Business Advice

Expert Advice in Legal, Tax & Data Protection

Drafting of Legal Documents

Contracts, Licenses, and Legal Letters

Crisis Support & Litigation

Responsive Support and Professional Assistance.

Expertise in Law and IT

We also developed our own software.

Zurich Local

Business Address in Zurich City Center.

ABOUT US

Alexander Weisser

Alexander Weisser (he/him) is an international lawyer, whose primary area of expertise is IT law.

Experience

He advises individuals, startups, established corporations, and industry associations. In his professional career, he has held various positions in the software industry, in one of the top law firms in Switzerland, and in higher education.

Education

He has expert proficiency in spoken and written German, Spanish, English, and French. He holds a PhD (Dr. iur.) in international tax law and a Master of Law from the University of Geneva, Switzerland, a Bachelor of Law from the University of Zurich, Switzerland, and passed the bar exam at the Supreme Court of the canton of Zurich. Alexander Weisser is a member of the International Fiscal Association. His general areas of interest are: technology, tabletop RPGs, and philosophy.

Publications

His treatise on the international taxation of cloud computing is publicly available under Creative Commons license: https://archive-ouverte.unige.ch/unige:142710

CODE OF CONDUCT

As dedicated allies to IT entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises in Switzerland, and being IT entrepreneurs ourselves, we value your time and resources. That is why we offer transparency in our work process and pricing.

To highlight the benefits of choosing Weisser Pardo AG, we’ve compiled a list of advantages our business ethics offer compared to other legal advisors.

Issue Bad Legal Advisor Weisser Pardo AG
Pricing You might be blindsided by unexpected charges after services begin, without any upfront clarity or free consultation. You will be fully informed prior to the commencement of any billable activities. We offer a complimentary initial consultation lasting one hour for each project. Our billing practices adhere to an hourly rate, standard in the legal industry.
Confidentiality Your sensitive information could be mishandled or inadequately protected, leading to potential data breaches. Any information shared with us is safeguarded by Swiss attorney-client privilege. We use secure, open-source IT infrastructure to protect your data and avoid GAFAM technology wherever possible.
Professionalism Your projects may suffer from disorganization, missed deadlines, and a lack of structured management. Although we are a law firm, we provide our services like an IT provider. Large-scale drafting or research projects are managed akin to software development projects, including proposals, milestones, and deadlines. Review processes are scheduled systematically and well in advance. We pride ourselves on never missing a deadline.
Transparency You could be left in the dark about your project’s status, only receiving sporadic updates without clear communication. You will be continuously and regularly informed about the progress of your project, tailored to your preferences. By default, we inform you after the completion of each deliverable listing achieved results.
Genuine Interest in IT Your legal advisor might lack a thorough understanding of your technology, leading to subpar and uninformed legal services. We ensure that no material concerning your software or business is drafted until we have a complete and thorough understanding of all pertinent technological details. Our process is expedited by our extensive experience in providing legal counsel to businesses in the IT-industry and by efficient use of the most advanced and secure technologies. We use artificial intelligence diligently to protect your data, greatly increase our productivity, and lower costs.
Simplicity You might receive overly complex legal documents without clear guidance, causing confusion and hindering effective use. Our deliverables are designed to be straightforward and easily actionable, crafted in language accessible to non-experts. When dealing with multiple documents, we provide summaries that delineate the relationships between each text and facilitate orientation (like inline comments) as well as guides on how to proceed with the use of the text in legal procedures or in contractual negotiations. Clients can expect seamless communication in their preferred language, whether it be German, Spanish, English, or French. By the conclusion of our engagement, all parties involved will have a thorough understanding of the purpose and content of all provided materials.
Harmony Your lawyer might escalate conflicts unnecessarily, preferring litigation over peaceful resolution, potentially harming business relationships. We believe litigation is the result of failed communication and can often be prevented through diligent contract negotiation and early legal awareness. However, we do not hesitate to directly employ the most efficient methods to safeguard your interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do we offer? Most of our customers come to us for the same things.

