Homburger counts a host of international tech companies as well as Swiss blue-chip corporations among its clients, for which the firm acts on the full range of TMT-related work, including transactions, data protection and litigation. The practice also combines expertise in IP and patent law with regulatory and commercial knowledge in order to assist clients in interdisciplinary matters. The Zurich-based team is headed by TMT-heavyweight Georg Rauber, who is regularly instructed by technology companies operating in the areas of software development, healthcare and sports marketing. Luca Dal Molin specialises in telecom regulations, data privacy and data protection law in addition to experience of transactions within the technology sector.
TMT in Switzerland
Homburger
Testimonials
‘Highly educated team with a lot of experience in setting up and negotiating complex IT contracts.’
‘Courteous, friendly and organised.’
‘Professional, competent, analytical, goal-oriented, extremely good expertise.’
‘The entire team is extremely knowledgeable on all TMT and industry specific matters.’
‘Georg Rauber is our go-to expert when things get complex and industry-specific.’
‘Homburger advises on all aspects of the deal, providing a sound, international legal analysis. They are key to the backbone of your legal strategy, and one may be very confident that the client is in the best hands when they come into action.’
‘Gregor Bühler is tremendously knowledgeable of all aspects involved in sport rights’ dealings and goes the extra mile to deliver excellent legal advice on a perfect timing.’
Key clients
Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX)
aosphere (Allen & Overy)
SAP
Avaloq
Zur Rose Group
Liberty Global
Infront Sports & Media
eBay
Swisscom
MCH Group
Swiss Post
Refinitiv
ASML Holding
UBS
DEKRA
Helvetia
Work highlights
- Advising SpaceX on market launch of Starlink products in Switzerland.
- Advised Sunrise UPC on its strategic partnership with CH Media
- Advised BlueVoyant on the Swiss cyber-defense joint venture with ELCA
MLL Legal
Having originated from the merger between Meyerlustenberger Lachenal with Froriep in 2021, MLL Legal counts a wide range of TMT companies among its portfolio, with clients stemming from fields such as e-commerce, software, radio and TV broadcasting and IT outsourcing. The practice is well-known for its expertise in new technologies and is often sought out for matters pertaining to blockchain, cybersecurity and machine learning. The practice is headed by Lukas Bühlmann and Nicola Benz. ICT-related projects are handled by Michael Reinle, who is also experienced in issues pertaining to IP in the digital economy.
Practice head(s):
Lukas Bühlmann; Nicola Benz
Testimonials
‘Very efficient staffing, even for big and complex assignments. Excellent legal skills, business mindset.’
‘Lukas Bühlmann has excellent legal skills combined with strategic thinking and outstanding business mindset.’
‘They know the market and are well-connected internationally.’
‘Lukas Bühlmann is heading the group and is extremely active, also on an international level. He pushes the team and does a fantastic job.’
‘Their key asset next to their excellent legal knowledge is the ability to really understand and engage with the business of their clients, e.g. online advertising, cloud, new technology solutions.’
‘The team spirit is exceptional. This is a safe place for everyone, junior to partner, that allows individual growth by inclusion and diversity.’
‘Lukas Bühlmann is a pleasure to work with. He has been an industry leader for many years, providing hands-on and practical legal advice.’
‘The company has remained very young in terms of working methods, is progressive and very flexible in its dealings.’
Key clients
International Trade Center (ITC)
British American Tobacco (BAT)
Decentriq AG
Alven Capital
HANDELSVERBAND.swiss
Avobis AG
HotellerieSuisse
Yamo AG
OPO Oeschger AG
We Are Ukraine
Epic Solutions
Rainbird
Knorr-Bremse
IS45 OFDC AG
Gastrosocial
Authena
naoo AG
Julius Baer
International Commission of Jurists
Emaar Properties
Work highlights
- Advising Handelsverband. SWISS on e-commerce, retail and data privacy matters for more than 10 years, recently advising on the development of an interactive legaltech tool for the members of the association assisting them to comply with data privacy laws.
- Acting as external legal counsel for Avobis regarding all matters of their digitalisation strategy.
