The cross with the cross: There is always an argument about the Swiss coat of arms

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The Swiss national hockey team is not alone: ​​private individuals and companies have also had arguments with the federal government about the cross. The Brasserie Federale in Zurich’s main station, for example. The café has used the Swiss coat of arms in its logo since 1997. It had to be changed a year and a half ago. Whether it was stationery, menus, the sign on the entrance door: everything had to be replaced. It is estimated that it cost about 150,000 francs, as the “NZZ” wrote at the time.

A few years ago, representatives of the climate strike were warned by the Federal Office of Public Health for making fun of the federal government in a video – briefly showing the Swiss coat of arms.

But not only the Swiss coat of arms is protected, but also cantonal or municipal coats of arms. The Wil section of the St. Gallen SVP recently experienced this during the election campaign. They announced their choice with the coat of arms of the canton of St. Gallen. The canton intervened – and the responsible department had to stick up its own posters.

It can even happen abroad

The example of the American rental company Road Bear shows that even abroad you are not protected against disputes with the Swiss heraldic guard. He received mail from Bern because he had illegally used the Bernese coat of arms for his logo.

The Intellectual Property Institute (IGE) told Blick in 2022 that it intervenes in about 20 cases a year involving a weapon in Switzerland and ten cases abroad.

Whether at the Swiss Cross or in the cantons: the devil is in the details. Only the coat of arms – the white cross in the red field in a triangular shield – is strictly protected. The white cross in the form of a flag may be used as long as the use is not misleading or contrary to public order, good morals or applicable law. In the event of a violation, the government usually turns a blind eye to someone who illegally uses a weapon, as long as the logo or lettering is quickly changed.

Source:Blick