Best Media, Technology and Telecoms Lawyers in Dornach

About Media, Technology and Telecoms Law in Dornach, Switzerland

Dornach sits in the canton of Solothurn and operates within Switzerland’s federal legal framework for media, technology and telecommunications. Most core rules are set at federal level and apply uniformly across the country, while cantonal and municipal authorities in Solothurn and Dornach handle permits, building and zoning questions, signage, filming on public property and local enforcement. The result is a layered regime: national statutes govern data protection, telecoms services, broadcasting, copyright and competition, and local procedures determine how projects are approved and supervised on the ground.

Businesses in Dornach typically navigate federal data protection requirements, online consumer and advertising rules, platform and content liability questions, spectrum and numbering matters, cybersecurity expectations and intellectual property licensing. Cross-border issues are common due to the region’s proximity to Basel, Germany and France, so compliance often involves both Swiss law and foreign regimes that may apply when targeting users abroad.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Launching or scaling a digital platform. You may need help with terms of service, privacy notices, cookie practices, user-generated content moderation, takedown processes and age-appropriate design.

Rolling out connectivity or devices. Telecom projects such as small cells, private 5G, IoT deployments or satellite services raise licensing or notification questions, data retention duties, lawful interception readiness and construction permits for masts or rooftop equipment.

Developing or licensing content and technology. Media and software deals involve complex IP ownership, open-source use, collective rights management, royalties, synchronization rights, distribution windows and cross-licensing.

Advertising and influencer work. Campaigns must meet Swiss unfair competition rules, substantiation standards and sector-specific restrictions such as for alcohol, tobacco and gambling, plus platform policies and disclosure of paid partnerships.

Data protection and cybersecurity. Collecting, storing or transferring personal data requires compliance with the revised Federal Act on Data Protection. Cyber incidents demand rapid response, breach assessments and possible notifications.

Employee monitoring and BYOD. Workplace technologies like monitoring software, CCTV or productivity analytics must respect Swiss labor and personality rights and be proportionate and transparent.

Disputes and enforcement. You may face takedown requests, defamation or personality rights claims, copyright notices, domain name disputes, spam allegations or competition complaints.

Filming and events. Commercial shoots, drone operations or live broadcasts in Dornach may require municipal permits, coordination with police, compliance with aviation rules and attention to personality and property rights.

Local Laws Overview

Data protection. The revised Federal Act on Data Protection applies to private sector processing in Dornach. It emphasizes transparency, data minimization, records of processing, vendor diligence and privacy by design. Cross-border transfers require adequate safeguards. Switzerland recognizes an adequacy finding for EU or EEA, and a Swiss-US Data Privacy Framework exists for certified recipients. Significant breaches that pose a high risk to individuals must be notified to the federal data protection authority and affected persons without undue delay.

Telecoms and connectivity. The Telecommunications Act governs providers of telecom services. Many services require notification to the federal regulator rather than a full license unless scarce resources such as spectrum or numbering are involved. ComCom handles spectrum concessions and certain market decisions, and OFCOM supervises technical and numbering matters. Telecom providers have duties under the surveillance of communications law, including data retention of certain connection metadata and lawful interception capability.

Net neutrality and quality of service. Switzerland has legal net neutrality principles with transparency obligations. Traffic management must be objective and proportionate, and consumers must receive clear information about service characteristics and any limitations.

Media and broadcasting. The Radio and Television Act governs linear broadcasting and certain audiovisual services. It sets rules on independence of editorial content, separation of advertising and programming, sponsorship and product placement under conditions, and protection of minors. Online-only platforms that do not provide linear program services are generally outside broadcaster licensing, yet they remain subject to copyright, unfair competition, advertising and consumer protection rules.

Online content and platform liability. Hosting and platform operators are expected to remove unlawful content when they obtain knowledge of it, especially regarding personality rights, copyright and criminal content. Well-designed notice-and-action procedures and repeat infringer policies are important to mitigate risks.

Copyright and neighboring rights. The Swiss Copyright Act protects literary, artistic, musical, film and software works. Collective management organizations license uses such as public performance, broadcasting and certain online uses. Extended collective licensing exists for specific uses. Technical protection measures and notice-and-takedown norms apply. Software is protected as a literary work, and contracts should clarify ownership and licensing between developers, employers and clients.

Advertising and consumer law. The Unfair Competition Act prohibits misleading or aggressive practices and governs price transparency, disclaimers and comparative claims. Sectoral rules limit advertising for products such as tobacco, alcohol and gambling. Commercial communications must include accurate sender details and an easy way to opt out of further messages. Influencer and native ads require clear disclosure of commercial intent.

E-commerce and pricing. Providers must disclose identity and contact details, material contract steps and pricing in a clear and accessible way. Swiss VAT may apply to digital services provided to Swiss customers, including by foreign suppliers that meet Swiss registration thresholds. Price display rules require taxes and mandatory surcharges to be included or clearly explained.

Employment and workplace technology. Surveillance primarily aimed at monitoring employee behavior is prohibited. Security and operational monitoring is permissible if proportionate, necessary and communicated to staff. Policies should address BYOD, information security, acceptable use and remote work.

Infrastructure and siting. Antennas, masts, satellite dishes and certain audiovisual installations may require municipal building permits in Dornach and compliance with the Federal Ordinance on Protection from Non-Ionizing Radiation. Local planning and neighbor consultation can affect timelines and conditions.

Drones, events and filming. Drone operations must follow aviation rules, operator registration and competency requirements, with additional constraints near sensitive areas. Commercial filming or events in public spaces often require municipal authorization and coordination with local police and property owners, as well as respect for personality and data protection rights.

