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[POLITICS] · Switzerland · 3 sources

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Part of situation: Swiss domestic industry protection measures (2 clusters)

Swiss Council of States moves to restrict Swiss cross to domestic goods

Swiss cross Swiss Engineering intellectual property SMEs On footwear

The Swiss Council of States has passed a motion to restrict the use of the Swiss cross to products manufactured within Switzerland. The motion, supported by 32 votes to 5, aims to reverse a recent policy change by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE).

In March 2026, the IGE updated its guidelines to allow the Swiss cross on products manufactured abroad, provided they meet specific 'Swiss Engineering' criteria regarding placement and size. This decision followed a dispute involving the footwear company On, which has been permitted to use the symbol on shoes produced in Asia.

Fabio Regazzi, President of the Swiss Business Federation (SGV) and a member of the Council of States, criticized the IGE's decision, stating it weakens the exclusivity of the Swiss cross and disadvantages small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that produce domestically. The SGV has called on the Federal Council to act quickly to prevent the erosion of the symbol's value and to protect the domestic economic landscape.

Entities

Fabio Regazzi · On · Swiss Business Federation · Swiss Council of States · Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [● 2 SOURCES] The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE) updated its practice in March 2026 to allow the Swiss cross on foreign-made products under specific 'Swiss Engineering' criteria. www.blick.ch
  • [● 2 SOURCES] The footwear brand On welcomed the IGE's practice clarification, stating it reflects modern Swiss value creation. www.blick.ch
  • [● 3 SOURCES] The Council of States passed a motion with 32 to 5 votes to restrict the use of the Swiss cross. www.moneycab.com · www.blick.ch
  • [● 3 SOURCES] Fabio Regazzi, President of the Swiss Business Federation (SGV), argues the practice change weakens the exclusivity of the Swiss cross and disadvantages domestic SMEs. www.moneycab.com · www.blick.ch

Sources

Schweizer Politik stellt sich gegen Laufschuhhersteller On [www.cash.ch]
sgv: Ständerat will das Schweizerkreuz klar schützen - Jetzt muss der Bundesrat rasch handeln [www.moneycab.com]
Ständerat stoppt On: Streit um Schweizerkreuz eskaliert [www.blick.ch]