of an act, etc.) may be brought
by anyone who suffers or is at risk of suffering an infringement of his right to an indication of source.
Proceedings may also be instituted by trade or business associations whose rules and regulationsauthorize them to protect the economic interests of their members (Articles 52, 55 and 56).
49. What judicial or administrative bodies have jurisdiction over enforcement actions
related to geographical indications?  Are there fe es involved and, if so, what are those fees?
In general, see the description given by th e Swiss delegation in document IP/N/6/CHE/1
(checklist on issues of enforcement).
The judicial bodies (courts) are mainly responsible for proceedings.  Prosecution rests with
the cantons alone.  In every case, a final cantonal decision can be appealed to the Federal Tribunal.
For border measures, see the reply to question 47 above.
For a more detailed account of the judicial system and the question of fees, costs, etc., see
document IP/N/6/CHE/1.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 24
50. Must the public be notified of the existence of a geographical indication and, if so, how
and how often?
In the context of the Ordinance on PAOs and PGIs, if the registration application is accepted,
the entity responsible for recognition, i.e. the Office, publishes it in the Feuille officiel suisse du
commerce , where the final registration is also published.  This gazette is published every day, except
for Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
51. Is unauthorized use of a geographical indication subject to criminal action and, if so,
describe the procedures.  If the law has not been  notified pursuant to Article 63.2 of the TRIPS
Agreement, please provide a copy.
Yes, see reply to question 47 above.  For the new texts see the Annex to this document.
H. INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
52. Is your government party to an internationa l, including bilateral or plurilateral,
agreement for the notification and/or registration of geographical indications?  If so, please
name the international agreement and explain the relationship between it and your national
legislation.
Bilateral agreements on indications of source:
- Treaty of 7 March 1967 between the Swiss Confederation and the Federal Republic
of Germany on the protection of indications of source and other geographical names,entered into force on 30 August 1969 (RS 0.232.111.191.36);
- Treaty of 9 April 1974 between the Swiss Confederation and the Spanish State on the
protection of indications of source, appellations of origin and similar names, entered
into force on 10 March 1976 (RS 0.232.111.193.32);
- Treaty of 14 May 1974 between the Swiss Confederation and the French Republic on
the protection of indications of source, appellations of origin and other geographical
names, entered into force on 10 October 1975 (RS 0.232.111.193.49);
- Treaty of 14 December 1979 between the Swiss Confederation and the Hungarian
People’s Republic on the protection of indications of source, appellations of originand other geographical names, entered into force on 14 August 1981
(RS 0.232.111.194.18);
- Treaty of 16 September 1977 between the Swiss Confederation and the Portuguese
Republic on the protection of indications of source, appellations of origin and similarnames, entered into force on 14 May 1980 (RS 0.232.111.196.54);
- Treaty of 16 November 1973 between the Swiss Confederation and the Czechoslovak
Socialist Republic on the protection of indications of source, appellations of origin
and other geographical names, entered into force on 14 January 1976(RS 0.232.111.197.41).
(N.B. The Treaty has remained in force for the Czech Republic following an
exchange of notes on 24 February 1994; the same applies to the Slovak Republic
following an exchange of notes on 13 October/25 November 1994.)IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 25
53. What other international agreements, if any, have been entered into?  What do those
agreements provide?
• Paris Convention for the Protection of I ndustrial Property (Stockholm Act, 1967) (RS
0.232.04): the Paris Convention being incorporated in the TRIPS Agreement, there isno point in describing its contents.  See, in particular, Articles 1, 10, 10 bis and 10
ter;
• Madrid Agreement for the Repression of False or Deceptive Indications of Sources
on Goods of Origin (Stockholm Act, 1967) (RS 0.232.111.131): seizure at
importation, prohibition of importation, other measures;
• Convention of 1 June and 18 July 1951 on the Use of Appellations of Origin and
Denominations of Cheeses (Stresa Convention; RS 0.817.142.1).  This multilateral
agreement requires the contracting parties to do everything to ensure that the
principles and terms of the agreement are applied.  They undertake to prohibit and
repress on their territory the use of appellations of origin, denominations and
designations of cheeses contrary to these principles.  To this end, Switzerland has
adopted relevant provisions in its foodstuffs legislation.
III. RESPONSES TO THE QUESTIONS IN DOCUMENT IP/C/13
GENERAL (SECTION A OF DOCUMENT IP/C/13)
1. Does your country's industrial property law and/or related law prevent the use of
geographical indications identifying wines or sp irits against products not originating in the
place indicated by the geographical indication , even where the true origin of the goods is
indicated or the geographical indication is used  in translation or accompanied by expressions
such as "kind", "type", "style", "imitation" or the like?
