Changing a company name in Switzerland: requirements and process

Changing a company name in Switzerland is a significant step that requires careful preparation and compliance with strict legal requirements. The process begins with internal planning. First, a formal resolution to change the name must be passed at a shareholders' meeting or general meeting. This resolution defines the new company name and explains the reasons for the change. Clear documentation of this resolution is essential to avoid legal ambiguities later on.

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Once the internal resolution has been passed, the desired name is subject to legal review. It must be ensured that the new name does not infringe any protected trademark rights, is not misleading, and does not conflict with existing company names. It is often advisable to carry out a search in the commercial register and at the relevant trademark offices in advance. In this case, we recommend that you have this done by one of our lawyers at Startups.ch in order to identify potential pitfalls at an early stage.

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In the next step, the new articles of association of the company must be publicly certified by a notary and submitted to the commercial register together with the resolution of the shareholders' meeting or general meeting. The submission includes additional documents confirming the identity and legal form of the company.

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The newly chosen company name finally becomes legally valid upon publication in the commercial register. It is important that you inform all relevant business partners, including customers, suppliers, and authorities, of the name change in advance. This will ensure that no complications or ambiguities arise.

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Conclusion

Plan the name change thoroughly and consult our experts at Startups.ch to ensure a smooth and legally compliant transition for your company.

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