Legal foundations and official sources for our research work

Notice: This collection documents the research foundations of CIP Analytics®. It does not constitute legal advice and does not replace a legal assessment of an individual case. For specific legal questions, we recommend consulting a qualified lawyer.

Last reviewed: November 2026

Information analysis operates within a legal framework. We disclose the publicly accessible, official sources we rely on in our assessments. This collection is deliberately kept small and is updated on an ongoing basis.

It distinguishes three levels: primary sources, official guidance and case law.

1. Primary Sources

Binding legislative texts and official registers.

Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP / DSG, SR 235.1)
The central statute governing the handling of personal data in Switzerland. Relevant to the question of which personal data may be processed, for what purpose and under which conditions, as well as to principles such as transparency, proportionality and data security.

Fedlex – Publication Platform for Federal Law
The official platform for Swiss federal law. It provides the currently applicable versions of statutes and ordinances, including the FADP and the Data Protection Ordinance (DPO). The authoritative basis when legislative texts are reviewed. Binding versions are published in German, French and Italian.

Zefix – Central Business Name Index
The official central search platform for companies and legal entities entered in the Swiss commercial register. An important primary source for verifying company data, legal forms and register information. The entries themselves are maintained by the cantonal commercial registry offices.

2. Official Guidance

Interpretive aids and specialist information from supervisory authorities.

FDPIC – Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (EDÖB)
The independent federal authority for data protection. The FDPIC supervises data processing by private parties and federal bodies, informs the public and publishes FAQs, guidance notes and expert assessments. Cantonal and municipal authorities are generally supervised by the respective cantonal or municipal data protection authorities.

The information provided by the FDPIC is an important point of reference for the practical interpretation of data protection law. It is to be distinguished from statutory texts and binding case law.

3. Case Law

Judicial decisions.

Federal Administrative Court – Decision Database (in German, French and Italian)
The official database of published judgments of the Federal Administrative Court. It allows research into judicial assessments and legal questions, including in the field of data protection. It reflects part of Swiss case law, not its entirety.

Outlook

This page will be expanded as needed to include further topics, such as copyright, unfair competition law (UWG) or additional sources relevant to OSINT and competitive intelligence.

External Links
This page links to official third-party websites. CIP Analytics® has no influence over their content and accepts no responsibility for it, to the extent permitted by law. Further information can be found in the Disclaimer.

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