Due to Swissness rules
Brasserie Federal should change the logo
Since the Swiss coat of arms is emblazoned on the logo, Zurich train station restaurant Brasserie Federal had to change its logo. It is expensive for the operator.
On which Switzerland is written, Switzerland should also be written on it. This is the basic idea behind the Swissness bill, which was agreed to by Parliament almost ten years ago. Violations often involve manufacturers overseas hoping to gain more confidence in the alleged Swiss origins of their products.
But now it is the Brasserie Federale’s turn at Zurich Central Station, as the “New Zürcher Zeitung” reports. Because the logo of the former station buffet has a Swiss coat of arms. However, since 2017 it is forbidden to use a Swiss cross on a triangular shield for commercial purposes.
150,000 francs Result
The ban now also applies to the pub, which has used the logo since 1997. This also has financial consequences, as the logo is almost everywhere: on staff uniforms and uniforms, on station hall windows and tables, on stationery and of course on menus.
According to “NZZ”, brasserie host Reto Candrian (42) has to pay around 150,000 francs to exchange it all. The glasses are also printed with the logo.
The purpose of the bill was actually mainly to protect Swiss trademarks abroad. The Coat of Arms Protection Act also came into force under the shadow of Swissness Bill. There are exceptions to the rule: Victorinox, for example, may emblazon pocket knives with the coat of arms, and a touring club or ski association may also use it. But not Brasserie Federal.
Federal court deadline missed
Candrian, the fourth generation running the restaurant, submitted an application to the Institute for Intellectual Property (IGE) to continue using the logo. He defended himself up to the Federal Administrative Court against the rejection of the Zurich Security Department. It dismissed the 2020 appeal. Candrian, who had other priorities because of Corona, failed to take the decision to federal court in time.
When the IGE came to inquire, he was not impressed. Eventually, as NZZ calls Candrian, the institution was accommodating and gave him time to adjust to the restaurant’s equipment. He will not have to pay the fine.
Candrian had to customize the homepage and menu. Instead of the Swiss coat of arms, the logo now features a waving Swiss flag.