April 26, 2018, marks the 18th annual celebration of World Intellectual Property (IP) Day. Intellectual property underpins nearly every aspect of the economy – it supports good paying jobs, creativity in the arts, innovation in sciences and technology, and it creates a framework that allows new industries and innovations to flourish.
Every year, we celebrate World IP Day to learn about the role that intellectual property rights (patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright) play in encouraging innovation and creativity. In light of U.S.-Swiss bilateral interest in the topic, we want to highlight the opinions of our partners in Switzerland on the importance of intellectual property.
Matthias Etter is the CEO and Founder of Cuboro, a Swiss company that makes games and toys. Intellectual property and brand protection is essential for the success of his business.
What are the components of effective education in the field of intellectual property rights?
The right to intellectual property, its different forms and their effectiveness should be taught at school level, and particularly at universities of applied sciences.
What is the value of intellectual property to consumers of the entertainment industry?
The value primarily lies with the artists. Intellectual property ensures they remain motivated and are not copied and ousted by those who dominate the market. Protection of artists’ works certainly also results in greater variety for consumers.
Hubert Witte works with intellectual property on a daily basis. He is the Head of Patents Basel at Roche.
When should a business owner, in the course of planning his or her business model, start thinking of intellectual property?
IP should be considered as early as possible. In the pharmaceutical industry, patent protection is providing market exclusivity for the corresponding products. Since our industry has long development timelines, a stable form of market exclusivity is key for attracting investment. Besides having a concrete R&D plan, a sound IP/patent strategy should be a key aspect when setting up a business plan for a startup company.
Andreas Wigger is the President of the Swiss Anti-Piracy Organization.
What is the value of intellectual property to consumers of the entertainment industry?
Creativity and innovation is the basis of the entertainment industry; both can only thrive when artists can protect their creations and are properly rewarded for their work. However, effective IP rights protect not only artists and producers, but also entire industries. They protect jobs and the economy as a whole and ensure that consumers receive the quality they expect and deserve. IP rights foster the variety of products for all consumers to enjoy.
Simon Holzer deals with the legal side of intellectual property. He is a Partner with Meyerlustenberger Lachenal Attorneys at Law.
What is the value of intellectual property to consumers of the entertainment industry?
IP not only helps major producers invest in new blockbusters, but the distribution of copyright fees also promotes young and unknown artists. This leads to larger and more interesting options for consumers.
What is something unique, in your opinion, that women entrepreneurs and artists contribute to Swiss innovation and culture?
I am convinced that women can make unique contributions to Swiss innovation. Although the share of women in Swiss research teams is still low, it is very pleasant to see that the proportion of women in research teams has increased most strongly since 2000 in Korea and Switzerland. I hope this trend continues.
Hansueli Stamm is the Chief Economist at the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property responsible for patents, trademarks, copyrights and more.
What are the components of effective education in the field of intellectual property rights?
We need to raise awareness that counterfeited and pirated products conceal many dangers, our safety (e.g. fake spare parts), our health (e.g. by fake medicines) or our wealth (e.g. by the loss of jobs due to non-licensed copies of a Swiss computer games)
When should a business owner in the course of planning his or her business model start thinking of intellectual property?
Before starting a new business, be sure your intellectual assets are protected, be it by formal (patents, trademarks, etc.) or informal (tacit knowledge, customer relations, etc.) methods. At the same time, check to make sure you do not infringe anybody else’s intellectual property rights.
