“Biireweich!”: The federal government wants to ban national ice hockey teams from using the Swiss coat of arms

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The fun ends at the Swiss Cross. Some people have already felt this. Because the Swiss coat of arms was on the logo, Brasserie Federal, restaurant at the Zurich train station, had to change the logo. The Federal Institute for Intellectual Property (IGE) is also at odds with an institution that no one would think of: the Swiss national ice hockey team.

The reason for this is the Weapons Protection Act, which has been in force since 2017. It prohibits the use of the weapon for business purposes. But cantonal and municipal coats of arms may only be used by authorities. Unless you get the license to use it. Such as the pocket knife manufacturer Victorinox or TCS.

There is no federal authorization

The Swiss Ice Hockey Federation could also have applied for an exemption at the end of 2018 to continue using the Swiss coat of arms on the jerseys of national teams. However, the federal government now takes the position that the ice hockey association did not submit a substantiated application in time.

In concrete terms, this means: Nati players are no longer allowed to wear the Swiss coat of arms on their chest. There is no permission from the federal government for this. Misuse of the weapon can result in a prison sentence of one year or a fine.

It’s not that far yet. “We have been in contact with the highest authorities since 2018 and have been assured of support several times,” says Patrick Bloch (38), CEO of the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation. “The necessary legislative change can only be implemented through both chambers. That is why we contacted the chairman of the Parliamentary Sports Faction.”

SFV has switched from a coat of arms to a flag

However, the Swiss Football Association (SFV) has no problems with intellectual property. Since the 1980s, all national teams no longer wear the Swiss cross as a coat of arms, but in the form of a flag.

However, there is little understanding of the federal government’s approach: “We believe that all national teams of the Swiss sports associations should be able to choose whether they want to use the flag or the coat of arms,” ​​says SFV spokesperson. Adrian Arnold. National teams are ambassadors for their country. “It is therefore difficult to understand why they are prohibited from carrying the Swiss cross in the form of a coat of arms.”

“The administrative burden must be kept under control here”

SP national councilor Matthias Aebischer (56) sees it the same way: “It must be a given that Swiss national teams are allowed to use the Swiss coat of arms, even before any company.” If there is a gap in the law, it must be closed. Supported by representatives of all parliamentary groups, Aebischer has now submitted a proposal calling on the Federal Council to amend the Weapons Protection Act accordingly. “The red tape must be kept under control here,” he says.

Damian Müller (39), representative of the FDP and chairman of the equestrian association “Swiss Equestrian”, Damian Müller (39), submitted the same proposal to the Council of States. “At first I thought it was a bad joke,” he says. But then he had to realize that the ‘absurd interpretation’ of the heraldic law actually leads to impossible situations. “All I can really do is shake my head and come to the conclusion: pretty soft.”

Source:Blick