Technology & Digital Economy
Expertise with Vision.
Technology is reshaping every industry – from financial services to mobility, from data-driven business models to digital platforms. gbf Attorneys-at-Law Ltd advises international corporations, SMEs and dynamic start-ups on the full range of technology-related legal issues.
What sets us apart: we bring deep expertise in FinTech, InsurTech, digital business models and data law. As a trusted advisor with practical experience in FINMA proceedings, cross-border compliance and international standards, we help our clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes with confidence. Our interdisciplinary approach combines corporate, finance, IP, employment and tax aspects precisely where technology meets regulation.
Key areas of advice:
- FinTech & InsurTech: Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL), credit cards & consumer finance, customer/loyalty cards, payment services, anti-money laundering compliance, digital insurance solutions, distribution platforms, automated claims handling, and regulatory & licensing of insurance intermediaries.
- Transactions & Funding: Venture capital, M&A, joint ventures, financing rounds, strategic partnerships.
- IP & Technology Contracts: Licensing, software, open-source compliance, technology transfers.
- Data & Security: Swiss & EU data protection (DSG / GDPR), e-Privacy, big & smart data, cybersecurity, cloud services.
- Electricity contracting, smart meters & energy data, solar power, batteries & electricity trading
- Emerging Technologies: Blockchain, DeFi, smart contracts, IoT, Industry 4.0, robotics, autonomous vehicles & UAS.
- Employment in Tech: Talent mobility, cross-border workforce, incentive & equity schemes, flexible work models (remote, hybrid), HR data compliance, employment aspects of M&A, non-compete & confidentiality, and the use of AI in HR processes.
Our reputation in the market is reflected in our recognition by The Legal 500 for our Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) practice in Switzerland: Link
Solar Power
Assistance with financing and corporate law issues for an innovative solar energy company
DPO
Data protection officer for a Swiss research network that cooperates internationally in the field of medical research
Digital Identity
Advising a Swiss technology start-up on global expansion, financing and corporate law issues
Startup Exit
Advised a foodtech startup in their shareholder restructuring with a multi-phase exit for founders
Corporate Structure Paper
Advised gig economy e-commerce player in reviewing Swiss corporate and labour law market entry conditions
Divestment (exit)
Advised a French shareholder in divestment from Swiss construction company
International Acquisition
Advised a Chinese solar energy manufacturer in acquiring a Swiss SME with cutting-edge technique
Financing with Interim Injunction
Represented a medical device manufacturer in fighting a request for interim injunction to prevent a financing round
Organisational Rules
Advised a blockchain service provider in reviewing their governance structure and organizational rules
Staff Handbook
Advised listed Chinese biopharma company in reviewing staff handbook for Swiss law conformity
Privacy policy for an app
Drafting a data privacy statement for a Swiss technology company for their app in the app store.
Inventory of processing activities
Supporting several private and public institutions in the creation of an inventory of processing activities in accordance with the new Swiss Data Protection Act.
Privacy Notices
Revision of several data privacy statements on the websites of a foundation.
Data Processing Regulations & Data Protection Impact Assessment
Supporting a pension scheme in the data protection impact assessment and the implementation of data processing regulations.
M365 & Data Protection
Advising a public institution on the introduction of Microsoft Office 365.
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.
Sale of a software company
Advising the two founders of a software company on its sale to a foreign group of companies.
Investment in a tech-start-up
Advising an American venture capital fund on an investment in a technology company in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.
Convertible Loan & Investment Agreement
Assisting a tech-start-up in drafting a convertible loan agreement and notarising the subsequent capital increase.
Investment in a start-up technology company
We advised one of the biggest e-commerce companies on their investment in a start-up technology company, including due diligence and capital increase.
Surveillance of employees
We counselled a Swiss company on the possibilities of the employee surveillance.
Data theft
We advised a Swiss company with regard to data theft and unlawful use of customer data.
Transfer of data of a telecommunications company
We councelled a Swiss debt collection company on the transfer of data from a telecommunications company.
Transfer of data abroad
We advised a German financal services company on the assignment of claims and the transfer of data abroad.
Investment in a Swiss fintech company
We advised a leading German media company with regard to the investment in one of Switzerland’s leading FinTech companies.
Online flight sales
We advised an airline on the regulatory requirements applicable to the online sales of flights and travel packages.
Data Transfer Abroad
We advised an international company on the transfer of employment data abroad.
Publication01.01.2023
The Use of Interim Measures in International Commercial Arbitration under Swiss and French Law
Alexandre Mazuranic, Christian Iovene, Tania Iakovenko
Presentation21.10.2021
Neues Schweizer Datenschutzgesetz: Pflichten des obersten Organs und der Geschäftsführenden
Vortrag am BVG-Seminar der Bernischen BVG- und Stiftungsaufsicht (BBSA)
Publication01.03.2021
Das Bundesgericht fällt einen strengen Entscheid zu Wasserzählern (Verschlüsselung, Datenvermeidung)
Kommentar zum Entscheid des Bundesgerichts vom 5. Januar 2021 (1A_273/2021) für datenschutzguide.ch