Yes.  The use of delocalizing terms, for example, adding the actual place of production to a
false geographical indication or adding indications such as “kind”, “type”, “style”, “according to the
method”, “as produced in”, etc. is illegal in Switzerland.
Appellations of origin and geographical indi cations registered under the PAO/PGI Ordinance
(for products such as spirits) are protected, in particular, against any commercial use for other
products exploiting the reputation of the protected designation and any misuse, infringement orimitation.  More precisely, the Ordinance states: “The commercial use, direct or indirect, of aprotected name is prohibited …: if the registered name is imitated or evoked; if it is translated; if it is
accompanied by a formula such as “kind”, “type”, “method”, “as produced in”, “imitation”,
“according to a … recipe” or similar; if the source of the product is indicated” (Article 17.2).
Where wines are concerned, the bilateral treaties between Switzerland and third countries all
contain, for example, a provision prohibiting the use of delocalizing qualifiers which reads: “The
provisions of this article shall apply even when these names or denominations are used in translationor with indication of the true source or with the addition of words such as “kind”, “type”, “as
produced in”, “imitation” or the like, or in a modified form if, despite the modification, there is a risk
of misunderstanding.”
According to the Message  (explanatory report) of the LPM (FF 1991 I, p. 36), the definition
of indication of source in Article 47 (see under 8 .1 above) “also includes indications which emphasize
the quality or properties of a product by suggesting an incorrect source (for example, chocolates
“prepared according to a Swiss recipe”, “Swiss styl e watches” or foreign wines called “Dôle”).  ThisIP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 26
provision also covers appellations of origin such as those of the wine sector”.  Inasmuch as the new
Ordinance on wine and the various cantonal legislations do not all deal expressly with the specific
question of delocalizing qualifiers, it is the bilateral treaties and, in particular, the LPM that apply,
together with the extensive case law of the Federal Court on the prohibition of delocalizing qualifiers.
Finally, geographical indications not registered  under the PAO/PGI Ordinance fall under the LPM.
Delocalizing qualifiers are also prohibited for these indications.
DEFINITIONS AND CRITERIA FOR RECOGNITION (SECTION B OF DOCUMENT IP/C/13)
2. Is there a clear distinction among the terms "g eographical indications", "appellations of
origin" and "indications of source" in your country's industrial property law and/or relatedlaw, or are there any substantive criteria to distinguish these terms?
Yes.  Swiss law differentiates between these various terms and establishes substantive criteria
for distinguishing them (see replies to questions 8 and 10 in document IP/C/13).
3. Does your legislation contain criteria for homonymous geographical indications for
wines and spirits?
See reply to question 14 of document IP/C/13.
RELATIONSHIP TO TRADEMARKS (SECTION F OF DOCUMENT IP/C/13)
4. Does your country's industrial property law and/or related law provide for the refusal
or invalidation of a trademark registration which consists of or contains geographical
indications identifying wines or spirits with respect to such wines or spirits not originating in the
indicated territory?
See reply to question 46 of document IP/C/13.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 27
ANNEXE*
Loi fédérale sur l'agriculture (Loi sur l'agriculture, LAgr)
du 29 avril 1998
L'Assemblée fédérale de la Confédération suisse,
Vu les articles 31 bis, 31octies , 32 et 64 bis de la Constitution;
Vu le message du Conseil fédéral du 26 juin 199617
Arrête:
Titre premier
Principes généraux
Article premier
But
La Confédération veille à ce que l'agriculture, par une production répondant à la fois aux
exigences du développement durable et à celles du marché, contribue substantiellement:
a) à la sécurité de l'approvisionnement de la population;
b) à la conservation des ressources naturelles;
c) à l'entretien du paysage rural;
d) à l'occupation décentralisée du territoire.
Article 2
Mesures de la Confédération
1. La Confédération prend notamment les mesures suivantes:
a) créer des conditions-cadre propices à la production et à l'écoulement des produits
agricoles;
b) rémunérer, au moyen de paiements directs, les prestations écologiques et celles
d'intérêt public fournies par les exploitations paysannes cultivant le sol;
c) veiller à ce que l'évolution du secteur agricole soit acceptable sur le plan social;
d) contribuer à l'amélioration des structures;
e) encourager la recherche agronomique et la formation professionnelle agricole, ainsi
que la sélection animale et végétale;
f) réglementer la protection des végétaux et l'utilisation des matières auxiliaires.
2. L'intervention de la Confédération implique des mesures préalables d'entraide qui constituent
une charge supportable.  Elle est coordonnée avec les instruments de la politique régionale.
