The use of the Swiss coat of arms consisting of a Swiss cross set in a triangular escutcheon, is strictly reserved for the federal administration. There are no exceptions for national sports teams, which may be banned from wearing a jersey displaying this emblem of Switzerland. The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) recently lodged a complaint with the Federal Administrative Court against the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation, seeking the removal of the emblem from the team’s jersey. Exceptions can only be made with the authorization of the Federal Council, which is granted on very rare occasions, as in the case of the famous Victorinox company. For the time being, national teams will have to make do with the Swiss flag, which can be used freely provided such use is not misleading or in breach of the public order or public decency.
Isabelle Bruder