- Advising Baxter Ltd. on data protection and life science regulation in Switzerland.
Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd
The TMT practice at Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd handles a broad array of matters on both the contentious and non-contentious side. Particular strengths exist in the areas of IT, IP, telecoms and competition law, where the firm regularly acts for clients in sectors such as media, pharma and banking in addition to a number of telecoms service providers. Roland Mathys, who is well versed in outsourcing transactions and major technology projects, leads the practice. Samuel Klaus is recommended for his experience in matters pertaining to ICT, data, cybercrime and IT security, while David Mamane focuses on competition and antitrust law.
Practice head(s):
Roland Mathys
Testimonials
‘The service provided is highly qualified. Uncomplicated and more goal-oriented work than others.’
‘Lorenza Ferrari Hofer has great experience in TMT, data privacy and data protection, but also on general commercial matters. She is highly professional, pragmatic, trustworthy and also just a great person.’
‘Roland Mathys is extremely smart, and his expertise in IT law and contract law is exceptional in the Swiss market.’
‘The TMT team of Schellenberg Wittmer excels in IT-related matters and has an exceptional understanding of clients’ needs.’
‘Roland Mathys always delivers excellent results and has a deep understanding of clients’ needs and the newest technology developments. Brilliant.’
Key clients
ABB
AddLife AB
Aity AG
Amazon
Aon
Axpo
BEKB / Berner Kantonalbank
CommVault
CSS Insurance
DHL
DocuSign
Fairtiq
Husqvarna / Gardena
Intertrust
INLEAD
Kardex
Lindt & Sprüngli
Manor
Mettler Toledo
Novartis
Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI)
Oryx Gaming
Ringier
Salesforce
Swiss Digital Initative (SDI)
SIX Paynet
Sonova
Standard Chartered
Swizzonic
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
Tesla
Vifor
Voi
Youplus Assurance SCHWEIZ
Work highlights
- Advising BEKB on its earlier outsourcing of its banking platform and IT infrastructure to Hewlett Packard (now DXC) as well as its decision to back source the banking platform and IT infrastructure and move to a hybrid service model.
- Advising CSS on its project to set up a digital health platform for patients and health service providers in a joint venture (WELL Gesundheit AG).
- Advised SIX Paynet AG on the sale of its B2B and B2C E-Invoicing Business to PostFinance AG including advising on all transitional services aspects related to the IT infrastructure, software landscape and related licences following the carve out of the target business from the Paynet AG.
VISCHER
The TMT practice at VISCHER features prominent tech companies, public bodies and financial institutions among its clients, which the firm advises on transactional, contentious and non-contentious matters. Cloud migration projects, where the team has recently advised the Canton of Zurich on its move to the Microsoft cloud, and new media solutions are among the key areas of expertise for the team led by media, telecoms and IT expert Rolf Auf der Maur and data privacy specialist David Rosenthal. Transactions in the context of IP and IT are regularly handled by Christian Wyss.
Practice head(s):
Rolf Auf der Maur; David Rosenthal
Other key lawyers:
Christian Wyss
Key clients
Swisscom
Allianz
AXA
Raiffeisen
Comet Group
Canton of Zurich
Twint
University Hospital of Basel
MCH Group
Bucher Industries
Open Systems
Radicant
Comparis
Work highlights
- Advised the Canton of Zurich on moving to the Microsoft cloud – the Canton declared the foreign lawful access risk assessment model as the standard for all government cloud projects.
- Advised Raiffeisen, BLKB, Radicant, ZKB, Twint, Allianz, Axa, Suva and many other financial institutions in regard to their move into the cloud of Microsoft, AWS, Google and Salesforce.
- Successfully represented Open Systems in a case before the Zurich Commercial Court to determine the legal nature of a Software-as-a-Service contract.
Walder Wyss Ltd.
