RESTRICTED
WORLD TRADE IP/C/W/83
21October 1997
ORGANIZATION(97-4579)
Original: English Council forTrade-Related Aspects
ofIntellectual Property Rights
REVIEW OFLEGISLATION ONENFORCEMENT
Questions Posed bytheUnited States
Bymeans ofacommunication from thePermanent Delegation oftheUnited States
dated 19September 1997, theSecretariat hasreceived thefollowing questions thattheUnited States
hadcommunicated toAustralia, Bulgaria, Canada, theCzech Republic, theEuropean Communities
andtheirMember States, Hungary, Japan, Liechtenstein, Mexico, NewZealand, Norway, Poland,
theSlovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa andSwitzerland.
Page
Australia 2
Bulgaria 9
Canada 16
Czech Republic 21
European Communities andtheirMember States 28
Hungary 94
Japan 101
Liechtenstein 105
Mexico 108
NewZealand 109
Norway 111
Poland 113
Slovak Republic 120
Slovenia 127
South Africa 130
Switzerland 137IP/C/W/83
Page2
AUSTRALIA
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. Please describe
thestructure ofthejudicial andadministrative1procedures inAustralia inwhich parties canenforce
theirintellectual property rights, atlocal, provincial andnational levels, indicating thejurisdiction of
eachtypeofcourt oradministrative bodyandexplaining theinterrelationships, ifany,ofthevarious
types ofcourts andadministrative bodies. Citethelawsorother authorities establishing thestructure,
including eachtypeofcourt andadministrative body.
2. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcementprocedureineachofthecourtsandadministrativebodiesidentifiedinresponsetoquestion1
andcitethelegalauthorities establishing those procedures.
3. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies identified inanswer toquestion 1thatisnotrequired ofanational
orresident ofAustralia andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
4. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofjudicial andadministrative enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation
forinjury suffered because ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawofAustralia
toprevent abuse ofjudicial andadministrative procedures ortoremedy damages suffered asaresult
ofsuchabuse andcitethelegalauthorities forthose means.
5. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please describe anyfeescharged byjudicial oradministrative officials forfiling legal
actionsinvolvingintellectualpropertyorforpursuingsuchactionsonceinitiated,citethelegalauthorities
forsuchfees,andprovide copies ofthedocuments usedtoinform thepublic ofsuchfees.
6. Article41.2alsoaddressesthetimelinessofjudicialandadministrativeenforcementproceedings.
Please citetothelegalauthorities establishing anytimelimits forjudicial andadministrative proceedings
and,ifithasnotalready beendone, provide copies ofthelawsorregulations inquestion.
7. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inAustralia thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
8. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,whether judges or
administrative officials mustrender theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegalauthorities requiring
suchwritten opinions.
9. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please state, withregard toeachtypeofcourt
andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,what factors maybeconsidered byajudge or
1These questions apply tobothjudicial andadministrative enforcement ofintellectual property rights because ofArticle 49
oftheTRIPS Agreement.IP/C/W/83
Page3
administrative official inrendering adecision andcitethelegalauthorities establishing thebasis on
which judges andadministrative officials mayreach decisions.
10. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegal
limitations, ifany,areplaced upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement
proceeding tohavebothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority,
andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
11. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed byeachtype
ofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
12. Article 42alsorequires thatparties tointellectual property enforcement proceedings mustbe
abletoberepresented bycounsel andmustnotbesubject tooverly burdensome requirements toappear
personally. Please describe anylimitations under Australia ’slawsontheability ofaparty insuch
aproceeding toberepresented byindependent legalcounsel andanyrequirements imposed ontheparty
toappear personally inaproceeding. Please citethelegalauthorities providing suchlimitations and
imposing suchrequirements.
13. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawofAustralia onaparty’sability tosubstantiate aclaim
ortopresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
14. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
Please describe themeans provided under thelawofAustralia forparties toidentify andhaveprotected
confidential information required tobepresented inorder toprove theirclaims andcitethelegal
authorities providing forsuchidentification andprotection.
15. Article 43.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beable
toorder aparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding toproduce relevant evidence in
thatparty’scontrol identified bytheopposing party when thelatter party haspresented reasonably
available evidence insupport ofitsclaims. Please describe howandinwhat circumstances judges
andadministrativeofficialsmayorderproductionofrelevantevidenceinintellectualpropertyenforcement
proceedings andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchorders.
16. Information ordered tobeproduced, referred toinquestion 15,must beprotected ifitis
confidential. Please describe themeans provided under thelawofAustralia forprotecting such
information andcitethelegalauthority providing forsuchprotection, ifthose means differ fromthose
described inanswer toquestion 14.
17. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial oradministrative officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinal
determinations adverse tothatparty. Please describe whatsanctions maybeimposed onaparty that
refused toprovide ordered information andunder what circumstances those sanctions areimposed,
citing thelegalauthority forthose sanctions.IP/C/W/83
Page4
18. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise
prevent infringing activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothe
channels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction. Please describe authority ofthejudges andadministrative
officials identified inquestion 1toorder parties tostopinfringements andtoprevent infringing goods
fromentering thechannels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction immediately afterclearance ofsuchgoods
through customs. Inaddition, please citethelegalauthorities authorizing suchactions.
19. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofAustralia andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
20. Article 45.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoorder aninfringer to
paytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement. Please
describe theauthority ofthejudges andadministrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder aparty
found tobeinfringing topaytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused
bytheinfringement.Pleaseexplainthefactorsconsideredinestablishingtheamountofthecompensation
andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchcompensation orders.
21. Article 45.2requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder payment
ofaright holder 'sexpenses, including legal fees. Please describe theauthority ofthejudges and
administrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder payment ofright holders ’expenses, the
circumstances under which suchanorder willbegiven, thefactors considered inestablishing the
expenses, andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchpayments.
22. Article 46requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder, incertain
circumstances, other remedies, including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction
ofgoods anddestruction ofmaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich isthecreation
ofinfringing goods. Please describe theadditional remedies available under thelawsofAustralia,
thecircumstances inwhich suchauthority willbeexercised, thefactors considered indetermining the
nature oftheremedies provided, andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
23. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges andadministrative officials to
order infringers toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution
ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution. Please describe anyauthority judges
andadministrative officials haveunder thelawsofAustralia toorder infringers toidentify forright
holders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution ofinfringing goods orservices and
theirchannels ofdistribution anddescribe thecircumstances inwhich thisauthority would beexercised.
Please citethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
24. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw.Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.
Provisional Measures
25. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorderpromptandeffectiveprovisionalremediestopreventaninfringementofanyintellectualproperty
right. Withrespect toeachintellectual property rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement,IP/C/W/83
Page5
please identify theprovisional measures available toprotect intellectual property rights. Please cite
therelevant legalauthority establishing those provisional remedies.
26. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorder prompt andeffective provisional remedies topreserve relevant evidence inregard toanalleged
infringement. Please identify theprovisional measures available topreserve relevant evidence inregard
toanalleged infringement andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
27. Articles 50.2and50.8require Members toauthorize judicial andadministrative authorities
toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera parte.With respect toeachintellectual property right
identified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe briefly thecircumstances inwhich
thejudicial andadministrative authorities areempowered toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera
parte andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
28. Articles 50.2and50.8require thatjudicial authorities andadministrative bodies beauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
Please describe briefly what isrequired bytheauthorities identified inanswers toquestions 25,26
and27toestablish "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
29. Articles50.2and50.8alsorequirethatjudicialauthoritiesandadministrativebodiesbeauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed". Please
describe briefly whatfactors areconsidered bythecompetent authorities indetermining when there
isa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed".
30. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtorequire
anapplicant toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant
istherightholder andthatinfringement hasoccurred orisimminent. Withrespect toeachintellectual
property rightdefined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe theevidence required
byrightholders toestablish ownership.
31. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtoprovide
asecurity orequivalent assurance toprotect thedefendant. With respect toeachintellectual property
rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please citethelegalauthority establishing a
security orequivalent assurance.
32. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte.Please describe briefly theprocedures followed byeachauthority abletoadopt
suchmeasures fornotifying affected parties andstatethetimewithin which suchnotice musttakeplace.
33. Article 50.4alsorequires thatdefendants beafforded areview process todetermine whether
provisional measures should bemodified, confirmed, orrevoked. Please describe briefly theprocedures
adefendant must follow toinitiate review proceedings ineachoftheauthorities abletoadopt such
measures andidentify theperiod within which suchproceedings must beinitiated.
34. Article 50.5requires thatcompetent authorities beauthorized torequire applicants tosupply
other information necessary fortheidentification ofgoods concerned bytheauthority thatwillexecute
theprovisional measures. Please describe briefly what other information mayberequired bythe
authorities andcitethelegalauthority establishing thebasis forthissupplemental information.
35. Articles 50.6and50.8provide thatifproceedings leading toadecision onthemerits arenot
initiatedwithinareasonabletime,provisionalremediesgrantedbycompetentauthoritiesshallberevoked
orotherwise cease tohaveeffect, attherequest ofthedefendant. Please identify therelevant provisionsIP/C/W/83
Page6
inthelawofAustralia authorizing therevocation orcessation ofprovisional measures ifreview
proceedings arenotinitiated within areasonable timeandspecify whatconstitutes a"reasonable time
period" toinitiate proceedings.
36. Articles50.7and50.8providethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesshallhavetheauthority
toorder theapplicant toprovide thedefendant appropriate compensation foranyinjury caused bythe
adoption ofprovisional measures when saidmeasures arerevoked, havelapsed, orwhen ithasbeen
determined thatthere hasbeennoinfringement orthreat ofinfringement. Please describe howthe
competent authorities determine "appropriate compensation".
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
37. Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatcountries adopt procedures thatenable right
holderstorequestsuspensionoftheimportationofcounterfeittrademarkedgoodsandpiratedcopyrighted
works. Please identify thecompetent authority inAustralia authorized toaccept applications fora
request tosuspend release ofsuspected infringing goods andcitetherelevant laworregulation governing
suchauthority.
38. Please describe theprocedures arightholder mustfollow toobtain border protection bythe
competent authorities, e.g.,ifthere isaformal application thatmust besubmitted tothecompetent
authority, judicial oradministrative, andtheinformation required intherequest forsuspension and
citethelaworregulations providing suchprocedures.
39. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or trademarks.
40. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthere isprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement inAustralia.
41. Article 52alsorequires thattherightholder provide a"sufficiently detailed description ofthe
goods" tobestopped. Please explain whatisrequired oftherightholder inAustralia foradescription
tobe"sufficiently detailed".
42. Article 52requires thatthecompetent authorities notify therightholder thathisapplication
isaccepted within areasonable time. Please explain within whatperiod oftimethecompetent authority
responds toarequest forsuspension ofrelease ofgoods and,iftheapplication isaccepted, thelength
oftimeduring which enforcement action willbetaken.
43. Article53.1requiresthatthecompetentauthoritieshavetheauthoritytosecurefromanapplicant
asecurity orequivalent assurance sufficient toprotect adefendant andtoprevent abuse. Please verify
thatthecompetent authorities identified above areempowered torequire security orequivalent assurance
andprovide citations totheprovisions oflaworregulation thatgrant them thatauthority.
44. Article 53.2provides thattheowner, importer, orconsignee ofgoods involving industrial
designs, patents, layout-designs orundisclosed information thathave been suspended bycustoms
authorities should beable,incertain circumstances, tohavesuchgoods released onpayment ofsecurity
sufficient toprotect theright holder from infringement. Please identify what forms ofintellectual
property, ifany,aresubject toprovisions ofArticle 53.2andcitetotherelevant provisions oflaw
orregulations.IP/C/W/83
Page7
45. Article 54requires thattheimporter andtheapplicant benotified promptly ofthesuspension
orrelease ofgoods. Please specify theperiod within which thecompetent authority toissue anotice
thattherelease ofgoods hasbeensuspended.
46. Article 55makes itclearthattherightholder applying forsuspension ofinfringing goods must
initiate aproceeding onthemerits inanappropriate forum within areasonable period oftimeorthe
goods willbereleased. Please identify theforainwhich anapplicant/party mayinitiate proceedings
onthemerits thatwillallow customs authorities toholdthegoods beyond tenworking days.
47. Article 55provides thatareview istotakeplace within areasonable timeattherequest of
thedefending party todetermine ifthesuspension measures should bemodified, revoked orconfirmed
pending theoutcome oftheproceeding onthemerits. Please identify theforum thatisauthorized to
conduct suchareview anddescribe theprocedure andcitetheapplicable laworregulations.
48. Article 56requires thattheauthorities beabletorequire theapplicant tocompensate the
defending party foranyinjury caused ifthedetention ofgoods wasunfounded. Please identify the
authorities thatcanorder theapplicant topaytheimporter, consignee orowner compensation forinjury
caused bywrongful detention orthrough thedetention ofgoods released pursuant toArticle 55and
citetotheapplicable laworregulations.
49. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
50. Article 57alsorequires that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding the
importer,consigneeorconsignor.IfcompetentauthoritiesinAustraliacanprovideinformationregarding
theimporter, consignee orconsignor totherightholder, please explain howinformation regarding
names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods areprovided
totheapplicantafterapositivedecisionofinfringementismade,e.g.,authoritiesautomaticallyproviding
information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.Please citetothelaw
orregulations providing suchauthority.
51. Article 58specifies procedures tobefollowed where thecompetent authorities canactexofficio.
Please explain whether thecompetent authorities inAustralia areempowered toactexofficio and,
ifso,please identify theintellectual property areas subject toexofficio action.
52. Article 59identifies theremedies thataretobeavailable, including destruction ordisposal
ofinfringing goods outside thestream ofcommerce. Please explain whatthelawinAustralia permits
regarding thedisposition ofinfringing goods, i.e.,doesthelawallow fordestruction, disposal orboth.