Competition and mergers. The Competition Commission enforces the Cartel Act against anti-competitive agreements and abuses of dominance, including in digital markets. Certain concentrations trigger merger control filings.

Gambling and online games. The Gambling Act permits licensed Swiss operators and blocks unlicensed foreign online gambling targeting Swiss residents. Advertising must comply with strict rules and avoid targeting minors.

Domains and online identity. .ch and .li domain names are administered under rules overseen by OFCOM. Disputes can be handled via a specialized procedure that may lead to transfer or cancellation where trademark or name rights are infringed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the EU GDPR apply to my business in Dornach

Swiss law applies by default. The revised Swiss data protection law is distinct from GDPR but similar in many areas. GDPR may also apply extraterritorially if you offer goods or services to people in the EU or monitor their behavior. Many organizations implement a harmonized program that meets both Swiss and EU requirements where relevant.

Do I need a license to offer VoIP or messaging services

Most telecom offerings require a notification to the federal regulator rather than a full license. If your service uses scarce resources such as spectrum or numbering, or if you provide access to emergency services, additional conditions apply. Telecom providers must also implement lawful interception and retain certain traffic data for a limited period under Swiss surveillance law.

What are the rules for cookies and online tracking in Switzerland

Swiss law requires transparency about tracking technologies and a meaningful choice for users. Consent is advisable for non-essential tracking, especially where profiling is involved. If you target EU users, EU ePrivacy and GDPR rules commonly require opt-in consent for non-essential cookies. Clear notices, preference tools and documentation of choices are best practice.

Can I film or photograph people in public in Dornach

Filming in public spaces is generally allowed, but personality rights apply. Publishing identifiable images without a legitimate interest or consent can infringe those rights. Commercial shoots, use of significant equipment or road occupation usually require municipal permits and coordination with police. Drone operations must also follow aviation and privacy rules.

How do I license music for my app, stream or venue

In Switzerland, collective management organizations license musical works and neighboring rights. You typically need licenses for public performance, streaming and reproductions. Depending on your use, you may need to contract with multiple societies to cover authors, performers and producers.

What should a Swiss-compliant privacy notice include

It should identify the controller, describe data categories and sources, state purposes and legal bases, list recipients and transfers including cross-border safeguards, specify retention periods or criteria, explain user rights and provide contact points for inquiries. Keep it concise, layered and easy to find.

Are there special rules for advertising and influencers

Yes. Ads must be truthful and not misleading. Influencer and native ads must be clearly marked as advertising. Sector rules limit advertising for products such as tobacco, alcohol and gambling. Commercial emails and messages require prior consent, proper sender identification and an easy opt-out.

How are .ch domain disputes resolved

.ch domain disputes can be brought through a specialized dispute resolution procedure overseen by the registry and administered by a neutral body. If you can show that your trademark or name rights are infringed and the registrant lacks a legitimate interest, you may obtain transfer or cancellation.

What are my obligations after a data breach

Assess the breach promptly, contain it and document your analysis. If there is a high risk to affected persons, notify the federal data protection authority and the individuals without undue delay. Review contracts, improve controls and keep a breach register. Sectoral regulators may have additional requirements.

Can I monitor employee emails or devices

Monitoring aimed primarily at behavior control is not allowed. Security and operational monitoring can be lawful if necessary, proportionate and communicated in advance. Adopt clear policies, minimize data collection, restrict access and avoid continuous surveillance. Consult with staff representatives where applicable.

Additional Resources

Federal Office of Communications OFCOM. Regulator for telecoms, spectrum, numbering and broadcasting oversight.

Federal Communications Commission ComCom. Decides on major telecom market matters and spectrum concessions.

Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner FDPIC. Supervisory authority for private sector data protection.

National Cyber Security Centre NCSC. Guidance on cyber threats, incident handling and reporting channels.

Collective management organizations. SUISA for musical works, SWISSPERFORM for neighboring rights, Suissimage for audiovisual producers, ProLitteris for text and images.

Domain name services. SWITCH for .ch administration and the associated dispute resolution provider.

Competition Commission ComCo. Enforcement of the Cartel Act in digital and telecom markets.

Federal Office of Public Health and sector regulators. Rules affecting health data, telemedicine and advertising for regulated products.

Federal Office of Civil Aviation FOCA. Drone and aviation rules, operator registration and competency.

Canton of Solothurn authorities and the Municipality of Dornach. Building permits, filming permits, signage and local enforcement.

Next Steps

Define your goals and risks. Write down the services you offer, the data you collect, the markets you target and the timelines. Note any urgent events such as product launches, funding rounds or regulatory deadlines.

Gather key documents. Terms and policies, vendor contracts and DPAs, product specs, data flows, app SDK lists, security certifications, marketing plans, media licenses, spectrum or numbering assignments and any prior regulator correspondence.

Map your compliance gaps. Identify what is in place now and what is missing: privacy notices, cookie controls, DPIAs, incident response plans, employee policies, license agreements and permit needs for infrastructure or filming.

Consult a lawyer experienced in Swiss media, technology and telecoms. Look for counsel with federal and cantonal experience, knowledge of cross-border issues and sector focus that matches your project such as streaming, SaaS, telecom or advertising.

Prioritize quick wins. Implement essential disclosures, update contracts with processors, deploy a consent or preference tool consistent with your audience, and confirm security baselines and logging.

Plan for regulator and stakeholder engagement. Where needed, prepare notifications or filings, schedule pre-application meetings for permits and set up communication lines with collective management organizations.

Build ongoing governance. Assign ownership for privacy, security and content moderation, set review cadences, train staff and audit vendors. Keep records to demonstrate accountability.

Document and budget. Agree on scope, deliverables and fees with your lawyer. Maintain a project tracker so leadership and regulators can see your compliance progress at a glance.