Cloud computing refers to the provision of IT resources via a computer network, e.g. via the internet. This means that the individual user or company does not have to make the IT resources available internally but obtains them as a service from a specialized service provider via remote access. This includes providing databases, such as key value stores or other storage, via the Internet. Cloud computing can basically be divided into three service models, which differ in the degree of outsourcing: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provides virtualized hardware resources such as computing power and storage capacity; Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides access to a full-fledged development environment; Software as a Service (SaaS) provides application programs in the cloud.
Cloud computing raises various legal issues due to the outsourcing of data and processing. These concern, among other things, data protection, e.g. for individual-related data, and copyright, e.g. for copyrighted data, see also the website of the Swiss Data Protection Officer. Developments in the field of cloud computing also pose a challenge under patent law. Such inventions need to be assessed and formulated according to the specific standards for computer-implemented inventions. In addition, an analysis of the business model may be required for defining solid patent protection. Our patent attorneys having practical experience in this field provide competent advice:
