Jacques de Werra

Jacques de Werra is a Full Professor of Law of Obligations (Contract Law) and Intellectual Property Law at the University of Geneva’s Faculty of Law. He serves as Director of the Digital Law Center (founded in 2020) and previously held the role of Vice-Rector (2015–2019), overseeing digital strategy, technology transfer, and international relations. He obtained his doctorate in law from the University of Lausanne (1997), followed by an LL.M. and research at Columbia Law School (supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation). His expertise spans contract law, intellectual property, and digital governance, with a focus on AI transparency, data disputes, and arbitration mechanisms.

He contributes to the Swiss Contract Law website (www.swisscontract.law) and led the CO 2020 project revising Switzerland’s Code of Obligations. His research includes cybersecurity liability, FRAND licensing, and Olympic property protection. He coordinates intellectual property summer schools and publishes in journals like Journal des Tribunaux and Sic!. He is a member of editorial boards, including revue sic! and Jusletter, and actively participates in global initiatives like the World Intellectual Property Organization’s dispute resolution programs.

De Werra’s professional memberships include the Licensing Executives Society, Swiss Arbitration Association, and International Literary and Artistic Association. He organizes annual conferences like the Intellectual Property Law Day and co-edits book series on IP topics. His work bridges legal theory and practice, addressing emerging challenges in digital and globalized legal landscapes.