This book provides an overview and practical guidance in life sciences law to readers in Switzerland and worldwide such as in-house and external counsels, scientists, entrepreneurs, technology transfer professionals, engineers, national and foreign investors and students. Focussing on medicinal products and medical devices, this book essentially follows the value chain from the bench to the market and includes numerous graphs and tables to summarize and illustrate key points. It provides readers from different backgrounds with practice advice and a glossary, and includes references to further information. An important part covers cross-cutting issues relevant for any phase of a product life cycle, such as intellectual property rights, commercial agreements, dispute resolution, competition law, data protection, and financing. Although the book focuses on Swiss law, it takes into account the international scope of life sciences-related transactions by referencing European Union law and presenting selected topics relevant for life sciences stakeholders operating in the USA and China. Barbara Schroeder de Castro Lopes is in-house counsel in a large pharmaceutical corporation. Previously she worked for the Swiss government, at a Swiss federal court and in a leading Swiss law firm. Judith Schallnau is legal counsel at the World Intellectual Property Organization and currently works for a large pharmaceutical company.