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions alongside the support we can provide for each. Simply use the search bar to find a card and send us a pre-written email by clicking on it:

What license suits my software?
We can draft or refine your software's license terms or assist in selecting the most suitable type.
How do I comply with proprietary software licenses?
Together, we can ensure your compliance with your providers' licensing agreements.
Can I legally use a specific font in a unique way?
We can assess font licenses for your website or software.
Someone is using my software without my permission.
Together, we can write a cease and desist letter for copyright infringement.
Is open-source software safe for my project?
We can identify which open source licenses to avoid to minimize litigation risks.
How can I keep an employee from leaking confidential project info?
Together, we can include clauses in employee contracts to protect your software's intellectual property.
How do I register a trademark in Switzerland?
We can guide you through the trademark registration process.
What do I do if my trademark application was denied?
If your registration is denied, we can challenge the decision and seek approval.
What to do if a competitor uses my trademark name in ads?
Together, we can draft a cease and desist letter for trademark infringement.
How to handle a URL misleadingly similar to mine?
We can take steps to protect your website URLs from cybersquatting through UDRP.
How can I have another company distribute my products in Switzerland in general?
Together, we can provide secure contracts for establishing distribution networks.
How can I have another company distribute my products in Switzerland using my trademark?
We can draft or refine license agreements for software or franchising.
How can I structure my contracts to minimize legal risks in software development projects?
Together, we can create robust contracts for agile or traditional software development projects.
How do I keep a secret project under wraps?
We can provide strong non-disclosure agreements to protect your business secrets.
Legal risks of comparing my products to competitors' in ads?
Together, we can develop internal policies for fair competitor comparison in advertising.
How to deal with defamation from a competitor?
We can defend your business against competitors' legal overreach in market comparisons.
What to do about illegal newsletter claims?
Together, we can review your newsletter policies for legal compliance.
How do I respond to defamatory media articles?
We can draft measures to guard against defamation. Together, we can stop media outlets from publishing illegal content.
Key considerations for entering the Swiss market?
Together, we can facilitate your business's entry into the Swiss market, ensuring compliance with local laws.
Should I establish a subsidiary in Switzerland?
We can evaluate the need for a Swiss subsidiary and establish it in a tax-efficient location.
Do I need a data protection representative in Switzerland?
Together, we can determine if you require a Swiss data protection representative.
How to comply with Swiss data protection laws?
We can serve as your Swiss data protection officer or data protection representative.
What legal aspects should I consider when relocating workers to Switzerland?
Together, we can manage the relocation of your employees to Switzerland, covering all legal aspects, including taxation, immigration regulation, and social security.
Sending a manager to Switzerland – what should I know?
We can assess your cross-border activities with Switzerland for legal risks. Legal risks include taxation, mandatory labor law, and social security.
How to simplify client engagement in Switzerland?
Together, we can support your client communications in Switzerland with appropriate legal structures.
How to address Swiss policymakers ignoring my business?
We can liaise with Swiss policymakers or policy representatives on your behalf.
Will my Swiss business activities get taxed?
Together, we can clarify your tax obligations and provide binding assurances from Swiss authorities (tax rulings).
Tax obligations for a non-profit organization in Switzerland? For instance, an open source software foundation?
We can negotiate tax exemptions with Swiss tax authorities for eligible entities.
What should I do if my business was taxed for paying dividends?
Together, we can arrange the recovery of Swiss withholding taxes.
How to involve Swiss employees in company equity?
We can organize equity-based compensation for your Swiss employees.
Tips for separating a software division from my company (carve out, restructuring)?
Together, we can assist in the sale or purchase of businesses or assets.
Finding Swiss investors and getting contracts right?
We can examine Swiss investment contracts for you.
How to secure Swiss startup subsidies?
Together, we can verify your eligibility for Swiss subsidies.
What if my worker is unfairly expelled from university?
We can advocate for your employees in Swiss administrative proceedings.
How to handle Swiss cybersecurity concerns with clients?
Together, we can identify necessary cybersecurity standards for your business.
Excluded from a Swiss tender – any recourse?
We can represent you in disputes arising from Swiss tender processes.
How can I find an expert to consult on developing software for lawyers?
Together, we can provide our expertise in the development of legal technology products.
What should I consider for my daughter to take over my business when I retire?
We can assist in planning your retirement and business succession.