The ‘highly qualified and solution-oriented team’ at Walder Wyss Ltd. spans the entire breadth of TMT expertise, ranging from cloud migration projects to litigation. Practice head David Vasella has a strong reputation for his data protection expertise, where he advises domestic and international companies on matters pertaining to compliance implementation, data monetisation and IT projects. The ‘creative and thoughtful’ Michael Isler is well-versed in technology transfer, platform and outsourcing projects, while Mark Reutter focuses on advising companies in the IT sector, as well as corporate clients on technology, digitalisation and IP matters.
Practice head(s):
David Vasella
Other key lawyers:
Mark Reutter; Michael Isler
Testimonials
‘A highly qualified and solution-oriented team.’
‘Michael Isler is a creative and thoughtful lawyer who helps his clients solving the real problem instead of “only” answering the questions asked. His prior in-house experience differentiates him from other partners.’
‘Being ahead of the curve in knowing about the latest tech developments is a key differentiator in data privacy today, and the Walder Wyss team does this exceptionally well.’
‘David Vasella is very knowledgeable in all matters involving data and technology, and is one of the opinion leaders in Switzerland. He has a very hands-on approach and is always keen to find a practical solution. He also has a deep understanding of data-driven business models and is very tech-savvy.
‘The strength of Walder Wyss is its ability to provide holistic advice for all fields, i.e. broad expertise with deep knowledge and great experts in each field.’
‘David Vasella is regarded as the top expert in Switzerland for data related matters and was is able to live up to his reputation.’
‘The entire Walder Wyss team shows profound knowledge in the banking and tech industry. No matter what question arises, their lawyers have usually had experience with similar cases in the past, so it is great to benefit from their prior experience when dealing with current challenges.’
Key clients
ABB
Avaloq
Bobst
Cembra
Citrix
CKW
Crealogix
Credit Suisse
CSS
Emmi
FIFA
Galenica
gategroup
Helsana
Helvetia
Hitachi Energy
Intrum
Kantar Media
Kuoni
Legartis
Leonteq
LGT Capital Partners
Loylogic
Microsoft
Migros
Mobiliar
Mövenpick
OTTO’S
RUAG
Sanitas
Santesuisse
SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA
SBB
STOXX
Swiss Federation
Swisscard
Swisscom
Sygnum Bank
Viseca
Zurich Insurance
Zurich University
Work highlights
- Advised SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA on its IT-outsourcing to Accenture.
Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG
Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG‘s practice is characterised by its ability to span a wide range of TMT issues, ranging from the review of IoT applications to IT due diligence and IP. Among the firm’s clients are companies stemming from areas including social media, IT and telecoms as well as fintech and cloud computing. Alessandro Celli is the key contact and focuses on data protection and GDPR compliance alongside IoT matters and implementation projects. Issues pertaining to intellectual property are handled by Eva-Maria Strobel. Counsel Markus Winkler left the firm in June 2022.
Practice head(s):
Alessandro Celli
Other key lawyers:
Eva-Maria Strobel
Bär & Karrer Ltd.
The TMT practice at Bär & Karrer Ltd. is well equipped to advise clients on the whole gamut of media and ICT issues, including regulatory matters, outsourcing projects and assisting with M&A transactions within the sector. The firm also represents clients in litigation and arbitration in addition to covering trends such as new media and cybersecurity, with a particular focus on the sports industry. Practice head Michele Bernasconi, who fields an ‘incredible network and a great range of clients’, is regularly instructed by domestic and international companies on issues pertaining to sports, media, telecoms and IT. Markus Wang has extensive expertise in the areas of IT and life sciences, while Corrado Rampini advises the TMT sector on both real estate and data privacy matters. Jan Kleiner left the firm in July 2022 for an in-house position.
Practice head(s):
Michele Bernasconi
Other key lawyers:
Jan Kleiner; Markus Wang
Testimonials
‘A professional team and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Michele Bernasconi is very pragmatic, creative and strategic.’
‘Michele Bernasconi has an incredible network and a great range of clients.’
‘Lukas Stocker combines sound legal advice with a good focus on practical implementation.’
‘Bär & Karrer has a strong media and ICT team.’
‘Michele Bernasconi is a leading lawyer in media and ICT.’
‘The team’s performance is simply excellent from all perspectives.’
