2024-03-12 23:03:33
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If the federal authorities have their way, the Nati players will no longer be allowed to wear the Swiss coat of arms on their jerseys.
The fun ends at the Swiss cross. Some people have already felt this. Because the Swiss coat of arms was emblazoned on the logo, the Zurich train station restaurant Brasserie Federal had to change its logo. The Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE) is also at odds with an institution that no one would think of: the Swiss ice hockey national team.
The reason for this is the Coat of Arms Protection Act, which has been in force since 2017. It prohibits the use of the coat of arms for business purposes. But cantonal and municipal coats of arms can 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 permission
The Swiss Ice Hockey Federation could also have applied for an exemption by the end of 2018 in order to continue using the Swiss coat of arms on the jerseys of national teams. However, the federal government is now taking the position that the ice hockey association failed to submit a justified application on time.
The coat of arms dispute raged here too
Specifically, this means: The Nati players are no longer allowed to wear the Swiss coat of arms on their chest. There is no permission from the federal authorities for this. Misuse of the coat of arms could 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 change in the law can only be implemented through both chambers, which is why we sought contact with the chairman of the Parliamentary Sports Group.”
SFV has switched from a coat of arms to a flag
The Swiss Football Association (SFV), however, has no problems with intellectual property. Since the 1980s, all national teams have no longer worn the Swiss cross as a coat of arms, but in the form of a flag.
However, there is little understanding for the federal government’s approach: “We are of the opinion 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 shape,” says SFV spokesman Adrian Arnold. National teams are ambassadors for their country. “It is therefore difficult to understand why they are prohibited from wearing the Swiss cross in the form of a coat of arms.”
“Red tape has to be kept in check here”
SP National Councilor Matthias Aebischer (56) sees it the same way: “It must be a given that Swiss national teams can use the Swiss coat of arms, even before any companies.” If there is a gap in the law, it should be closed. Supported by representatives of all parliamentary groups, Aebischer has now submitted a proposal that calls on the Federal Council to adapt the Coat of Arms Protection Act accordingly. “The red tape must be kept under control here,” he says.
In the Council of States, FDP representative and president of the equestrian sports association “Swiss Equestrian”, Damian Müller (39), submitted the same proposal. “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.”
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