[3] The unitary patent "may only be granted, transferred, annulled or lapse in respect of the whole territory of protection," i.e. for both Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Switzerland introduced a federal patent system a year after a referendum held in 1887 (before the subject was devoted to cantons, and in practice there was little protection).
This had been made possible by a regulation unilaterally enacted in 1924 by Liechtenstein, but considered only as a temporary measure.
[4] The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property is the only competent national authority regarding the unitary patent for Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
In contrast, the grant procedure for "national" patents in Switzerland and Liechtenstein takes place before the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property and does not involve a substantial examination.
It is possible to obtain a search report during the procedure, but this is optional and has no effect on the decision to grant.
[15] While the language of the proceedings at the European Patent Office may only be English, French or German,[16] the proceedings before the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, for the grant of a "national" patent, are conducted in German, French or Italian.
[17] As Switzerland and Liechtenstein are parties to the London Agreement, no translation is required for a European patent to remain effective after grant in these two countries.