The IPI is responsible for examining, granting and administering Swiss industrial property rights (patents, trade marks and designs). It works together with governmental agencies, trade associations and businesses to enforce Swiss indications of source within Switzerland and internationally. The IPI also supervises the collective rights management organisations for copyright and provides information on intellectual property rights to individuals and companies in a variety of ways.
The Department of Intellectual Property Law deals with the protection of industrial property rights as well as copyright protection. In particular, the AVW deals with national and international registration of trademarks and designs, as well as the administration of copyright and related protective rights.