                                                     
17 FF 1996 IV 1.
* French onlyIP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 28
Article 12
Promotion des ventes
1. La Confédération peut, par des contributions, soutenir les mesures que les producteurs, les
transformateurs et les commerçants prennent sur le plan national ou régional afin de promouvoir la
vente des produits suisses dans le pays et à l'étranger.
2. Les responsables coordonnent leur action et élaborent des directives communes, notamment
pour promouvoir les ventes sur le plan régional ou national et à l'étranger.
3. S'ils prennent des mesures communes, la Confédération peut apporter son soutien à ces
activités pour autant qu'elles s'imposent dans l'intérêt économique général.  Il s'agit notamment de
mesures prises dans les domaines suivants:
a) relations publiques;
b) promotion des ventes;c) publicité générale pour l'agriculture suisse;
d) prospection du marché.
4. Le Conseil fédéral fixe les critères régissant la répartition des fonds.
Article 13
Allégement du marché
1. Afin d'éviter l'effondrement du prix d'un produit agricole, la Confédération peut participer,
dans le cas d'une évolution extraordinaire, aux frais occasionnés par des mesures d'une durée limitée
destinées à alléger le marché.  La participation de la Confédération est exclue pour les excédents
structurels.
2. Les contributions de la Confédération présupposent en règle générale des prestations
équitables des cantons ou des organisations concernées.
Section 2
Désignation
Article 14
Généralités
1. Le Conseil fédéral peut, pour garantir la crédibilité des désignations et pour promouvoir la
qualité et l'écoulement des produits agricoles et des produits agricoles transformés, édicter desdispositions sur la désignation des produits:
a) élaborés selon un mode de production particulier;
b) présentant des caractéristiques spécifiques;
c) provenant de la région de montagne;d) se distinguant par leur origine.
2. L'attribution de désignations aux produits visés par ces dispositions est volontaire.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 29
3. Les dispositions de la législation sur les denrées alimentaires sont réservées.
Article 15
Mode de production, caractéristiques spécifiques des produits
1. Le Conseil fédéral fixe:
a) les exigences auxquelles doivent satisfaire les produits et les modes de production,
notamment écologiques;
b) les modalités du contrôle.
2. Les produits ne peuvent être désignés comme particulièrement respectueux de
l'environnement et conformes aux besoins des anima ux que si les règles concernant la production sont
respectées dans l'ensemble de l'exploitation.  Le Conseil fédéral peut accorder des dérogations à titre
exceptionnel.
3. Il peut reconnaître les directives des organisations qui remplissent les exigences définies au
premier alinéa, lettre a).
4. Il peut reconnaître les désignations de produits étrangers lorsqu'elles répondent à des
exigences équivalentes.
Article 16
Appellations d'origine, indications géographiques
1. Le Conseil fédéral établit un registre des appellations d'origine et des indications
géographiques.
2. Il réglemente notamment:
a) les qualités exigées du requérant;
b) les conditions de l'enregistrement, en particulier les exigences du cahier des charges;c) les procédures d'enregistrement et d'opposition;
d) le contrôle.
3. Les appellations d'origine et les indications géographiques enregistrées ne peuvent être
utilisées comme nom générique.  Les noms génériques ne peuvent être enregistrés comme appellationd'origine ou indication géographique.
4. Si le nom d'un canton ou d'une localité est utilisé dans une appellation d'origine ou une
indication géographique, le Conseil fédéral s'assure que l'enregistrement répond, le cas échéant, à la
réglementation cantonale.
5. Les appellations d'origine et les indications géographiques enregistrées ne peuvent pas être
déposées comme marque pour un produit similaire dans un des cas visés au 7
ème alinéa.
6. Quiconque utilise le nom d'une appellation d'origine ou d'une indication géographique
enregistrée pour un produit agricole ou un produit agricole transformé similaire doit remplir les
exigences du cahier des charges visé au 2ème alinéa, lettre b). Cette obligation ne s'applique pas aux
marques connues ou réputées qui sont utilisées depuis longtemps.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 30
7. Les appellations d'origine et les indications géographiques enregistrées sont protégées en
particulier contre:
a) toute utilisation commerciale pour d'autres produits exploitant le renom de la
désignation protégée;
b) toute usurpation, contrefaçon ou imitation.