How can I transfer my digital assets, like a crypto wallet, to the next generation when I pass away?
Together, we can provide contracts and services for a smooth and secure transition.
What should I do if the business maintaining my custom software wants to quit?
We can negotiate the transfer of maintenance services.
How can I educate my workers about data protection?
Together, we can train your staff in data protection and cybersecurity basics.
Implementing more open-source software in legal practice?
We can recommend software solutions for your legal practice.
Writing scientifically – any advice for a law student?
Together, we can review your legal academic theses.
Encouraging Swiss employees to engage with the team?
We can optimize your employment contracts to boost staff motivation.
Hiring in Switzerland as a foreign employer – tips?
Together, we can evaluate your recruitment and workplace policies in Switzerland.
Creating a legal framework for a startup – what's needed?
We can advise on the best legal structure for your startup (such as AG vs. GmbH vs. independent contractor).
Preparing my business for funding – how to proceed?
Together, we can suggest the most suitable legal framework for attracting investors.
How to resolve disputes amicably in Switzerland?
We can mediate disputes between you and your partners or employees.
Settling disputes through arbitration – any advice?
Together, we can provide arbitration services to resolve disputes with binding effect.
What can I do if my international partner and I prefer to avoid Swiss court jurisdiction over our contracts?
We can draft a legally enforceable arbitration clause.
What should I do if my company's directors are arguing over their responsibilities?
Together, we can create a mandatory internal policy outlining director responsibilities.
How can I structure our partnership so each of us manages our own risks and profits independently?
We can develop internal policies for independent profit centers, optimizing for efficiency and legal liability management.
Starting to document my data processing – how to begin?
Together, we can compile a register of your data processing activities.
Best practices after a hack – what should I avoid?
We can guide you through cybersecurity incidents.
Do I need an incident response plan, and what should it include?
Together, we can review your incident response strategies for compliance with Swiss laws.
How can I update myself on the new legal obligations in Switzerland after recent law changes?
We can list regulatory obligations applicable to your business, such as in data protection.
Exporting encryption technology from Switzerland – legalities?
Together, we can determine the applicability of Swiss import or export laws to your business.
VAT obligations for electronic services in Switzerland?
We can assess your VAT obligations in Switzerland.
Considering a lawsuit – is it worth the cost?
Together, we can offer legal advice on litigation decisions.
I am in a Betreibungsverfahren (debt collection process). What to do?
We can support you through legal processes and debt collection.
Addressing non-payment from a Swiss customer – what to do?
Together, we can assist you with debt collection.
Digitalizing all paper processes and introducing electronic signatures – What to consider?
We can advise on electronic signature solutions and draft relevant policies.
I want to publish my software code and become open source.
Together, we can assist you in transitioning your software to become open source (choose license, handle current contracts, choose publication channels, choose monetization strategies, etc.).
I want to launch a user forum for my software.
We can draft general terms for use of the forum to minimize your legal risks in case anyone misbehaves in your forum.
Am I a trader according to the EU Digital Services Act?
Together, we can check if you should consider yourself a trader according to the EU Digital Services Act.
I always forget to extend the deadline for submitting the tax return.
We can help you by taking care of that for you (20.- subscription per year, which can be paid as far in advance as you like).
I am unsure if my provider fulfills my contract correctly
We can integrate a clause into your service contract that gives you the right to audit your provider.
I want to make sure my cloud provider fulfills his data protection obligations.
On the basis of our extensive experience and technological understanding we can perform data protection audits for you.

Did you not find what you were looking for?

Free Initial Assessment (Erstkonsultation)

  • Free initial consultation for legal inquiries (1 hour)
  • Notification before any billable work commences
  • Confidentiality protected by attorney-client privilege from the start
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(Please, indicate in your e-mail if you would prefer to exchange encryption keys before communicating legal issues via e-mail. Alternatively, you can contact me via postal mail.)

GET IN TOUCH

Contact

Address

Weisser Pardo AG
Kreuzstrasse 60
CH-8008 Zürich (Switzerland)

Phone

International: +41 44 392 21 50

Email

officium@weisserpardo.ch

Legal Information

Swiss Corporate Identification Number (UID): CHE-297.837.669

Disclaimer

The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Weisser Pardo AG/WP and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Weisser Pardo AG/WP. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, Weisser Pardo AG/WP takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control. Photographs and graphics were obtained under valid licenses or constitute intellectual property of Weisser Pardo AG/WP.