File:Swiss bank note security text.JPG

Summary[edit]

Picture of the small security text that can only be read with magnifier. photographed myself.

The reproduction and imitation of banknotes is prohibited in Switzerland according to Art. 243 of the Penal Code if there is a danger of the reproduction being confused with genuine banknotes. The sole responsibility for interpreting and applying this provision of law is vested in the cantonal criminal prosecution authorities, and the Swiss National Bank therefore has no right of disposition in this respect. In the interests of legal security and equal treatment, the Swiss National Bank has listed – by way of example – in the «Instruction sheet concerning the reproduction of banknotes» those reproductions that it does not consider likely to be confused with real banknotes and to which, therefore, the provisions of criminal law do not apply. snb.ch

Notes may be considered to be admissable as follows [1]:

1. Reduced-size reproductions whose lengths do not exceed 66% of the original banknote.

2. Enlarged reproductions whose lengths are at least 150% that of the original banknote.

3. Partial reproductions of any size provided less than 40 percent of one side of the original banknote is reproduced.

4. Reproductions on a material which can unambiguously and easily be distinguished from paper (reproductions on foodstuffs and hard products such as metal, glass, stone, wood, etc.).

5. Reproductions of a colour which is readily distinguishable from that of any banknotes currently in use as legal tender.

Swiss currency is not protected by copyright:

Banknotes are not protected by the Swiss Federal Copyright Statute. However, individual works reproduced on banknotes are subject to copyright protection provided they have not been reproduced recognisably as a part of the banknote. The works protected under copyright law may only be reproduced and adapted with the permission of the copyright holder.

Licensing[edit]

I, the copyright holder of this work, release this work into the public domain. This applies worldwide. In some countries this may not be legally possible; if so: I grant anyone the right to use this work for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law.