‘The technical skills of their lawyers, combined with a deep knowledge of the industry, make Bär & Karrer TMT team extremely sound, strong and reliable.’
Key clients
Zermatt Tourism Authority/Bonfire Ltd.
OLX Group
ELCA Group SA
Zoom Voice Communications, Inc.
YOC
Echostar
Union des Associations Européennes de Football (UEFA)
Shareholders of REHOLD AG
Xebia
video intelligence AG
European Innovation Council
FRUSS
Work highlights
- Advised ELCA on its cyber-defense Joint Venture with BlueVoyant.
- Advised EIC Fund on its investments in six Swiss start-up companies.
- Advised FRUSS on all legal aspects relating to the Metaverse projects “Pax.world” and “Metameet”, in particular relating to technology, data and data protection laws, and regulatory aspects.
CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.
CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd. advises clients on a wide range of TMT matters that include procurement and outsourcing, cross-border electronic contracting, as well as sector-related M&A transactions. The practice is led by Dirk Spacek, who assists TMT companies in transactional, advisory and contentious matters in the context of IT and IP law. Counsel Simone Brauchbar Birkhäuser advises clients from a range of sectors, including IT, pharmaceuticals, mechanical engineering and fashion, in issues relating to intellectual property.
Practice head(s):
Dirk Spacek
Other key lawyers:
Simone Brauchbar Birkhäuser
Key clients
Aon Schweiz AG
Commerzbank AG
Aequitec AG
All4Education GmbH
mobile Health AG
nChain Group
Infopro Digital
FRVR
Hochalpines Institut Ftan AG
Wintrado International GmbH
Work highlights
- Representing Aon Schweiz AG in a software-licensing & copyright dispute and the contractual negotiation of a long-term settlement/licensing agreement with a software provider.
- Advising Commerzbank AG on numerous data privacy and general data-related legal matters, in particular relating to the procurement and deployment of new technologies, outsourcing transactions and regulatory implications before the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA.
id est avocats sàrl
The ‘dynamic’ and ‘competent’ team at id est avocats sàrl handles work for both the traditional TMT sector as well as companies active in emerging areas such as AI, DeepTech and blockchain. Based in Lausanne, the practice is headed by a duo consisting of Michel Jaccard, whose focus lies on advising clients on regulatory questions and the drafting and negotiating of agreements, and Juliette Ancelle, who is often instructed in contentious matters in addition to work pertaining to new media. Associate Alexandre Jotterand handles work in relation to data protection, IP and advanced technologies.
Practice head(s):
Michel Jaccard; Juliette Ancelle
Other key lawyers:
Alexandre Jotterand
Testimonials
‘Dynamic legal firm able to answer any question from labor to tech law, including banking matters. High diversity in their competencies.’
‘The team is highly available and competent. Their advice is straight to the point. Always very pragmatic, no useless legal theory and very business-oriented.’
Lenz & Staehelin
Technology transactions and outsourcing arrangements are particular areas of strengths for Lenz & Staehelin‘s TMT practice. Additionally, the team fields in-depth experience in media and entertainment law and is regularly sought after for its know-how in telecoms regulatory and transactional matters. Lukas Morscher and Guy Vermeil, who are frequently involved in transactions and outsourcing projects in the TMT sector, jointly head the practice.
Practice head(s):
Lukas Morscher; Guy Vermeil
Testimonials
‘Internal work in the team is very good, with good interaction and exchange of information. Senior lawyers and partners do not behave in an “egocentric” manner, treating every one, even the youngest member in a very respectful and professional manner.’
‘Very knowledgeable, but with a high capacity to explain the issues in a simple and coherent way.’
Key clients
ARICOMA Group
AT&T
Bank Vontobel
Banque Cramer & Cie SA
Carlo Gavazzi Group
Caterpillar Insurance Co.
China Telecom
ERNI Group
Generali
Intesa Sanpaolo
JP Morgan
Liberty Mutual
Resolution Life
Sopra Steria SE
Truphone
Work highlights
- Advising a Swiss private bank on its digital transformation from on-premise systems to a digital end-to-end wealth management platform operated on the cloud.