Please citetothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.
53. Please identify:
(a) thecompetent authority thatdecides thedisposition ofthegoods, i.e.,whether thegoods
willbedestroyed ordisposed ofoutside thestream ofcommerce; and
(b) thecompetent authority thatcarries outthedestruction ordisposal ofthegoods.
54. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.IP/C/W/83
Page8
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofAustralia.
Criminal Procedures
55. Article 61oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatMembers have criminal procedures and
penalties, including imprisonment and/or monetary finessufficient toactasadeterrent, atleastfor
cases ofwilful trademark counterfeiting andcopyright infringement onacommercial scale. Please
describe theprovisions inthelawofAustralia thatfulfill thatobligation andprovide legalcitations.
56. Article 61alsorequires thatremedies inappropriate cases include theseizure, forfeiture and
destruction ofinfringing goods andanymaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich has
beenthecommission oftheoffense. Please explain theprovisions inthelawofAustralia thatprovide
forsuchremedies, describe thecircumstances inwhich those remedies would beimposed andprovide
legalcitations.
57. Article 61alsoindicates thatMembers mayprovide forcriminal procedures andpenalties in
cases ofwilful infringement ofother forms ofintellectual property. Please describe anyprovisions
inthelawofAustralia thatprovide forsuchprocedures andremedies andprovide legalcitations.
58. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofAustralia comply withthatobligation.IP/C/W/83
Page9
BULGARIA
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. Please describe
thestructure ofthejudicial andadministrative2procedures inBulgaria inwhich parties canenforce
theirintellectual property rights, atlocal, provincial andnational levels, indicating thejurisdiction of
eachtypeofcourt oradministrative bodyandexplaining theinterrelationships, ifany,ofthevarious
types ofcourts andadministrative bodies. Citethelawsorother authorities establishing thestructure,
including eachtypeofcourt andadministrative body.
2. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcementprocedureineachofthecourtsandadministrativebodiesidentifiedinresponsetoquestion1
andcitethelegalauthorities establishing those procedures.
3. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies identified inanswer toquestion 1thatisnotrequired ofanational
orresident ofBulgaria andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
4. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofjudicial andadministrative enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation
forinjury suffered because ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawofBulgaria
toprevent abuse ofjudicial andadministrative procedures ortoremedy damages suffered asaresult
ofsuchabuse andcitethelegalauthorities forthose means.
5. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please describe anyfeescharged byjudicial oradministrative officials forfiling legal
actionsinvolvingintellectualpropertyorforpursuingsuchactionsonceinitiated,citethelegalauthorities
forsuchfees,andprovide copies ofthedocuments usedtoinform thepublic ofsuchfees.
6. Article41.2alsoaddressesthetimelinessofjudicialandadministrativeenforcementproceedings.
Please citetothelegalauthorities establishing anytimelimits forjudicial andadministrative proceedings
and,ifithasnotalready beendone, provide copies ofthelawsorregulations inquestion.
7. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inBulgaria thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
8. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,whether judges or
administrative officials mustrender theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegalauthorities requiring
suchwritten opinions.
9. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please state, withregard toeachtypeofcourt
andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,what factors maybeconsidered byajudge or
2These questions apply tobothjudicial andadministrative enforcement ofintellectual property rights because ofArticle 49
oftheTRIPS Agreement.IP/C/W/83
Page10
administrative official inrendering adecision andcitethelegalauthorities establishing thebasis on
which judges andadministrative officials mayreach decisions.
10. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegal
limitations, ifany,areplaced upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement
proceeding tohavebothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority,
andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
11. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed byeachtype
ofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
12. Article 42alsorequires thatparties tointellectual property enforcement proceedings mustbe
abletoberepresented bycounsel andmustnotbesubject tooverly burdensome requirements toappear
personally. Please describe anylimitations under Bulgaria ’slawsontheability ofaparty insucha
proceeding toberepresented byindependent legalcounsel andanyrequirements imposed ontheparty
toappear personally inaproceeding. Please citethelegalauthorities providing suchlimitations and
imposing suchrequirements.
13. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawofBulgaria onaparty’sability tosubstantiate aclaim
ortopresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
14. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
Please describe themeans provided under thelawofBulgaria forparties toidentify andhaveprotected
confidential information required tobepresented inorder toprove theirclaims andcitethelegal
authorities providing forsuchidentification andprotection.
15. Article 43.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beable
toorder aparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding toproduce relevant evidence in
thatparty’scontrol identified bytheopposing party when thelatter party haspresented reasonably
available evidence insupport ofitsclaims. Please describe howandinwhat circumstances judges
andadministrativeofficialsmayorderproductionofrelevantevidenceinintellectualpropertyenforcement
proceedings andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchorders.
16. Information ordered tobeproduced, referred toinquestion 15,must beprotected ifitis
confidential. Please describe themeans provided under thelawofBulgaria forprotecting such
information andcitethelegalauthority providing forsuchprotection, ifthose means differ fromthose
described inanswer toquestion 14.
17. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial oradministrative officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinal
determinations adverse tothatparty. Please describe whatsanctions maybeimposed onaparty that
refused toprovide ordered information andunder what circumstances those sanctions areimposed,
citing thelegalauthority forthose sanctions.IP/C/W/83
Page11
18. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise
prevent infringing activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothe
channels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction. Please describe authority ofthejudges andadministrative
officials identified inquestion 1toorder parties tostopinfringements andtoprevent infringing goods
fromentering thechannels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction immediately afterclearance ofsuchgoods
through customs. Inaddition, please citethelegalauthorities authorizing suchactions.
19. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofBulgaria andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
20. Article 45.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoorder aninfringer to
paytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement. Please
describe theauthority ofthejudges andadministrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder aparty
found tobeinfringing topaytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused
bytheinfringement.Pleaseexplainthefactorsconsideredinestablishingtheamountofthecompensation
andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchcompensation orders.
21. Article 45.2requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder payment
ofaright holder 'sexpenses, including legal fees. Please describe theauthority ofthejudges and
administrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder payment ofright holders ’expenses, the
circumstances under which suchanorder willbegiven, thefactors considered inestablishing the
expenses, andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchpayments.
22. Article 46requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder, incertain
circumstances, other remedies, including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction
ofgoods anddestruction ofmaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich isthecreation
ofinfringing goods. Please describe theadditional remedies available under thelawsofBulgaria, the
circumstances inwhich suchauthority willbeexercised, thefactors considered indetermining thenature
oftheremedies provided, andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
23. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges andadministrative officials to
order infringers toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution
ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution. Please describe anyauthority judges
andadministrative officials haveunder thelawsofBulgaria toorder infringers toidentify forright
holders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution ofinfringing goods orservices and
theirchannels ofdistribution anddescribe thecircumstances inwhich thisauthority would beexercised.
Please citethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
24. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw.Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.
