The European Union has comprehensively reformed its design law, establishing a modern foundation for design protection that will significantly impact Swiss companies operating in the EU market. These changes, effective July 1, 2026, affect businesses offering products, spare parts, or digital products in the EU or seeking protection there.

The International Chamber of Commerce has adopted revised arbitration rules effective June 1, 2026, building upon the 2021 framework with targeted enhancements focused on speed, efficiency, and transparency. While evolutionary rather than revolutionary, these changes introduce significant innovations in early case management, expedited decision-making, and accelerated procedures that are expected to substantially shape procedural practice and parties' strategic considerations.

Under Swiss law, using or applying prohibited substances per se is not a criminal offence for the athlete using or applying the substances.

The new law on the statute of limitations will enter into force on 1st January 2020 (amendment approved on 15 June 2018).

In software contracts, the intellectual property (IP) clause often determines whether a deal thrives or becomes a source of disputes.

Mängel an Bauwerken sind keine Seltenheit. Deshalb ist es wichtig, dass man in einem solchen Fall rechtzeitig reagiert und allfällige Ansprüche geltend macht.

Equestrian sports and horse trading play a vital role in the economy of the European Union. The equine industry in the EU is not only a hub of sporting excellence but also a major economic driver...

On January 1, 2025, various changes to the CPC will come into force. In various newsletters, we will address selected changes that are particularly...

Eine Darstellung der möglichst stolperfreien gesellschaftsrechtlichen. Schritte auf dem Weg von einer Seite der Landesgrenze auf die andere.

With several hundred new foundations established each year, Switzerland continues to enjoy great popularity as a location for foundations.

Lo sviluppo commerciale e la contestuale tutela di beni ed interessi aziendali esistenti passano attraverso la scelta di adeguate tipologie di contratto.

Electricity, and the business of its wholesale trading, have particular characteristics which set them apart from the trading of other goods.

Bär & Karrer, a Swiss law firm, provides comprehensive legal services and business solutions. Contact their Zurich office for expert assistance with legal matters, or reach out through their online inquiry form for personalized support.

Cyberattacks are perceived as one of the biggest risks from a business perspective.

The Swiss Federal Council has initiated consultation proceedings on proposed amendments to the Swiss Code of Obligations that would introduce new transparency obligations for boards of directors regarding proxy advisor involvement. These amendments address growing concerns about potential conflicts of interest when proxy advisors simultaneously serve institutional investors while providing voting recommendations on the same companies they advise.

The 2026 ICC Arbitration Rules ("2026 ICC Rules") came into force on 1 June 2026. Applicable to all requests for arbitration filed on or after that date (unless the parties agree to submit to the Rules in effect on an earlier date), the new 2026 ICC Rules mark a significant revision of the previous 2021 ICC Rules. They reflect recent developments in arbitration practice and aim to enhance clarity, efficiency and user-friendliness.

Bär & Karrer, a Swiss law firm, provides comprehensive legal and business solutions. Contact their Zurich office for expert assistance with legal advice, business inquiries, and professional services tailored to your needs.

International arbitration has become the preferred mechanism for resolving cross-border disputes in today's global economy. What makes Switzerland one of the world's most attractive arbitral seats, and why do parties consistently choose Swiss law to govern their international contracts? This analysis explores the key advantages, institutional framework, and strategic considerations that position Switzerland as a leading center for international commercial, investment, and sports arbitration.

In the world of sports, Switzerland continues to be the country in which the International Olympic Committee (IOC), many international sports federations – including Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)...

The UNCITRAL Model Clauses on Specialised Express Dispute Resolution (SPEDR) introduce a framework for rapid, interim-binding dispute resolution in construction projects, combining expedited adjudication with compliance arbitration mechanisms. This analysis examines how SPEDR differs from traditional arbitration and FIDIC dispute boards, its potential to preserve cash flow and project continuity, and the practical considerations parties must weigh when implementing this emerging international framework.