The history of the Corporate Intellectual Property Department is intertwined with Sulzer’s development into a modern industrial corporation of international importance.
First patent in 1889
Since the company’s foundation, intellectual property rights have been critical. On July 24, 1889—only eight months Switzerland began issuing patents—the Sulzer Brothers company filed their first patent application at the Swiss Patent Office in Berne.
By the end of the 19th century, Sulzer was already rapidly expanding internationally, as documented by a series of historical patents and documents.
The first Sulzer trademark was filed at the Swiss Federal Office of Intellectual Property on May 28, 1930.
Depth of experience and competences
Because of this long history, we have developed a depth of experience and knowledge in international intellectual property law. Initially, Sulzer Brothers relied on external firms to handle intellectual property rights. As the company expanded, it became necessary to have an internal patent and trademark department, which quickly developed into one of the most important patent departments in the Swiss machine industry. Until today, the number of patented inventions of Sulzer has already grown to more than 8000 patent families.