The Latest Case Law on Swiss Commercial Contracts
Case Law
Share purchase agreement
Interpretation and scope of a non-competition clause in a share purchase agreement and judicial reduction of an excessive penalty
This Federal Supreme Court decision concerns a dispute arising from the breach of a non-competition clause in a share purchase agreement between two companies. The court confirmed the breach but upheld a reduction of the contractual penalty on the grounds that it was excessive.
Sale of goods
Risk Transfer under the CISG for Gold (allegedly) Stolen in Ghana
The Federal Supreme Court clarifies the conditions for risk transfer under the CISG and joint liability under the SCO. The Court confirms that when it comes to sales contracts involving transportation of goods, risk remains with the seller until the goods have been delivered to the carrier, and that joint liability can be established through contractual form as well as subsequent conduct.
Insurance agreement
Can the Massive Increase of Insurance Premiums for Private Room Supplementary Insurance be a Ground for Contract Invalidation?
A policyholder suffering from leukemia has benefited from supplementary private room insurance for years. During the coverage period, the insurance company has increased the insurance premium by a staggering amount. The policyholder unsuccessfully tried to invalidate the contract to obtain a partial refund of the premiums paid.
General Terms and Conditions, Insurance agreement
Measures Taken in Relation to the COVID-19 Pandemic Ruled as One Event for Insurance Purposes
Through the application of an interpretation based on the principle of trust, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court clarified that all measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic formed a single insured event under an “All Risks Business Insurance” policy.
Loan agreement
Transfer of a commercial lease to a third party (Art. 263 SCO): refusal for good cause
In this case, the Federal Supreme Court confirmed the mandatory nature of Art. 263 SCO: parties to a lease agreement cannot agree on more stringent conditions for a commercial lease transfer than those provided by the law.
Innominate contracts, IT contract
Termination of an IT Maintenance Contract for Alleged Security Breaches: What Must the Client Prove?
A client attempted to terminate (with immediate effect) a three-year IT maintenance contract it entered into with an IT provider, by claiming major security violations and other alleged breaches of contract.