Provisional Measures
25. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorderpromptandeffectiveprovisionalremediestopreventaninfringementofanyintellectualproperty
right. Withrespect toeachintellectual property rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement,IP/C/W/83
Page12
please identify theprovisional measures available toprotect intellectual property rights. Please cite
therelevant legalauthority establishing those provisional remedies.
26. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorder prompt andeffective provisional remedies topreserve relevant evidence inregard toanalleged
infringement. Please identify theprovisional measures available topreserve relevant evidence inregard
toanalleged infringement andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
27. Articles 50.2and50.8require Members toauthorize judicial andadministrative authorities
toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera parte.With respect toeachintellectual property right
identified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe briefly thecircumstances inwhich
thejudicial andadministrative authorities areempowered toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera
parte andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
28. Articles 50.2and50.8require thatjudicial authorities andadministrative bodies beauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
Please describe briefly what isrequired bytheauthorities identified inanswers toquestions 25,26
and27toestablish "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
29. Articles50.2and50.8alsorequirethatjudicialauthoritiesandadministrativebodiesbeauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed". Please
describe briefly whatfactors areconsidered bythecompetent authorities indetermining when there
isa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed".
30. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtorequire
anapplicant toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant
istherightholder andthatinfringement hasoccurred orisimminent. Withrespect toeachintellectual
property rightdefined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe theevidence required
byrightholders toestablish ownership.
31. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtoprovide
asecurity orequivalent assurance toprotect thedefendant. With respect toeachintellectual property
rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please citethelegalauthority establishing a
security orequivalent assurance.
32. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte.Please describe briefly theprocedures followed byeachauthority abletoadopt
suchmeasures fornotifying affected parties andstatethetimewithin which suchnotice musttakeplace.
33. Article 50.4alsorequires thatdefendants beafforded areview process todetermine whether
provisional measures should bemodified, confirmed, orrevoked. Please describe briefly theprocedures
adefendant must follow toinitiate review proceedings ineachoftheauthorities abletoadopt such
measures andidentify theperiod within which suchproceedings must beinitiated.
34. Article 50.5requires thatcompetent authorities beauthorized torequire applicants tosupply
other information necessary fortheidentification ofgoods concerned bytheauthority thatwillexecute
theprovisional measures. Please describe briefly what other information mayberequired bythe
authorities andcitethelegalauthority establishing thebasis forthissupplemental information.
35. Articles 50.6and50.8provide thatifproceedings leading toadecision onthemerits arenot
initiatedwithinareasonabletime,provisionalremediesgrantedbycompetentauthoritiesshallberevoked
orotherwise cease tohaveeffect, attherequest ofthedefendant. Please identify therelevant provisionsIP/C/W/83
Page13
inthelawofBulgaria authorizing therevocation orcessation ofprovisional measures ifreview
proceedings arenotinitiated within areasonable timeandspecify whatconstitutes a"reasonable time
period" toinitiate proceedings.
36. Articles50.7and50.8providethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesshallhavetheauthority
toorder theapplicant toprovide thedefendant appropriate compensation foranyinjury caused bythe
adoption ofprovisional measures when saidmeasures arerevoked, havelapsed, orwhen ithasbeen
determined thatthere hasbeennoinfringement orthreat ofinfringement. Please describe howthe
competent authorities determine "appropriate compensation".
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
37. Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatcountries adopt procedures thatenable right
holderstorequestsuspensionoftheimportationofcounterfeittrademarkedgoodsandpiratedcopyrighted
works. Please identify thecompetent authority inBulgaria authorized toaccept applications forarequest
tosuspend release ofsuspected infringing goods andcitetherelevant laworregulation governing such
authority.
38. Please describe theprocedures arightholder mustfollow toobtain border protection bythe
competent authorities, e.g.,ifthere isaformal application thatmust besubmitted tothecompetent
authority, judicial oradministrative, andtheinformation required intherequest forsuspension and
citethelaworregulations providing suchprocedures.
39. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or trademarks.
40. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthere isprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement inBulgaria.
41. Article 52alsorequires thattherightholder provide a"sufficiently detailed description ofthe
goods" tobestopped. Please explain whatisrequired oftherightholder inBulgaria foradescription
tobe"sufficiently detailed".
42. Article 52requires thatthecompetent authorities notify therightholder thathisapplication
isaccepted within areasonable time. Please explain within whatperiod oftimethecompetent authority
responds toarequest forsuspension ofrelease ofgoods and,iftheapplication isaccepted, thelength
oftimeduring which enforcement action willbetaken.
43. Article53.1requiresthatthecompetentauthoritieshavetheauthoritytosecurefromanapplicant
asecurity orequivalent assurance sufficient toprotect adefendant andtoprevent abuse. Please verify
thatthecompetent authorities identified above areempowered torequire security orequivalent assurance
andprovide citations totheprovisions oflaworregulation thatgrant them thatauthority.
44. Article 53.2provides thattheowner, importer, orconsignee ofgoods involving industrial
designs, patents, layout-designs orundisclosed information thathave been suspended bycustoms
authorities should beable,incertain circumstances, tohavesuchgoods released onpayment ofsecurity
sufficient toprotect theright holder from infringement. Please identify what forms ofintellectual
property, ifany,aresubject toprovisions ofArticle 53.2andcitetotherelevant provisions oflaw
orregulations.IP/C/W/83
Page14
45. Article 54requires thattheimporter andtheapplicant benotified promptly ofthesuspension
orrelease ofgoods. Please specify theperiod within which thecompetent authority toissue anotice
thattherelease ofgoods hasbeensuspended.
46. Article 55makes itclearthattherightholder applying forsuspension ofinfringing goods must
initiate aproceeding onthemerits inanappropriate forum within areasonable period oftimeorthe
goods willbereleased. Please identify theforainwhich anapplicant/party mayinitiate proceedings
onthemerits thatwillallow customs authorities toholdthegoods beyond tenworking days.
47. Article 55provides thatareview istotakeplace within areasonable timeattherequest of
thedefending party todetermine ifthesuspension measures should bemodified, revoked orconfirmed
pending theoutcome oftheproceeding onthemerits. Please identify theforum thatisauthorized to
conduct suchareview anddescribe theprocedure andcitetheapplicable laworregulations.
48. Article 56requires thattheauthorities beabletorequire theapplicant tocompensate the
defending party foranyinjury caused ifthedetention ofgoods wasunfounded. Please identify the
authorities thatcanorder theapplicant topaytheimporter, consignee orowner compensation forinjury
caused bywrongful detention orthrough thedetention ofgoods released pursuant toArticle 55and
citetotheapplicable laworregulations.
49. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
50. Article 57alsorequires that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding the
importer,consigneeorconsignor.IfcompetentauthoritiesinBulgariacanprovideinformationregarding
theimporter, consignee orconsignor totherightholder, please explain howinformation regarding
names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods areprovided
totheapplicantafterapositivedecisionofinfringementismade,e.g.,authoritiesautomaticallyproviding
information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.Please citetothelaw
orregulations providing suchauthority.