- Advising a global audit firm on strategic outsourcings for integrated facility management in all legal and regulatory aspects.
- Advising an international crypto trading company on its relocation set-up for artificial intelligence (AI) based crypto fund management and respective development of intellectual property.
MME Legal | Tax | Compliance
At MME Legal | Tax | Compliance, technology and digitalisation constitutes one of the central areas of focus, where the firm advises clients on platform solutions, blockchains, NFTs, and data privacy matters. The practice is also highly involved in issues surrounding cybersecurity, an area which, alongside IP and technology law, forms part of practice head Martin Eckert‘s expertise. Michael Kunz and Caroline Gaul, the latter who joined the firm in January 2022 from Walder Wyss Ltd., were both promoted to partner in January 2023.
Practice head(s):
Martin Eckert
Other key lawyers:
Michael Kunz; Caroline Gaul
Key clients
Microsoft
Chubb Insurance
Zurich Insurance
Daura AG
Sygnum Bank AG
InfoGuard AG
OpenVasp Association
Riversand Technologies Europe AG
WealthArc GmbH
GF Machining Solutions AG
Sanatorium Kilchberg
Emil Frey Group
Symmedia GmbH
ASE GmbH
CKW AG
Digital Parking AG
ParkingSwiss
Symmedia GmbH
Autentica (mintlab AG)
Innoplexus AG
Work highlights
- Advising Microsoft on IT contracts with customers and data protection matters.
- Advised Emil Frey Group on a cyber incident involving more than 1.5. Mio. customers and 9 jurisdictions.
- Advised Zurich Insurance on more than 15 legal incidents.
Niederer Kraft Frey AG
The ‘highly engaged’ TMT team at Niederer Kraft Frey AG combines expertise in broadcasting rights, data privacy and IoT with in-depth sector knowledge, for example in relation to sports. The firm is also often approached by clients for its strengths in cybersecurity and frequently advises on M&A transactions in the TMT sector. The ‘very devoted’ András Gurovits leads the practice together with Clara-Ann Gordon, who focuses on outsourcing, data protection, e-discovery and compliance.
Practice head(s):
András Gurovits; Clara-Ann Gordon
Testimonials
‘Highly skilled across multiple levels of seniority. Strong sense of ownership and commitment.’
‘The team has deep expertise, is highly engaged and drives business-oriented output.’
‘András Gurovits is very devoted to his clients, and you can count on him 100% when you need it.’
Key clients
Allianz Global
Atlas Technology, China
Bosch
Catalina
Huawei
Microsoft
Schindler Holding AG
Swiss life
SR Technics
RedBull
RHI Magnesita
World Economic Forum
Bühler
Recticel
General Motors
Constellium
Jeld-Wen
Omnicom
Zoll medical
ING Bank
Regnology (previously BearingPoint RegTech)
Selecta
Mercury Engineering Ltd
EntServ
Cyberfish AG
QNB (Switzerland) Ltd
BRUSA HyPower AG
Investindustrial Acquisition Corp.
A.P. Møller Holding A/S
Ironman Group
Pitcher AG
beecom AG
Work highlights
- Advised NEC Corporation on an acquisition by way of auction of Avaloq, a global leader in digital banking solutions.
- Advised Microsoft on negotiations with Swiss Federation for public cloud.
- Acting as Swiss legal counsel for Huawei Technologies Inc. on the acquisition of a Swiss technology provider, covering all M&A and corporate aspects as well as shareholders matters.
Uto Legal
Founded in June 2021 by Alesch Staehelin, Uto Legal fields a strong roster of clients in the TMT space, for which it acts in contentious matters in addition to advising on regulatory and commercial topics. Staehelin, who is specialised in data, IP, IT and media, and regularly acts for startups, SMEs, and high-profile international companies, has long-standing experience in the sector, not least due to a previous in-house position at a global IT company.
Practice head(s):
Alesch Staehelin
Testimonials
‘Fantastic firm for data, IT/IP & media and beyond providing great value for reasonable prices.’
‘Alesch Staehelin is simply one of the best in his field.’
