Trade & Distribution
As a niche practice specialising in transport and contract law, we are well placed to advise clients on trade-related matters.
Switzerland is a global hub for commodity trading and trade finance. The sale and purchase of commodities often involves multiple bilateral relationships, each one with distinct legal and commercial risks, and therefore differing best practices/solutions. In an effort to reduce the risk of subsequent costly arbitration proceedings, we often advise traders, banks and carriers at the outset as to anticipated risks, and corresponding legal solutions, to best protect them in their relationships with their counterparties. We have particular expertise in relation to commodity sale contracts (for example on various GAFTA or FOSFA forms), letters of credit, and associated carriage/shipping documents such as bills of lading.
Our trade services at a glance include:
- Contract review
- Assistance in negotiation
- Litigation/arbitration in the event of disputes
- Enforcement of foreign judgments or arbitration awards
- Debt enforcement proceedings
Lawyers in our Retail practice support national and international retailers with various aspects of their business, from sourcing materials to supplying products to customers. We provide legal advice relating to corporate, commercial, employment, data protection, export control, e-commerce and competition law.
Privacy policy for an app
Drafting a data privacy statement for a Swiss technology company for their app in the app store.
Internal Compliance Programme (ICP)
Preparation of an Internal Compliance Programme (in particular with regard to export controls, sanctions and money laundering) for a Swiss exporter.
Art Finance
Acted as Swiss legal counsel to a global bank in context with the refinancing of various artwork portfolios.
Online sales of travel packages
Advised an airline on the regulatory requirements for the online sales of travel packages.
Data Transfer Abroad
We advised an international company on the transfer of employment data abroad.
Termination Agreement Top Management
We advised a member of the senior management of an international company with regard to the termination of their employment relationship.
Arbitration between trading company and producer
In an arbitration under the ICC Rules in Paris we represented a South-East Asian producer against a Swiss trading company.
Sole Arbitrator in a coverage dispute
Lars Gerspacher acted as Sole Arbitrator in ad-hoc arbitration proceedings. The matter concerned a coverage dispute in relation to the sale of corrugated iron sheets.
Sole Arbitrator in a matter regarding the supply of fans
Lars Gerspacher acted as Sole Arbitrator in arbitration proceedings under the Swiss Rules. The case related to the sale of fans for a gas cleaning system under the Vienna Convention for the International Sale of Goods.
Publication01.01.2023
The Use of Interim Measures in International Commercial Arbitration under Swiss and French Law
Alexandre Mazuranic, Christian Iovene, Tania Iakovenko
Publication23.09.2022
The Carriage of Goods in Swiss Law
A comprehensive overview of the Swiss legal system, the liability of carriers and freight forwarders and the marine and liability insurance
Publication29.04.2019
Zusammenschluss einer Stiftung und einer öffentlich-rechtlichen Anstalt
Artikel im Jusletter