51. Article 58specifies procedures tobefollowed where thecompetent authorities canactexofficio.
Please explain whether thecompetent authorities inBulgaria areempowered toactexofficio and,if
so,please identify theintellectual property areas subject toexofficio action.
52. Article 59identifies theremedies thataretobeavailable, including destruction ordisposal
ofinfringing goods outside thestream ofcommerce. Please explain whatthelawinBulgaria permits
regarding thedisposition ofinfringing goods, i.e.,doesthelawallow fordestruction, disposal orboth.
Please citetothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.
53. Please identify:
(a) thecompetent authority thatdecides thedisposition ofthegoods, i.e.,whether thegoods
willbedestroyed ordisposed ofoutside thestream ofcommerce; and
(b) thecompetent authority thatcarries outthedestruction ordisposal ofthegoods.
54. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.IP/C/W/83
Page15
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofBulgaria.
Criminal Procedures
55. Article 61oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatMembers have criminal procedures and
penalties, including imprisonment and/or monetary finessufficient toactasadeterrent, atleastfor
cases ofwilful trademark counterfeiting andcopyright infringement onacommercial scale. Please
describe theprovisions inthelawofBulgaria thatfulfill thatobligation andprovide legalcitations.
56. Article 61alsorequires thatremedies inappropriate cases include theseizure, forfeiture and
destruction ofinfringing goods andanymaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich has
beenthecommission oftheoffense. Please explain theprovisions inthelawofBulgaria thatprovide
forsuchremedies, describe thecircumstances inwhich those remedies would beimposed andprovide
legalcitations.
57. Article 61alsoindicates thatMembers mayprovide forcriminal procedures andpenalties in
cases ofwilful infringement ofother forms ofintellectual property. Please describe anyprovisions
inthelawofBulgaria thatprovide forsuchprocedures andremedies andprovide legalcitations.
58. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofBulgaria comply withthatobligation.IP/C/W/83
Page16
CANADA
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. Please describe
thestructure ofthejudicial andadministrative3procedures inCanada inwhich parties canenforce their
intellectual property rights, atlocal, provincial andnational levels, explaining theinterrelationships,
ifany,ofthevarious typesofcourts andadministrative bodies. Howareanydifferences ininterpretation
oflawsresolved?
2. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies identified inanswer toquestion 1thatisnotrequired ofanational
orresident ofCanada andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
3. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofjudicial andadministrative enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation
forinjury suffered because ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawofCanada
toprevent abuse ofjudicial andadministrative procedures ortoremedy damages suffered asaresult
ofsuchabuse andcitethelegalauthorities forthose means.
4. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inCanada thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
5. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please describe anyfeescharged byjudicial oradministrative officials forfiling legal
actionsinvolvingintellectualpropertyorforpursuingsuchactionsonceinitiated,citethelegalauthorities
forsuchfees,andprovide copies ofthedocuments usedtoinform thepublic ofsuchfees.
6. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,whether judges or
administrative officials mustrender theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegalauthorities requiring
suchwritten opinions.
7. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please state, withregard toeachtypeofcourt
andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,what factors maybeconsidered byajudge or
administrative official inrendering adecision andcitethelegalauthorities establishing thebasis on
which judges andadministrative officials mayreach decisions.
8. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe anylegal
limitations placed upontheability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding tohave
bothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority, andcitethelegal
authorities providing forsuchreviews.
3These questions apply tobothjudicial andadministrative enforcement ofintellectual property rights because ofArticle 49
oftheTRIPS Agreement.IP/C/W/83
Page17
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
9. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed byeachtype
ofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
10. Article 42alsorequires thatparties tointellectual property enforcement proceedings mustbe
abletoberepresented bycounsel andmustnotbesubject tooverly burdensome requirements toappear
personally. Please describe anyrequirements imposed onthepartytoappear personally inaproceeding
andcitethelegalauthorities suchrequirements.
11. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawofCanada onaparty’sability tosubstantiate aclaim
ortopresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
12. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofCanada andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
13. Article 45.2requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder payment
ofaright holder 'sexpenses, including legal fees. InIP/N/6/CAN/1, Canada states thatattorney ’s
feesarenotnormally included inanaward ofcosts andthat,when theyareawarded, theamount is
based upon thedaysincourt only. Please describe thecircumstances under which suchanorder will
begiven, thefactors considered inestablishing theexpenses.
14. Article 46requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder, incertain
circumstances, other remedies, including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction
ofgoods anddestruction ofmaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich isthecreation
ofinfringing goods. InIP/N/6/CAN/1, Canada describes provisions inconnection withindustrial
designs, integrated circuits, trademarks, plant breeders rights, andcopyrights. Please describe the
additional remedies available inconnection withpatents andtradesecrets anddescribe thecircumstances
inwhich anyofthese authorities would beexercised andthefactors considered indetermining the
nature oftheremedies provided.
15. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges andadministrative officials to
order infringers toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution
ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution. InIP/N/6/CAN/1, Canada states
thatthereisnospecific authority forsucharemedy. Under thebroad inherent discretion granted judges
aretheyabletoorder thatsuchinformation beprovided rightholders inorder toenable thelatter to
enforce theirrights? Ifso,please describe whatfactors would beconsidered indetermining whether
toorder sucharemedy.
16. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw.Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.IP/C/W/83
Page18
Provisional Measures
17. Articles 50.2and50.8require Members toauthorize judicial andadministrative authorities
toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera parte.InIP/N/6/CAN/1, Canada states thatsuchactions
arepossible inurgent situations inorder toallow forthefiling ofmaterial. Please describe theconditions
thatmust existforacourt toconsider asituation "urgent".
18. Articles 50.2and50.8require Members toauthorize judicial authorities andadministrative
bodies togrant provisional remedies when adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totheright
holder. InIP/N/6/CAN/1, Canada verifies thatsuchauthority exists. Please describe briefly what
factors areconsidered byauthorities toindetermining whether "irreparable harm" totherightholder
willoccur. Likewise, whatfactors areconsidered indetermining the"balance ofconvenience".
19. Articles50.2and50.8alsorequirethatMembersauthorizejudicialauthoritiesandadministrative
bodies togrant provisional remedies when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed".
Please describe briefly whatfactors areconsidered bythecompetent authorities indetermining when
there isa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed".
20. Articles 50.3and50.8authorize judicial andadministrative authorities torequire applicant
toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant istherightholder
andthatinfringement hasoccurred orisimminent. With respect toeachintellectual property right
defined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe theevidence rightholders mustpresent
toestablish ownership.
21. Articles 50.3and50.8require thatMembers authorize judicial andadministrative authorities
toorder thefiling ofasecurity orequivalent assurance toprotect thedefendant when provisional
measures arebeing requested. Please describe theauthority ofCanadian judges torequire thefiling
ofasecurity orother assurance when granting provisional relief.
22. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte.Please describe briefly theprocedures followed byeachauthority fornotifying
affected parties andindicate theperiod within which parties must benotified.
