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Artificial intelligence (AI) that takes over purchasing in companies, autonomously monitors product stocks, researches prices and triggers orders. The proactive assistant that answers emails, manages calendars and checks in for flights. Or AI-to-AI or multi-agent systems that take over the entire checkout and where all processes on both the buyer's and seller's side run entirely within an AI interface - the use of AI agents or agentic AI promises completely new possibilities. Companies, and in particular retailers, that decide to participate in this new AI-based ecosystem must also be aware of the legal pitfalls: What are the legal rules of the game when AI suddenly negotiates and concludes contracts independently? Who is liable for what?

From October 2026, a paradigm shift will take place in Switzerland: a central transparency register for beneficial owners of legal entities will be created for the first time. Companies are obliged to disclose their ownership and control structures to the authorities. At the same time, advisors, in particular lawyers and notaries, will be subject to the Anti-Money Laundering Act for certain structuring activities. The reforms are primarily intended to strengthen the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, but bring with them considerable new compliance obligations for the companies and advisors concerned. What does this mean in concrete terms for board members, managing directors and advisory professions? And what are the new liability and compliance risks? We categorise.

Episode 24 of Data Navigator, the podcast on the EU Data Act, is all about data in agriculture. Our guest is Prof Dr Reinhard Grandke, Professor at the University of Giessen and Partner at Upgrade. He is the former managing director of the DLG. He specialises in agriculture and we talk about the digitalisation and data-driven nature of agriculture. It's about the status quo and what will change in the agricultural industry as a result of the Data Act. Using specific examples, we will discuss where data plays a role for farmers. We will also shed light on the challenges that still stand in the way of the freer exchange of machine data. In addition, we ask what is needed from politicians and associations to maximise the use of data in the future.

New, mandatory rules on construction defects have been in force in Switzerland since 1 January 2026. Longer notice periods, an unwaivable right to rectification and a limitation period that can no longer be shortened will strengthen the position of builders and property buyers. Companies in the construction and property sector need to review their sample contracts now, otherwise there is a risk of ineffective clauses and liability risks.

On 23 February 2026, the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC), together with 60 other national data protection authorities, published a joint statement on AI-generated images and the protection of privacy. In it, the data protection authorities formulate their most important expectations and principles for all organisations that develop and use AI systems to generate content. These include, in particular, robust safeguards against misuse, transparency requirements, effective and accessible erasure mechanisms and specific child protection.

When companies fall victim to a ransomware attack, they face a difficult question: Should they pay the ransom demanded to recover encrypted data, or should they refuse, as recommended by Swiss authorities? Our analysis shows how to make legally responsible decisions, what risks exist, and how companies can weigh up the risks and legal certainty.

The Swiss price regulator has concluded mutual agreements with internet platforms such as Ricardo and ImmoScout24 for the first time. This novel regulatory measure has potentially far-reaching consequences for digital platform operators, advertisers, and market regulation. We analyze the legal basis, regulatory instruments, and practical consequences of this development in the context of competition law and the digital economy, and show why this step is more than just a “deal” between authorities and tech companies.

A historic ruling strengthens the protection of Swiss indications of origin: The Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IGE) has prevailed against Zug-based BDSwiss AG in the Bern Commercial Court. This marks the first time that Swissness legislation has been applied in court. What does this mean for companies, brand strategy, and legal compliance? How will the Swissness criteria affect international corporations based in Switzerland in the future? What needs to be considered in IP due diligence? We explore these questions in this article.