We successfully represented the buyer of two sizeable shipments of anthracite coal in Swiss arbitration proceedings under CISG. The arbitrator upheld the claim in full. The arbitral award was challenged before the Swiss Federal Supreme Court; the appeal was unsuccessful (4A_235/2025).
Arbitration
In relation to our core practice areas, dispute resolution
without arbitration would be unthinkable. Our long-standing and specialised maritime, aviation and insurance practices feature lawyers with distinct experience in the area of commercial arbitration.
In both international and domestic disputes we often represent companies and individuals in complex arbitration proceedings. Our lawyers act as party counsel in both institutional arbitrations (in particular under the Swiss and the ICC Rules) as well as in ad-hoc arbitrations. Some of our lawyers also sit as arbitrators.
We have particular experience representing clients in arbitral proceedings arising from
- reinsurance and retrocession contracts
- the sale and purchase of commodities, aircraft and vessels
We are also able to assist in enforcing foreign arbitral awards in Switzerland and elsewhere.
Challenge of Arbitral Award before Federal Supreme Court
Represented a foreign company in proceedings before the Swiss Federal Supreme Court seeking the annulment of an international arbitral award
Probate proceedings in Switzerland
Represented an ultra-high-net-worth individual domiciled outside the EU in estate litigation before Swiss courts involving claims EUR 600 million
E&O Insurance coverage dispute
Represented an international insurance company in a coverage dispute before an arbitral tribunal and the Zurich Commercial Court
Obtaining business licence for insurance carrier
Advised a Swiss insurance company on regulatory matters, including licensing of business activities
Product liability multinational coverage dispute
Enforcement of Arbitral Award
Advised client on enforcing an arbitral award against Swiss ship designer in bankruptcy and criminal proceedings
Product liability/agrochemical group/coverage dispute
Representing the branch office of a foreign insurer in arbitration proceedings (Swiss Rules), defense against coverage claims of a Swiss agrochemical group
Third-party liability multinational coverage dispute
We successfully represented a Swiss insurer in a large multinational third-party liability coverage dispute arising from the selling of genetically modified corn in the US.
Third-party liability multinational coverage dispute
Representing various insurers in a large multinational third-party liability coverage dispute arising from the selling of herbicides in the US.
Reinsurance dispute arising from COVID-19
Advising a group of reinsurers under various property treaties in relation to business interruption.
usiness interruption damages arising from COVID-19
Defending the Swiss branch of a foreign insurer in arbitration proceedings against a coverage claim brought by a multi-national company active in the aviation industry.
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.
Arbitration in relation to the construction of a sailing yacht
We represented the owner of a catamaran in an arbitration under the Swiss Rules concerning the defective construction of the vessel.
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.
Publication01.08.2025
Recurso de sentenças arbitrais perante o Tribunal Federal Suíço: aspetos processuais selecionados
Revista Internacional de Arbitragem e Conciliação, Associação Portuguesa de Arbitragem, Vol. XXIII, 2025, p. 91-117
Publication01.06.2023
Revision of Arbitral Awards before the Swiss Federal Supreme Court: Procedural Aspects
ASA Bulletin, Volume 42, 2/2023 (Christopher Boog/Letícia Morais)
Publication16.12.2022
Commentary on Art. 191 PILA
Berner Kommentar, Internationale Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit, Art. 176-194 IPRG sowie Art. 7 und 196 IPRG, Zurich 2022 (Christopher Boog/Letícia Morais)