23. Article 50.4alsorequires thatthedefendant beafforded areview process todetermine whether
provisional measures should bemodified, confirmed, orrevoked. Describe briefly theprocedures
adefendantmustfollowtoinitiatereviewproceedingsandindicatetheperiodwithinwhichtheauthorities
must actontherequest.
24. Articles50.7and50.8providethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesmusthavetheauthority
toorder anapplicant toprovide thedefendant appropriate compensation foranyinjury caused bythe
adoption ofprovisional measures when saidmeasures arerevoked, havelapsed, orwhen ithasbeen
determined thatthere hasbeennoinfringement orthreat ofinfringement. Please identify thejudicial
andadministrative authorities, onanational andlocallevel, thatareauthorized toaward defendants
appropriate compensation forinjuries caused byprovisional measures anddescribe howthecompetent
authorities determine "appropriate compensation".
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
25. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport from Canada ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or
trademarks.IP/C/W/83
Page19
26. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthereisprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement inCanada.
27. Article 52alsorequires thattherightholder provide a"sufficiently detailed description ofthe
goods" tobestopped. Please explain whatisrequired oftherightholder inCanada foradescription
tobe"sufficiently detailed".
28. Article 53.2provides thattheowner, importer, orconsignee ofgoods involving industrial
designs, patents, layout-designs orundisclosed information thathave been suspended bycustoms
authorities should beable,incertain circumstances, tohavesuchgoods released onpayment ofsecurity
sufficient toprotect theright holder from infringement. Please identify what forms ofintellectual
property, ifany,aresubject toprovisions ofArticle 53.2andcitetotherelevant provisions oflaw
orregulations.
29. Article 54requires thattheimporter andtheapplicant benotified promptly ofthesuspension
orrelease ofgoods. Please describe themanner inwhich parties arenotified andthetimeperiod within
which notification must occur.
30. Article 55provides thatareview ofthesuspension measures istotakeplace within areasonable
timeattherequest ofthedefending party todetermine ifthesuspension measures should bemodified,
revoked orconfirmed pending theoutcome oftheproceeding onthemerits. Please identify theforum
thatisauthorized toconduct suchareview anddescribe theprocedure. Please citethelaworregulations
providing forthese procedures.
31. Article 56requires thattheauthorities beabletorequire theapplicant tocompensate the
defending party foranyinjury caused ifthedetention ofgoods wasunfounded. Please describe the
manner inwhich suchcompensation canbeordered bytheappropriate authorities andthefactors
considered indeciding ontheamount ofcompensation.
32. Article 57alsorequires that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding the
importer, consignee orconsignor. Ifcompetent authorities inCanada canprovide information regarding
theimporter, consignee orconsignor totherightholder, please explain howinformation regarding
names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods areprovided
totheapplicantafterapositivedecisionofinfringementismade,e.g.,authoritiesautomaticallyproviding
information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.,andcitetothelawor
regulations providing suchauthority.
33. Article 59identifies theremedies thataretobeavailable, including destruction ordisposal
ofinfringing goods outside thestream ofcommerce. Please explain whatthelawinCanada permits
regarding thedisposition ofinfringing goods, i.e.,doesthelawallow fordestruction, disposal orboth.
Please citetothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.
34. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofCanada.IP/C/W/83
Page20
Criminal Procedures
35. Article 61oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatMembers have criminal procedures and
penalties, including imprisonment and/or monetary finessufficient toactasadeterrent, atleastfor
cases ofwilful trademark counterfeiting andcopyright infringement onacommercial scale. In
IP/N/6/CAN/1, Canada describes thecriminal provisions ofitsintellectual property laws, including
those thatapply tocopyrights, butcriminal provisions inconnection withtrademark counterfeiting
arenotdiscussed. Please describe theprovisions inthelawofCanada thatprovide forcriminal action
inconnection withtrademark counterfeiting.
36. Article 61alsorequires thatremedies inappropriate cases include theseizure, forfeiture and
destruction ofinfringing goods andanymaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich has
beenthecommission oftheoffense. IP/N/6/CAN/1 contains information regarding criminal penalties
inconnectionwithcopyrightsbutdoesnotdiscusstrademarkcounterfeiting.Pleaseexplaintheprovisions
inthelawofCanada thatprovide criminal remedies fortrademark counterfeiting, describe the
circumstances inwhich those remedies would beimposed andprovide legalcitations.
37. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofCanada comply withthatobligation.IP/C/W/83
Page21
CZECH REPUBLIC
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. Please describe
thestructure ofthejudicial andadministrative4procedures intheCzech Republic inwhich parties can
enforcetheirintellectualpropertyrights,atlocal,provincialandnationallevels,indicatingthejurisdiction
ofeachtypeofcourt oradministrative bodyandexplaining theinterrelationships, ifany,ofthevarious
types ofcourts andadministrative bodies. Citethelawsorother authorities establishing thestructure,
including eachtypeofcourt andadministrative body.
2. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcementprocedureineachofthecourtsandadministrativebodiesidentifiedinresponsetoquestion1
andcitethelegalauthorities establishing those procedures.
3. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies identified inanswer toquestion 1thatisnotrequired ofanational
orresident oftheCzech Republic andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
4. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofjudicial andadministrative enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation
forinjury suffered because ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawofthe
CzechRepublictopreventabuseofjudicialandadministrativeproceduresortoremedydamagessuffered
asaresult ofsuchabuse andcitethelegalauthorities forthose means.
5. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please describe anyfeescharged byjudicial oradministrative officials forfiling legal
actionsinvolvingintellectualpropertyorforpursuingsuchactionsonceinitiated,citethelegalauthorities
forsuchfees,andprovide copies ofthedocuments usedtoinform thepublic ofsuchfees.
6. Article41.2alsoaddressesthetimelinessofjudicialandadministrativeenforcementproceedings.
Please citetothelegalauthorities establishing anytimelimits forjudicial andadministrative proceedings
and,ifithasnotalready beendone, provide copies ofthelawsorregulations inquestion.
7. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system intheCzech Republic thatensure
expeditious remedies. Inaddition, please explain whatprovisions areavailable toprevent deliberate
delays bytheparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbe
applied.
8. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,whether judges or
administrative officials mustrender theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegalauthorities requiring
suchwritten opinions.
9. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please state, withregard toeachtypeofcourt
4These questions apply tobothjudicial andadministrative enforcement ofintellectual property rights because ofArticle 49
oftheTRIPS Agreement.IP/C/W/83
Page22
andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,what factors maybeconsidered byajudge or
administrative official inrendering adecision andcitethelegalauthorities establishing thebasis on
which judges andadministrative officials mayreach decisions.
10. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegal
limitations, ifany,areplaced upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement
proceeding tohavebothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority,
andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
11. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed byeachtype
ofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
12. Article 42alsorequires thatparties tointellectual property enforcement proceedings mustbe
abletoberepresented bycounsel andmustnotbesubject tooverly burdensome requirements toappear
personally. Please describe anylimitations under theCzech Republic ’slawsontheability ofaparty
insuchaproceeding toberepresented byindependent legalcounsel andanyrequirements imposed
ontheparty toappear personally inaproceeding. Please citethelegal authorities providing such
limitations andimposing suchrequirements.
13. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawoftheCzech Republic onaparty’sability tosubstantiate
aclaim ortopresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
14. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
Please describe themeans provided under thelawoftheCzech Republic forparties toidentify and
haveprotected confidential information required tobepresented inorder toprove theirclaims and
citethelegalauthorities providing forsuchidentification andprotection.
15. Article 43.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beable
toorder aparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding toproduce relevant evidence in
thatparty’scontrol identified bytheopposing party when thelatter party haspresented reasonably
available evidence insupport ofitsclaims. Please describe howandinwhat circumstances judges
andadministrativeofficialsmayorderproductionofrelevantevidenceinintellectualpropertyenforcement
proceedings andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchorders.
16. Information ordered tobeproduced, referred toinquestion 15,must beprotected ifitis
confidential. Please describe themeans provided under thelawoftheCzech Republic forprotecting
suchinformation andcitethelegalauthority providing forsuchprotection, ifthose means differ from
those described inanswer toquestion 14.
17. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial oradministrative officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinal
determinations adverse tothatparty. Please describe whatsanctions maybeimposed onaparty that
refused toprovide ordered information andunder what circumstances those sanctions areimposed,
citing thelegalauthority forthose sanctions.IP/C/W/83
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18. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise
prevent infringing activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothe
channels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction. Please describe authority ofthejudges andadministrative
officials identified inquestion 1toorder parties tostopinfringements andtoprevent infringing goods
fromentering thechannels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction immediately afterclearance ofsuchgoods
through customs. Inaddition, please citethelegalauthorities authorizing suchactions.
19. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsoftheCzech Republic andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
20. Article 45.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoorder aninfringer to
paytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement. Please
describe theauthority ofthejudges andadministrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder aparty
found tobeinfringing topaytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused
bytheinfringement.Pleaseexplainthefactorsconsideredinestablishingtheamountofthecompensation
andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchcompensation orders.
21. Article 45.2requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder payment
ofaright holder 'sexpenses, including legal fees. Please describe theauthority ofthejudges and
administrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder payment ofright holders ’expenses, the
circumstances under which suchanorder willbegiven, thefactors considered inestablishing the
expenses, andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchpayments.
22. Article 46requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder, incertain
circumstances, other remedies, including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction
ofgoods anddestruction ofmaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich isthecreation
ofinfringing goods. Please describe theadditional remedies available under thelawsoftheCzech
Republic, thecircumstances inwhich suchauthority willbeexercised, thefactors considered in
determining thenature oftheremedies provided, andcitethelegal authorities providing forsuch
remedies.
23. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges andadministrative officials to
order infringers toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution
ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution. Please describe anyauthority judges
andadministrative officials haveunder thelawsoftheCzech Republic toorder infringers toidentify
forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution ofinfringing goods orservices
andtheirchannels ofdistribution anddescribe thecircumstances inwhich thisauthority would be
exercised. Please citethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
24. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw. Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.IP/C/W/83
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Provisional Measures
25. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorderpromptandeffectiveprovisionalremediestopreventaninfringementofanyintellectualproperty
right. Withrespect toeachintellectual property rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement,
please identify theprovisional measures available toprotect intellectual property rights. Please cite
therelevant legalauthority establishing those provisional remedies.
26. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorder prompt andeffective provisional remedies topreserve relevant evidence inregard toanalleged
infringement. Please identify theprovisional measures available topreserve relevant evidence inregard
toanalleged infringement andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
27. Articles 50.2and50.8require Members toauthorize judicial andadministrative authorities
toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera parte.With respect toeachintellectual property right
identified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe briefly thecircumstances inwhich
thejudicial andadministrative authorities areempowered toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera
parte andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
28. Articles 50.2and50.8require thatjudicial authorities andadministrative bodies beauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
Please describe briefly what isrequired bytheauthorities identified inanswers toquestions 25,26
and27toestablish "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
29. Articles50.2and50.8alsorequirethatjudicialauthoritiesandadministrativebodiesbeauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed". Please
describe briefly whatfactors areconsidered bythecompetent authorities indetermining when there
isa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed".
30. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtorequire
anapplicant toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant
istherightholder andthatinfringement hasoccurred orisimminent. Withrespect toeachintellectual
property rightdefined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe theevidence required
byrightholders toestablish ownership.
31. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtoprovide
asecurity orequivalent assurance toprotect thedefendant. With respect toeachintellectual property
rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please citethelegalauthority establishing a
security orequivalent assurance.
32. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte.Please describe briefly theprocedures followed byeachauthority abletoadopt
suchmeasures fornotifying affected parties andstatethetimewithin which suchnotice musttakeplace.
33. Article 50.4alsorequires thatdefendants beafforded areview process todetermine whether
provisional measures should bemodified, confirmed, orrevoked. Please describe briefly theprocedures
adefendant must follow toinitiate review proceedings ineachoftheauthorities abletoadopt such
measures andidentify theperiod within which suchproceedings must beinitiated.
34. Article 50.5requires thatcompetent authorities beauthorized torequire applicants tosupply
other information necessary fortheidentification ofgoods concerned bytheauthority thatwillexecuteIP/C/W/83
Page25
theprovisional measures. Please describe briefly what other information mayberequired bythe
authorities andcitethelegalauthority establishing thebasis forthissupplemental information.
35. Articles 50.6and50.8provide thatifproceedings leading toadecision onthemerits arenot
initiatedwithinareasonabletime,provisionalremediesgrantedbycompetentauthoritiesshallberevoked
orotherwise cease tohaveeffect, attherequest ofthedefendant. Please identify therelevant provisions
inthelawoftheCzech Republic authorizing therevocation orcessation ofprovisional measures if
review proceedings arenotinitiated within areasonable timeandspecify whatconstitutes a"reasonable
timeperiod" toinitiate proceedings.
36. Articles50.7and50.8providethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesshallhavetheauthority
toorder theapplicant toprovide thedefendant appropriate compensation foranyinjury caused bythe
adoption ofprovisional measures when saidmeasures arerevoked, havelapsed, orwhen ithasbeen
determined thatthere hasbeennoinfringement orthreat ofinfringement. Please describe howthe
competent authorities determine "appropriate compensation".
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
37. Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatcountries adopt procedures thatenable right
holderstorequestsuspensionoftheimportationofcounterfeittrademarkedgoodsandpiratedcopyrighted
works. Please identify thecompetent authority intheCzech Republic authorized toaccept applications
forarequest tosuspend release ofsuspected infringing goods andcitetherelevant laworregulation
governing suchauthority.
38. Please describe theprocedures arightholder mustfollow toobtain border protection bythe
competent authorities, e.g.,ifthere isaformal application thatmust besubmitted tothecompetent
authority, judicial oradministrative, andtheinformation required intherequest forsuspension and
citethelaworregulations providing suchprocedures.
39. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or trademarks.
40. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthereisprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement intheCzech Republic.
