swiss label - Com Consulting SA

© SWISS LABEL
WHAT IS SWISS LABEL?
Ms Sutter, what objectives does SWISS LABEL pursue and what is the
benefit involved here?
SWISS LABEL wants to make a contribution to the preservation and
promotion of Switzerland as a centre of business by using a clear and
simple country-of-origin emblem - the crossbow. The aim is to promote
the sale of Swiss products and services both at home and abroad.
Here the crossbow symbolises values typical of Switzerland that
encourage trust: quality, safety, reliability and tradition.
What is the benefit here to members of SWISS LABEL?
Our members stand out from the competition thanks to the clear-cut
identification of origin. They also identify with the liberal pro-business
objectives of SWISS LABEL, which are documented by means of a
certificate. In addition, our members benefit from a free initial advice
session about issues of trademark law. In future SWISS LABEL wishes
to offer its members even better assistance with the marketing of their
products and services, thus helping to promote and strengthen
Switzerland as a centre of production and employment. Here the aim
is to encourage a spirit of responsible free enterprise and to protect it
from unnecessary state intervention hindering its development.
How do you become a member of SWISS LABEL?
Membership and the associated right of using the crossbow as a protected
trademark is granted by the conclusion of a so-called user agreement
between the company in question and SWISS LABEL. Once the
prerequisites have been satisfied, admission of the company is swiftly
approved by the board without great bureaucracy within ten days. The
crossbow is currently protected for all categories of goods in Switzerland
and for various products and services in our key export markets.
How does SWISS LABEL ensure quality assurance?
In 2006 we introduced a straightforward unbureaucratic controlling
system for our members, which provides for the periodic
checking of standards. We stipulate that at least 50 percent of
performance be effected in Switzerland. As Vice-President of
SWISS LABEL, I am responsible for carrying out our controlling in
person. This allows us to enter into dialogue with our members and
Swiss Label Ticino 2010
SWISS LABEL
Interview with Sigrid Sutter,
Vice-President of SWISS LABEL
The trademark of SWISS LABEL, the society for the promotion of Swiss products and services, is the crossbow. The
roots of SWISS LABEL date back to the beginning of the last century: founded in 1917 as “Schweizer Woche”. Today
the crossbow symbol is protected in Switzerland but also in many other countries under the trademark laws. Only
members of SWISS LABEL are allowed to use the crossbow as a Swiss seal of origin on their products or documents.
The Swiss contribution of value must be at least 50 percent for the trademark to be used. Close to 350 companies of
various sizes and from different branches are members of SWISS LABEL - with a marked upward trend. In addition,
our members undertake to uphold the quality level customary in the sector as a minimum requirement. Swiss National
Councillor Bruno Zuppiger acts as President since June 2003 while the secretariat is run by the Swiss trade and crafts
association (www.swisslabel.ch)
to cater for their needs and requirements. This is not only beneficial
for myself and SWISS LABEL but also for the members visited.
Would the Swiss Cross not be a better emblem for indicating the country
of origin than the crossbow?
Yes and no. The Swiss Cross is undoubtedly far better known than the
crossbow. However, the law currently governing coats of arms
prohibits the use of the Swiss Cross as an indication of origin on products.
According to proposals made by the Bundesrat (federal council
of Switzerland) it is planned in future to also allow the use of the Swiss
Cross on goods manufactured within the country. Here the aim is to
combat misuse both at home and abroad in a more consistent manner.
In view of SWISS LABEL such clarification is undoubtedly
welcomed. We will be carefully analysing the possible consequences
where the crossbow is concerned.
Furthermore we encounter an ever-growing need for the clear identification
of products and services by origin, particularly in today’s
hectic age of increasing globalisation and constant change. This is
also demonstrated by the growth in our membership, which has
easily doubled in the last three years.
SWISS LABEL AND COM CONSULTING AG
SWISS LABEL and COM CONSULTING SA,
La Chaux-de-Fonds, are linked by a cooperation agreement.
COM CONSULTING AG draws up business publications in
consultation with SWISS LABEL - compiled according to specific
themes or cantons. The objective is to promote Switzerland as a
centre of business. SWISS LABEL assists COM CONSULTING
SA by establishing initial contacts at a political level for the
realisation of the individual publications.
COM CONSULTING SA however bears sole responsibility for
the texts, with the exception of the present SWISS LABEL page.
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