Comparative Tort Law Seminar Series / Civil Liability and Artificial Intelligence by Prof. Dr. Pascal Pichonnaz
Date: 9 February 2026
Time: 17:30 (TR)
Venue: Library Art Gallery
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is sometimes incorporated in softwares or often into other devices. Liability for use of AI is then multi folded; it can be based on the contractual relationship with the provider of the device/software, based on product liability or on a liability for the AI itself. In the latter case, which will often be the case of a recourse of a primary entity hold liable against the producer of the AI, the question is whether the standard of liability should be dependent upon fault, be a purely objective liability standard or based on a liability for risk, and, in particular for the recourse, on a objective liability, similar to the liability for animals.
Bio
Pascal Pichonnaz is currently a full professor (since 2000) for Swiss contract law, Roman law, as well as European consumer law and comparative contract law at the Faculty of Law of the University of Fribourg. He was Dean of the Faculty of Law from 2014–2017. He has been President of the Department of Private Law and vice-president and president of the IBL. He is one of the co-founders of the LL.M Programme at the Faculty of Law (MLCBP).
He has published several books and more than 150 articles on fundamental aspects of Swiss contract law (including AI and the Law), on Comparative Contract Law, on Set-off and Arbitration, as well as on Roman law, unfair competition and family law. Pichonnaz is also a member of several boards of legal periodicals.
He is a standing member of the Jury of the Premio internazionale di diritto romano Gérard Boulvert and is active as an international commercial arbitrator (ICC, Swiss Rules-SCAI, ad hoc), as well as an arbitrator in sport (CAS). He has been member of the board and then president in 2008–2009 of the European Law Faculties Association (ELFA). Since 2018, he has been a member of the Council of the European Law Institute, its vice-president from 2019-2021, and its president from 2021-2023 and 2023-2025.
About the Series:
The Comparative Tort Law Seminar Series brings together distinguished scholars from around the world to share their expertise and insights on contemporary issues in tort law, fostering a deeper understanding of comparative perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches.
All interested participants are welcome.