WORLD TRADE IP/N/6/ITA/1
3September 1996
ORGANIZATION(96-3434)
Original: English/French Council forTrade-Related Aspects
ofIntellectual Property Rights
CHECKLIST OFISSUES ONENFORCEMENT1
Responses from Italy
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
(a) Civiljudicial procedures andremedies
1. Specify thecourts which have jurisdiction overIPRinfringement cases.
Pretore [monocratic judge] andCourts (Arts. 8and9oftheCode ofCivil Procedure -CCP).
2. Which persons havestanding toassert IPRs? How maytheyberepresented? Arethere
requirements formandatory personal appearances before thecourt bytheright holder?
Right holders andthose claiming suchrights havestanding before theCourt (Arts. 99and
100CCP). Companies havestanding before theCourt through theirlegalrepresentatives. Eachparty
hastoberepresented before theCourt byadefence counsel (attorney/solicitor) (Art. 82CCP).
3. What authority dothejudicial authorities have toorder, attherequest ofanopposing
party, aparty toaproceeding toproduce evidence which lieswithin itscontrol?
Thejudge incharge oftheproceeding mayorder theother litigant orathirdparty todisclose
documents orother things which hedeems necessary toinclude inthecasefile(Art. 210CCP). The
judge mayfurther order description orsequestration ofthings representing infringement ofcopyright
(Art. 62ofthestatute on[trade]marks -MS-andArt.82ofthepatent statute -PS-andArt.161
ofthecopyright statute -CS).
4. What means exist toidentify andprotect confidential information brought forward as
evidence?
When ordering either litigant orathird party todisclose awork orother things, thejudge
provides asappropriate regarding time, place andmode ofdisclosure (Art. 210CCP); further, he
hastoreconcile theinterests ofjustice withtheneedtorespect therights ofathirdparty(Art.211CCP).
5. Describetheremediesthatmaybeorderedbythejudicialauthoritiesandcriteria,legislative
orjurisprudential, fortheir use:
- injunctions
Ajudge mayorder aninjunction prohibiting theuseofa[trade]mark orpatent asaprovisional
decision untilafinaljudgment isreached (Art. 63MSand83PS).
1Document IP/C/5 .IP/N/6/ITA/1
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- damages, including recovery ofprofits, andexpenses, including attorney 'sfees
Ajudge mayorder, inthejudgment settling thelitigation, thattheperson infringing
copyright shallpaydamages asrelated bothtoresulting damage (lossincurred bytheperson
suffering damage) andtocessation ofgain(lossofgain) (Arts. 2043, 2056, 1223 oftheCivil
Code -CC-; Art.66PS,86MS,158CS)inaddition topaying thecosts oftheproceeding
(Art. 91CCP). With regard to[trade]marks andpatents, aparty mayrequest damages tobe
paidasatotalsumtobedetermined onthebasisoftheactsoftheproceeding andoftherelevant
presumptions.
- destruction orother disposal ofinfringing goods andmaterials/implements for
their production
Ajudge mayorder destruction ofwhatever represents infringement ofcopyright,
([trade]marks, objects, envelopes, etc.)(Art. 66MS,Arts. 158and159CS,Art.85PS).
Under specific circumstances, ownership ofthesaidgoods maybeassigned totherightholder
(Art. 85PS,Art.159CS). Ajudge mayfurther order aninjunction inhibiting thefinal
utilization ofawork infringing copyright (Art. 156CS).
- anyother remedies
Ajudge mayorder theunsuccessful partytopaythecostsofpublication ofthejudgment
inoneormore newspapers (Arts. 65MS,86PS,166CS).
6. Inwhat circumstances, ifany, dojudicial authorities have theauthority toorder the
infringer toinform theright holder oftheidentity ofthird persons involved inthe
production anddistribution ofthegoods orservices found tobeinfringing andoftheir
channels ofdistribution?
When questioning thedefendant, whether inaccordance ornotwithspecific rules, ajudge
mayaskwhich subjects areinvolved intheproduction ordistribution ofthegoods orservices infringing
copyright (Arts. 183and230CCP).
7. Describe provisions relating totheindemnification ofdefendants wrongfully enjoined.
Towhat extent arepublic authorities and/or officials liable insuchasituation andwhat
"remedial measures" areapplicable tothem?
Anyperson inwhose respect anorder forsequestration ordescription wasissued and
subsequently became unenforceable maymake aclaim fordamages against theplaintiff whoacted
unintentionally (Art. 62MSand82PS). Athirdparty whose goods wereunduly sequestrated may
make aclaim fordamages against theplaintiff (Art. 2043 CC). Nospecific liability ofjurisdictional
bodies isprovided forexcept forthecases inwhich thejudge ismade liable aspertherelevant law.