Work highlights
- Advising a multinational services provider with US HQ on cross-border deals and acting as an outsourced legal counsel.
- Advising a Turkish IT company on an ongoing basis, rendering legal advice, e.g., regarding open source software and other software licensing issues, as well as negotiating IT contracts.
- Acting for a German industrial services company in a pending litigation case concerning the question whether “APIs” (Application Programming Interfaces) are copyrightable under Swiss law.
Kellerhals Carrard
The practice at Kellerhals Carrard is known for its innovative approach to the TMT market, which sees the firm act for spin-offs from universities and startups in addition to a range of Swiss and international companies. The team is headed by a trio of partners: Zurich-based IP-expert Daniel Alder, Daniel Emch in Berne, whose focus lies on licensing and competition law, as well as Nicolas Mosimann in Basel, whose experience particularly covers the software, technology and life sciences sector.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Alder; Daniel Emch; Nicolas Mosimann
Key clients
Moderna Switzerland GmbH
Magnolia International AG
Swiss Broadcasting Company (SRG SSR)
Vivendi/Groupe Editis/Interforum
Work highlights
- Advising Magnolia International Ltd on all corporate, licensing and data protection matters.
- Advised Swiss Broadcasting Company SRG SSR on telecommunication and antitrust matters.
- Advising Moderna on its global data privacy strategy, processes and systems.
Pestalozzi
At Pestalozzi, the TMT practice with offices in Zurich and Geneva covers data protection and e-commerce in addition to outsourcing and IT projects. Lara Dorigo , who joined the firm in January 2022 from Lenz & Staehelin, acts as practice head and is particularly well-versed in software licensing and IP-related matters. Blockchains and NFTs form another part of the advisory offering, which has been strengthened by the arrival of counsel Markus Winkler in June 2022 from Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG. Michèle Burnier and Thomas Legler are further key contacts.
Key clients
Coca-Cola
Johnson & Johnson group of companies
Leclanché
McDonald’s
Ringier
Sky International AG, Sky Deutschland GmbH, Sky Group
ZimmerBiomet
Zoll Inc.
Sigma Legal
Sporting ‘a diverse group of lawyers with expertise in multiple areas’, boutique law firm Sigma Legal focuses on business and innovation law, where it regularly assists clients with matters surrounding contractual and regulatory aspects pertaining to media and technology. Adrien Alberini is the key contact and has a strong track record in the TMT field that includes representing companies in the implementation and rollout of full digital projects. Kevin Guillet is recommended for his experience in media-related disputes.
Practice head(s):
Adrien Alberini
Other key lawyers:
Kevin Guillet
Testimonials
‘The Sigma team is very professional.’
‘Extensive experience in and in-depth knowledge of data privacy, data protection and data security issues, including the development of tailor-made policies.’
‘Capable of expertly handling international data privacy, data protection and data security issues, across multiple jurisdictions in multiple languages.’
Key clients
State of Geneva
Electronic Monitoring Association
Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance
Geneva Chamber of Notaries
World Health Organization
Hôpital de La Tour SA
Clinique la Prairie Group
Hôpital Ophtalmique Jules-Gonin
Cabinet Medical du Faubourg
Liris Tech SA
Perennial SA
Hublot
Casino du Lac Meyrin SA
Palexpo SA
TX Group SA
Le Temps
Heidi News
The New Humanitarian
5G Media Action Group
Planny SA
Tweaq LTD
Bechtle Suisse SA
1275 SA
Non-Violence Licensing SA / Non-violence Project Foundation
Laiteries Réunies Société Coopérative
Work highlights
- Advising TX Group in all disputes relating to the media operated by the Group and, in particular, in various actions engaged by politicians against newspaper articles published on controversial activities carried out by said politicians.
- Represented Geneva Chamber of Notaries in the negotiation with Wecan Group in order to set up Wecan Comply in the public sector, a blockchain-based solution aiming at enabling secure communications between various entities, including the State of Geneva and the notaries public.
- Advsied Cabinet Medical du Faubourg in relation to the hacking of patient data.