To be patentable, an invention must be novel. This means it must never have been seen in any form by the public before you apply.

Switzerland and Liechtenstein have the same patent regulations based on a bilateral patent treaty. A Swiss patent is valid in Liechtenstein in the same way that a patent in Liechtenstein is valid in Switzerland. Designation of one country implies the other, they cannot be designated separately.

When a patent has been granted in Switzerland, the title is entered into the Swiss Patent Register and published.