8. Describe provisions governing thelength andcostofproceedings. Provide anyavailable
dataontheactual duration ofproceedings andtheir cost.
Noperiod oftimeisdetermined bylawforjurisdictional proceedings; suchperiods oftime
arelaiddown exclusively asregards procedure (e.g., theperiod oftimeforentering anappearance).
Duration ofaproceeding depends onthestageatwhich afinaljudgment/decision isreached (Appellate
Court/Corte diCassazione). Costs ofaproceeding mayvarydepending upon thejudge having
jurisdiction andonthevalue oftheaction. Inparticular, thefeesoflegalrepresentatives aredetermined
withrespect tothevalue totheaction (Ministerial Decree No.392of24November 1990).IP/N/6/ITA/1
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(b) Administrative procedures andremedies
9. Reply totheabove questions inrelation toanyadministrative procedures onthemerits
andremedies thatmayresult from these procedures.
--
Provisional Measures
(a) Judicial measures
10. Describe thetypes ofprovisional measures thatjudicial authorities mayorder, andthe
legal basis forsuchauthority.
Thefollowing provisional remedies maybegranted during aproceeding: description ofthe
goods, sequestration ofthegoods (Arts. 81MS,81PS,161CS),inhibitory injunction ontheutilization
ofa[trade]mark orpatent (Arts. 63MS,83PS).Astocopyright, aclaim forsuchinhibitory injunction
maybemade pursuant toArt.700CCP.
11. Inwhat circumstances maysuchmeasures beordered inaudita altera parte?
With respect of[trade]marks andpatents, thedefendant maybeheard astodescription or
sequestration ifthisisdeemed appropriate bythejudge (Arts. 61MSand81PS). Astocopyright,
thesaidremedies maybegranted inaudita altera parte incaseofpericulum inmora (Art. 162CS).
12. Describe themain procedures fortheinitiation, ordering andmaintenance inforce of
provisional measures, inparticular relevant time-limits andsafeguards toprotect the
legitimate interests ofthedefendant.
Description andsequestration relating to[trade]marks andpatents areunenforceable if,within
8daysoftheirexecution, service ofacopy ofthewritinitiating theproceeding andofthedecree
ordering sequestration ordescription isnoteffected andthejudgment onthemerits hasnotbegun
(Arts. 62and82MS). Astocopyright, itisenough fortheaction tobegin within 8days(Art.163CS).
Upon compliance withthese provisions, theprovisional remedies remain inforce untilajudgement
onthemerits isentered. Theinhibitory injunction ontheutilization ofa[trade]mark orpatent remains
inforce untilthefinaljudgment isentered.
13. Describe provisions governing thelength andcostofproceedings. Provide anyavailable
dataontheactual duration ofproceedings andtheir cost.
Anycosts forprovisional remedies arecomputed inthefinalcosts oftheproceeding onthe
merits.
(b) Administrative measures
14. Reply totheabove questions inrelation toanyadministrative provisional measures .
Withrespect tocopyright, theholder oftherights ofrepresentation andperformance ofawork
mayrequest theprefetto toprohibit representation orperformance where proof ofhisconsent islacking
(Art. 157CS).IP/N/6/ITA/1
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Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
15. Indicate forwhich goods itispossible toapply forthesuspension bythecustoms authorities
oftherelease intofreecirculation, inparticular whether these procedures areavailable
alsoinrespect ofgoods which involve infringements ofintellectual property rights other
thancounterfeit trademark orpirated copyright goods asdefined intheTRIPS Agreement
(footnote toArticle 51). Specify, together withrelevant criteria, anyimports excluded
from theapplication ofsuchprocedures (such asgoods from another member ofacustoms
union, goods intransit ordeminimis imports). Dotheprocedures apply toimports of
goods putonthemarket inanother country byorwiththeconsent oftheright holder
andtogoods destined forexportation?
Themeasures aimed atprohibiting release intofreecirculation, export, re-export andplacement
under asuspensive procedure areapplied toallcounterfeit goods andgoods infringing copyright.
These measures donotapply togoods:
- Presumed tobecounterfeit, originating from theCommunity orreleased intofree
circulation inanother member State;
- bearing atradeorservice mark withtheconsent oftheowner ofthatmark, orprotected
bycopyright oranother related rightorarightrelating toadesign oramodel, and
manufactured withtheconsent oftherightholder, butwhich areauthorized forrelease
intofreecirculation, exported, re-exported orplaced under asuspensive procedure
without thelatter'sconsent;
- which havebeenmanufactured orgiven amark onconditions other thanthose agreed
withtheholders oftherights inquestion;
- devoid ofcommercial value andtransported bytravellers asaccompanied goods, with
atotalvalue notexceeding themaximum established forrelief from customs duty.
