Acquisitive prescription

Acquisitive prescription, or usucapion, converts long-term possession into a legal right when statutory conditions are met. In Swiss law it is relevant mainly for movable property, land register situations and certain easements, with requirements differing by object and by good faith or registration status. The possessor must usually exercise possession as owner or right-holder, continuously and without effective challenge. The doctrine protects legal certainty and reliance, but it does not validate theft or defective possession automatically; specific rules and exceptions are decisive.