Section 3
Importation
Article 17
Droits de douane à l'importation
Les droits de douane à l'importation doivent être fixés compte tenu de la situation de
l'approvisionnement dans le pays et des débouchés existant pour les produits suisses similaires.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 31
CHAPITRE 5
Économie viti-vinicole
Section 1
Viticulture
Article 60
Autorisation de planter de la vigne et obligation d'annoncer
1. Quiconque plante de nouvelles vignes doit être titulaire d'une autorisation du canton.2. Toute reconstitution de cultures doit être annoncée au canton.
3. Le canton autorise la plantation de vignes destinées à la production de vin à condition que
l'endroit choisi soit propice à la viticulture.
4. Le Conseil fédéral fixe les principes régissant l'autorisation de planter des vignes et
l'obligation d'annoncer.  Il peut prévoir des dérogations.
Article 61
Cadastre viticole
Les cantons tiennent un cadastre viticole, dans lequel sont décrites les particularités des
vignobles, conformément aux princi pes définis par la Confédération.
Article 62
Assortiment des cépages
1. L'office détermine les caractéristiques des variétés de cépages.
2. Il tient un assortiment des cépages recommandés pour la plantation.
Article 63
Désignation
1. Le Conseil fédéral peut définir les notions d'appellation d'origine, d'appellation d'origine
contrôlée et d'indication de provenance.
2. Il peut déléguer aux cantons la tâche de réglementer l'utilisation des désignations.  Il fixe les
principes à cet effet.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 32
Article 64
Classement
1. Les lots de vendanges sont classés en trois catégories selon leur teneur naturelle en sucre et le
rendement à l'unité de surface:
a) catégorie 1: raisin permettant l'élaboration de vins avec appellation d'origine ou
avec appellation d'origine contrôlée;
b) catégorie 2: raisin permettant l'élaboration de vins avec indication de provenance;
c) catégorie 3: raisin ne permettant que l'élaboration de vins sans appellation
d'origine ni indication de provenance.
2. Le Conseil fédéral peut, par catégorie, fixer des teneurs minimales en sucre et limiter la
production par unité de surface.
3. Les cantons peuvent fixer des teneurs minimales en sucre supérieures et des limites de
production par unité de surface inférieures à celles fixées par le Conseil fédéral.
Article 65
Contrôle de la vendange
1. Les cantons organisent le contrôle de la vendange et en communiquent les résultats à l'office.2. Le Conseil fédéral édicte les dispositions relatives au contrôle de la vendange.
3. La Confédération peut participer aux frais occasionnés par le contrôle de la vendange à raison
de 80 pour cent au plus.
Article 66
Fonds viticole
1. Un fonds viticole est constitué;  il sert à financer des mesures visant au maintien du vignoble
et à favoriser l'écoulement de produits viti-vinicoles de qualité.
2. Le fonds viticole est alimenté par une part des droits de douane perçus sur les importations de
vins, de moûts et de jus de raisin.
3. La part des droits de douane perçus sur les importations de vins ne dépasse pas 10 pour cent
de la valeur des produits suisses équivalents.
4. Après consultation de l'Interprofession du vin suisse, le département fixe la part des droits de
douane affectée au fonds.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 33
Section 2
Contrôle du commerce des vins
Article 67
Contrôle de la comptabilité et des caves
1. Le commerce des vins est soumis à un contrôle de la comptabilité et des caves afin que les
appellations soient protégées.
2. Par commerce des vins, on entend l'achat et la vente de vins, de moûts, de produits contenant
du vin et de jus de raisin, effectués à titre professionnel, ainsi que le traitement et le stockage de ces
produits en vue de leur vente.
Article 68
Obligations concernant le commerce des vins
1. Quiconque exerce le commerce des vins au sens de l'article 67, 2ème alinéa, a l'obligation:
a) d'être inscrit au registre du commerce;
b) d'annoncer le début de son activité à l'autorité de contrôle;
c) de tenir une comptabilité relative à l'ensemble des transactions portant sur les produits
mentionnés à l'article 67, 2ème alinéa;
d) de dresser chaque année un inventaire des stocks de vin et de calculer le volume de
ventes annuel en hectolitres.
2. Le Conseil fédéral peut fixer d'autres obligations permettant l'exécution des contrôles.3. Si la protection des désignations n'en souffre pas, le Conseil fédéral peut prévoir des
assouplissements ou des dérogations, notamment pour:
a) les producteurs qui vendent exclusivement leurs produits aux revendeurs finaux et
aux consommateurs finaux;
b) les entreprises qui se limitent au commerce en bouteilles des produits mentionnés à
l'article 67, 2
ème alinéa, ou qui les vendent pour la consommation sur place;
c) les entreprises qui font l'objet d'un contrôle cantonal équivalent.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 34
Article 168
Procédure d'opposition
Le Conseil fédéral peut prévoir, dans les dispositions d'exécution, une procédure d'opposition
contre les décisions de première instance.