16. Provide adescription ofthemain elements oftheprocedures relating tothesuspension
oftherelease ofgoods bycustoms authorities, inparticular thecompetent authorities
(Article 51),therequirements foranapplication (Article 52)andvarious requirements
related totheduration ofsuspension (Article 55). How have Articles 53(security or
equivalent assurance), 56(indemnification oftheimporter andoftheowner ofthegoods)
and57(right ofinspection andinformation) been implemented?
Theperson entitled tolodge anapplication istheowner ofthetrade orservice mark orofa
righttothegoods which involve infringements ofintellectual property rights ortherepresentative of
thesaidowner (natural orlegalperson) oranyperson authorized toavailhimself ofoneoftherights
inquestion. Thelegalpersons authorized toavailthemselves ofarightinclude, commercial partnerships
which haveastheirexclusive aim,oroneoftheirexclusive aims, themanagement oradministration
ofcopyright orrelated rights.
Thebody empowered toreceive applications from theholders ofthesaidrights isthe
Dipartimento delle Dogane edelle Imposte Indirette -Direzione Centrale deiServizi Doganali -
Divisione XII-ViaCarucci, 71-00144 Roma.IP/N/6/ITA/1
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Therequirements foracceptance oftheapplication arethefollowing:
- Ownership ofthemark;
- registration ofthemarkwiththe"Ministero dell'Industria, Commercio edArtigianato -
Direzione Generale dellaproduzione Industriale, Ufficio Brevetti, Modelli eMarchi",
orwith theWIPO under theterms oftheMadrid Agreement Concerning the
International Registration ofMarks.
Theapplication must beaccompanied by:
- Acopyoftheactofregistration ortheapplication forregistration ofthemark;
- acopyofthedocument identifying theowner ofoneoftheother protected rights;
- acopyofthecontract recognizing therighttoexclusive useofthemark orofoneof
theother protected rights, oralternatively thestatus ofexclusive distributor;
- acopyoftheauthorization toactasarepresentative oftheowner ofthemark orof
oneoftheprotected rights;
- documentation relating to:
- thegoods concerned;
- themark;
- thecounterfeit goods;
- copies ofcourt judgements already delivered;
- adeclaration ofacceptance ofcivilliability foranydamage caused toathird party
asaresult oftheprocedure requested.
During theinspection ofthegoods toestablish more detailed findings, thecustoms authority
maytakesamples fortechnical examination, inorder tofacilitate theprocedure.
17. Describe provisions governing thelength andcostofproceedings. Provide anyavailable
dataontheactual duration ofproceedings andtheir cost. How longisthevalidity of
decisions bythecompetent authorities forthesuspension oftherelease ofgoods intofree
circulation?
Theowner ofoneoftherights inquestion isrequired -within 10working days, withapossible
ten-day extension where warranted (from thedateofsuspension oftheprocedure forrelease ofthe
goods ortheirimpoundment) -tosubmit acopy oftheappeal addressed tothecompetent judicial
authority orofthedecision adopted bythelatter, concerning thepreventive attachment ofthegoods
ortherevocation oftheimpoundment.
Theapplicant isrequired toprovide asecurity ofLIT5million, which mayberaised toup
to10percentofthevalue ofthegoods, when thevalue isknown. Thissecurity isdesigned tocover
thecostofstoring thegoods inquestion, when thisisnecessary during theperiod ofsuspension of
release orimpoundment ofthegoods.IP/N/6/ITA/1
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18. Arecompetent authorities required toactupon their owninitiative and,ifso,inwhat
circumstances? Arethere anyspecial provisions applicable toexofficio action?
If,inthecourse ofatargeted inspection inthisfield, acustoms office finds thatthegoods
inquestion arewithout anydoubt counterfeit orthattheyinvolve aninfringement ofanintellectual
property right, thecustoms authority mayinform theholder oftheright oftheriskofanoffence.
Insuchasituation, thecustoms office concerned isauthorized tosuspend customs formalities fora
period ofthree working days, inorder toenable therightholder -afterhehasbeencontacted directly
inaccordance withtheapplicable rules ofconfidentiality -tosubmit anapplication foraction under
Article 3ofRegulation (EC) No.3295/94.
Ifthecustoms authority, afterconsulting therightholder ifneedbe,finds thatthegoods in
question correspond tothedescription given, itsuspends theirrelease orhasthem impounded.
