‘Swiss Army’ chocolate has to change its name
A Swiss-based chocolate company is no longer allowed to use “Swiss Army” to market its product, a Bern commercial court has decided, following a challenge by the Swiss Defence Procurement authorities.
“This case gives a signal in terms of further infringements of the government’s military trademarks,” said the Federal Office for Defence Procurement (armasuisse) in a statementExternal link on Friday.
Armasuisse is mandated to protect the trademarks “Swiss Army”, “Swiss Military” and “Swiss Air Force”, which can be used through licencing agreements. The company, Star Trade, did not have such an agreement.
Armasuisse has already undertaken several lawsuits and actions against infringement of the government’s military trademarks, the statement said.
Star Trade told the Swiss news agency that it would now market its chocolate using the same design, but under the name “Royal Army”.
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