CHAPITRE 2
Mesures administratives
Article 169
Mesures administratives générales
La violation de la présente loi, de ses dispositions d'exécution et des décisions qui en
découlent peut donner lieu aux mesures administratives suivantes:
a) l'avertissement;
b) le retrait de la reconnaissance, de l'autorisation ou d'un contingent, notamment;
c) la privation de droits;
d) l'interdiction de la vente directe;e) la suspension de la livraison, de la prise en charge ou de la mise en valeur;
f) l'exécution par substitution aux frais du contrevenant ou de l'organisation
responsable;
g) la confiscation de biens.
Article 170
Réduction et refus de contributions
1. Les contributions peuvent être réduites ou refusées si le requérant viole la présente loi, ses
dispositions d'exécution on les décisions qui en découlent.
2. Les contributions sont réduites ou refusées au moins pour les années où le requérant a violé
les dispositions.
Article 171
Restitution de contributions
1. Si les conditions liées à l'octroi d'une contribution ne sont plus remplies ou que les charges ou
les conditions ne sont plus respectées, la restitution totale ou partielle de la contribution est exigée.
2. Les contributions et les avantages pécuniaires indûment obtenus doivent être restitués ou
compensés, indépendamment de l'application des dispositions pénales.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 35
CHAPITRE 3
Dispositions pénales
Article 172
Délits
1. Celui qui, intentionnellement, utilise illégalement une appellation d'origine ou une indication
géographique protégées en vertu de l'article 16 ou encore une appellation d'origine, une appellation
d'origine contrôlée on une indication de provenance visées à l'article 63 sera, sur plainte ou
dénonciation, puni de l'emprisonnement pour un an au plus ou d'une amende de 100 000 francs auplus.
2. Celui qui agit par métier est poursuivi d'office.  La peine est l'emprisonnement ou une amende
de 200 000 francs au plus.
Article 173
Contraventions
1. Si l'acte n'est pas punissable plus sévèrement en vertu d'une autre disposition, sera puni des
arrêts ou d'une amende de 40 000 francs au plus celui qui, intentionnellement:
a) enfreint les dispositions édictées ou reconnues en vertu des articles 14 et 15
concernant les modes de production, les caractéristiques spécifiques des produits et
les régions de montagne;
b) enfreint les dispositions édictées en vertu de l'article 18, 1er alinéa, sur la déclaration
de produits issus de modes de production interdits en Suisse;
c) refuse de donner des renseignements ou donne des indications fausses ou incomplètes
lors des relevés prévus aux articles 27 et 185;
d) donne des indications fausses on fallacieuses lors d'une procédure d'octroi de
contributions ou de contingents;
e) produit ou commercialise du lait ou des produits laitiers en violation de dispositions
ou de décisions de la Confédération découlant de la présente loi;
f) plante des vignes sans autorisation;
g) enfreint l'article 145, relatif à l'insémination artificielle;
h) enfreint les dispositions relatives à la protection des plantes utiles et édictées en vertu
des articles 151, 152 ou 153;
i) n'observe pas les conditions d'utilisation prévues à l'article 159;k) produit, importe ou met en circulation sans homologation des matières auxiliaires de
l'agriculture soumises à homologation en vertu de l'article 160, administre aux
animaux des antibiotiques et des substances similaires comme stimulateurs de
performance ou contrevient à l'obligation d'en annoncer l'utilisation à des fins
thérapeutiques prévue à l'article 160, 8
ème alinéa;
l) importe, utilise on met en circulation du matériel végétal de multiplication d'une
variété ne figurant pas dans un catalogue de variétés visé à l'article 162;
m) n'observe pas les intervalles de sécurité exigés à  l'article 163;
n) ne fournit pas les renseignements exigés à l'article 164;
o) manque à l'obligation de renseigner prévue à l'article 183.
2. Si l'auteur agit par négligence, la peine est une amende de 10 000 francs au plus.IP/C/W/117/Add.13
Page 36
3. Si l'acte n'est pas punissable plus sévèrement  en vertu d'une autre disposition, est puni d'une
amende de 5 000 francs au plus celui qui, intentionnellement:
a) utilise un titre visé aux articles 128, 132, 134 ou 135 sans avoir réussi les examens
requis à cet effet;
b) contrevient à une disposition d'exécution dont la violation a été déclarée punissable.
4. La tentative et la complicité sont punissables.5. Dans les cas de très peu de gravité, il peut être renoncé à la poursuite pénale et à la peine.
__________