19. Describe theremedies thatthecompetent authorities havetheauthority toorder andany
criteria regulating their use.
Ifthegoods inquestion arerecognized asbeing counterfeit and/or involving aninfringement
ofanintellectual property right, thecustoms authority maytakeappropriate steps forthedestruction
ofthegoods. However, ifthecustoms authority doesnotconsider itnecessary totakesuchsteps,
thegoodsmaybedonatedtocharitableorganizations,afterthemarksaffixedtothemhavebeenremoved.
Criminal Procedures
20. Specify thecourts which have jurisdiction overcriminal actsofinfringement ofIPRs.
Pretore andcourts (Arts. 6and7oftheCode ofCriminal Procédure -CCRP).
21. Inrespect ofwhich infringements ofwhich intellectual property rights arecriminal
procedures andpenalties available?
[Trade]marks andPatents
Art.473oftheCriminalCode(CRC) -CounterfeitingoralteringItalianorforeign[trade]marks,
patents, designs ormodels, ormaking usethereof: imprisonment forupto3years andafineofup
toLit4million.
Art.474CRC -Introducing intotheState, holding forsale,commercially distributing or
circulating intellectual works orindustrial products bearing counterfeited oraltered [trade]marks:
imprisonment forupto2years andafineofuptoLit4million.
Art.514CRC-Offering forsaleorcirculating intellectual works orindustrial products bearing
counterfeited [trade]names, [trade]marks ordistinctive signs, thereby causing harmtonational industry:
imprisonment forbetween 1and5years andafineofnotlessthanLit1million.
Art.517CRC-Offering forsaleorcirculating intellectual works orindustrial products bearing
[trade]names, [trade]marks ordistinctive signs likely tomislead thepurchaser astotheorigin, source
andquality oftheproduct: imprisonment forupto1yearorafineofuptoLit2million.IP/N/6/ITA/1
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Copyright
CS,Art.171-WithoutprejudicetotheprovisionsofArt.171-bis,anypersonshallbepunishable
byafineoffrom Lit100,000 to4,000,000 who, without having theright, andforanypurpose and
inanyform:
(a) reproduces, transcribes, recites inpublic, disseminates, sellsoroffers forsale,or
otherwise commercially distributes thework ofanother person, orreveals thecontents
ofsuchwork before itismade public, orintroduces orcirculates within theStatecopies
produced abroad contrary toItalian Law;
(b) performs orrecites inpublic ordiffuses, withorwithout variations oradditions, the
work ofanother person suitable forpublic performance, oramusical composition.
Performance includes thepublic showing ofacinematographic work, theperformance
inpublic ofmusical compositions included incinematographic works, andbroadcasting
bymeans ofaloudspeaker operated inpublic;
(c) commits theactsindicated inthepreceding clauses bymeans ofanyoftheforms of
elaboration referred tointhislaw;
(d) reproduces copies orgives performances inexcess ofthenumber which hehadthe
righttoreproduce orperform;
(e) [repealed]; and
(f) inviolation ofArt.79,retransmits bywireorbybroadcasting, orrecords upon
phonographic records orother likecontrivances, radiophonic transmissions or
retransmissions, orsellsphonographic records orother contrivances which havebeen
unlawfully made.
Thepunishment shallbeimprisonment uptooneyearorafineofnotlessthanLit1,000,000
iftheactsreferred toabove arecommitted inrelation toawork ofanother person which isnotintended
forpublic disclosure, orbyusurpation oftheauthorship ofthework, orwithdeformation, mutilation
orother modification ofthework andsuchactsconstitute anoffence against thehonour orreputation
oftheauthor.
CS,Art.171-bis
1. Whoever unlawfully duplicates computer programs forpurposes ofgain, orimports,
distributes, sells, holds forcommercial purposes orleases thesaidprograms, fortheselfsame
purposes andbeing aware orhaving reason tobeaware ofthefactthatsuchcopies werenot
authorized, shallbepunished byimprisonment forbetween three months andthree years and
byafineofbetween 500,000 and6,000,000 liras. Thesame punishment shallapply ifthe
actconcerns anycontrivance intended exclusively forallowing orfacilitating theunauthorized
removal ortheoperational disconnection ofprotection devices forcomputer programs. The
punishment shallbenotlessthanimprisonment forsixmonths andafineof1,000,000 liras
iftheoffenceisseriousoriftheprogramwhichwasunlawfullyduplicated,imported,distributed,
sold, heldforcommercial purposes orleased hadbeenpreviously distributed, soldorleased
onmedia bearing themark oftheItalian Authors 'andPublishers 'Association [S.I.A.E.]
pursuant tothislawandtotherelevant Regulations asperRoyal Decree No.1369 of
18May1942.IP/N/6/ITA/1
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2. Conviction foranyoftheoffences asperparagraph 1shallentail publication ofthe
judgment inoneormore newspapers andinoneormore specialized magazines.
Lawof20July1985, No.4
1. Imprisonment forbetween threemonths andthreeyears andafineofbetween 500,000
and6,000,000 lirasshallbeimposed onanyperson whounlawfully duplicates orreproduces,
forpurposes ofgain andbywhatever means, cinematographic works intended for
cinematographic ortelevision distribution or,though notparticipating intheduplication or
reproduction, commercially distributes, holds forsale,introduces intotheState'sterritory for
purposes ofgain, performs apublic showing oforbroadcasts bytelevision theaforesaid
duplications orreproductions. Thepunishment shallbenotlessthanimprisonment forsix
months andafineof1,000,000 lirasiftheoffence isespecially serious.
2. Conviction foranyoftheoffences aspertheabove paragraph shallentail publication
ofthejudgment inoneormore newspapers andinoneormore specialized magazines.
Decree-Law of26January 1987, converted, with amendments, intoLaw No.121of
27March 1987 -Art.2:
1. Theprovisions ofLawNo.400of20July1985 shallapply tothesaleorlease of
videotapes reproducing cinematographic works which donotbearthemark oftheItalian
Authors 'andPublishers 'Association [S.I.A.E.] pursuant toLawNo.633of22April 1941,
fortheprotection ofcopyright andother rights connected withtheexercise thereof, andto
therelevant Regulations asperRoyal Decree No.1369 of18May1942.
2. Thepenalties asperLawNo.400of20July1985 shallapply toanyperson selling
music cassettes which donotbearthemark oftheItalian Authors 'andPublishers 'Association
[S.I.A.E.] pursuant totheprovisions ofcopyright andother rights connected withtheexercise
thereof mentioned under paragraph 1.
LawNo.159of22May1993:
1. Anadministrative sanction consisting inthepayment ofasumbetween Lit1million
andLit3million, uptoamaximum ofLit10million iftheoffence isespecially serious, shall
beimposed onanyperson whoreproduces forpurposes ofgainandbywhatever means, without
being authorized todoso,thelayout ofliterary, dramatic, scientific, instructional ormusical
works, orofportions thereof, which areprotected byLawNo.633of22April 1941, as
subsequently amended, orwho, though notparticipating inthesaidreproduction, buthaving
knowledge thereof, commercially distributes, holds forsaleorintroduces intotheState, for
purposes ofgain, theaforesaid reproductions.
22. Which public authorities areresponsible forinitiating criminal proceedings? Arethey
required todothisontheir owninitiative and/or inresponse tocomplaints?
Prosecution bythepublic prosecutor ismandatory withregard tocopyright (Art. 50CCRP).
Theproceeding isinitiated exofficio ,eventhough itmayfollow information preferred byaparty.
23. Doprivate persons have standing toinitiate criminal proceedings and,ifso,who?
Anysubject mayprefer information oncopyright crimes (Art. 333CCRP), although the
proceeding isinitiated exofficio bythepublic prosecutor.IP/N/6/ITA/1
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24. Specify, bycategory ofIPRandtypeofinfringement where necessary, thepenalties and
other remedies thatmaybeimposed:
- imprisonment;
- monetary fines;
- seizure,forfeitureanddestructionofinfringinggoodsandmaterialsandimplements
fortheir production;
- other.
Seeunder 21.
25. Describeprovisionsgoverningthelengthandanycostofproceedings.Provideanyavailable
dataontheactual duration ofproceedings andtheir cost, ifany.
Duration ofaproceeding isgoverned bytherunning oftime, inthatajudgment hastobeentered
within agiven number ofyears fromthedateonwhich theproceeding wasinitiated -unless therunning
oftimeisinterrupted byspecific events -depending onthepunishment tobeimposed (i.e., 5years
iftheoffence ispunishable byimprisonment forlessthan5years, 10years ifthetermofimprisonment
islonger) (Arts. 157,158,159,160CRC). Furthermore, specific stages ofaproceeding must be
completed within specific periods oftime: forinstance, preliminary investigations should becompleted
within 18months, although thisonlyaffects thetaking ofevidence (Art. 407CCP). Thecosts ofa
proceeding mustbepaidbytheunsuccessful party (Art. 535CCP); theymayvarywiththeactivities
performed inthecourse oftheproceeding (Arts. 181,182,199and200oftheprovisions implementing
theCode ofCriminal Procedure).