41. Article 52alsorequires thattherightholder provide a"sufficiently detailed description ofthe
goods" tobestopped. Please explain whatisrequired oftherightholder intheCzech Republic for
adescription tobe"sufficiently detailed".
42. Article 52requires thatthecompetent authorities notify therightholder thathisapplication
isaccepted within areasonable time. Please explain within whatperiod oftimethecompetent authority
responds toarequest forsuspension ofrelease ofgoods and,iftheapplication isaccepted, thelength
oftimeduring which enforcement action willbetaken.
43. Article53.1requiresthatthecompetentauthoritieshavetheauthoritytosecurefromanapplicant
asecurity orequivalent assurance sufficient toprotect adefendant andtoprevent abuse. Please verify
thatthecompetent authorities identified above areempowered torequire security orequivalent assurance
andprovide citations totheprovisions oflaworregulation thatgrant them thatauthority.IP/C/W/83
Page26
44. Article 53.2provides thattheowner, importer, orconsignee ofgoods involving industrial
designs, patents, layout-designs orundisclosed information thathave been suspended bycustoms
authorities should beable,incertain circumstances, tohavesuchgoods released onpayment ofsecurity
sufficient toprotect theright holder from infringement. Please identify what forms ofintellectual
property, ifany,aresubject toprovisions ofArticle 53.2andcitetotherelevant provisions oflaw
orregulations.
45. Article 54requires thattheimporter andtheapplicant benotified promptly ofthesuspension
orrelease ofgoods. Please specify theperiod within which thecompetent authority toissue anotice
thattherelease ofgoods hasbeensuspended.
46. Article 55makes itclearthattherightholder applying forsuspension ofinfringing goods must
initiate aproceeding onthemerits inanappropriate forum within areasonable period oftimeorthe
goods willbereleased. Please identify theforainwhich anapplicant/party mayinitiate proceedings
onthemerits thatwillallow customs authorities toholdthegoods beyond tenworking days.
47. Article 55provides thatareview istotakeplace within areasonable timeattherequest of
thedefending party todetermine ifthesuspension measures should bemodified, revoked orconfirmed
pending theoutcome oftheproceeding onthemerits. Please identify theforum thatisauthorized to
conduct suchareview anddescribe theprocedure andcitetheapplicable laworregulations.
48. Article 56requires thattheauthorities beabletorequire theapplicant tocompensate the
defending party foranyinjury caused ifthedetention ofgoods wasunfounded. Please identify the
authorities thatcanorder theapplicant topaytheimporter, consignee orowner compensation forinjury
caused bywrongful detention orthrough thedetention ofgoods released pursuant toArticle 55and
citetotheapplicable laworregulations.
49. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
50. Article 57alsorequires that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding the
importer,consigneeorconsignor.IfcompetentauthoritiesintheCzechRepubliccanprovideinformation
regarding theimporter, consignee orconsignor totheright holder, please explain howinformation
regarding names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods are
provided totheapplicant afterapositive decision ofinfringement ismade, e.g.,authorities automatically
providing information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.Please cite
tothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.
51. Article 58specifies procedures tobefollowed where thecompetent authorities canactexofficio.
Please explain whether thecompetent authorities intheCzech Republic areempowered toactexofficio
and,ifso,please identify theintellectual property areas subject toexofficio action.
52. Article 59identifies theremedies thataretobeavailable, including destruction ordisposal
ofinfringing goods outside thestream ofcommerce. Please explain whatthelawintheCzech Republic
permits regarding thedisposition ofinfringing goods, i.e.,doesthelawallow fordestruction, disposal
orboth. Please citetothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.IP/C/W/83
Page27
53. Please identify:
(a) thecompetent authority thatdecides thedisposition ofthegoods, i.e.,whether thegoods
willbedestroyed ordisposed ofoutside thestream ofcommerce; and
(b) thecompetent authority thatcarries outthedestruction ordisposal ofthegoods.
54. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawoftheCzech Republic.
Criminal Procedures
55. Article 61oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatMembers have criminal procedures and
penalties, including imprisonment and/or monetary finessufficient toactasadeterrent, atleastfor
cases ofwilful trademark counterfeiting andcopyright infringement onacommercial scale. Please
describe theprovisions inthelawoftheCzech Republic thatfulfill thatobligation andprovide legal
citations.
56. Article 61alsorequires thatremedies inappropriate cases include theseizure, forfeiture and
destruction ofinfringing goods andanymaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich has
beenthecommission oftheoffense. Please explain theprovisions inthelawoftheCzech Republic
thatprovide forsuchremedies, describe thecircumstances inwhich those remedies would beimposed
andprovide legalcitations.
57. Article 61alsoindicates thatMembers mayprovide forcriminal procedures andpenalties in
cases ofwilful infringement ofother forms ofintellectual property. Please describe anyprovisions
inthelawoftheCzech Republic thatprovide forsuchprocedures andremedies andprovide legal
citations.
58. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsoftheCzech Republic comply withthatobligation.IP/C/W/83
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EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND THEIR MEMBER STATES
Austria
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. InIP/N/6/AUT/1,
Austria hasstated thatcompetence inrespect ofdisputes involving intellectual property fallwithin the
competence ofthecommercial court inVienna, exclusive inthecaseofpatent rights, design protection,
semiconductor protection andprotection ofrights inutility models, and/or inthecommercial senates
oftherespective provincial courts. Please describe ingreater detail thejudicial bodies inAustria through
which parties canenforce theirintellectual property rights, andexplain theinterrelationships, ifany,
ofthevarious courts. Citethelawsorother authorities establishing eachtypeofcourt.
2. Withrespect tocopyrights, trademarks, protection ofplantvarieties, protection ofgeographical
indications, andundisclosed information, please indicate thecircumstances thatwould determine
jurisdiction among thecommercial courts andcommercial senates oftheprovincial courts andcite
thelegalauthority granting suchjurisdiction.
3. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcement procedure ineachofthecourts identified inresponse toquestion 1andcitethelegal
authorities establishing those procedures.
4. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies identified inanswer toquestion 1thatisnotrequired ofanational
orresident ofAustria andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
5. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofjudicial enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation forinjury suffered
because ofsuchabuse. InIP/N/6/AUT/1, Austria hasstated thattheparty losing anaction must
remunerate allopponents forallcostsincurred during thecourt proceeding. Please describe themeans
bywhich suchliability isestablished and,ifpossible, provide examples.
6. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. InIP/N/6/AUT/1, theGovernment ofAustria outlines theapproximate costsoflitigation
asbased upon thevalue indispute. Please describe howthevalue indispute isestablished if,atthe
endoftheday,itisuptothecourt toaward damages, particularly since, ifthelawyers ’feesare
established based upon thevalue indispute, thetendency might betoclaim ahighvalue indispute.
7. Article41.2alsoaddressesthetimelinessofjudicialandadministrativeenforcementproceedings.
InIP/N/6/AUT/1, states thatduration oflitigation before provincial courts andtheVienna Commercial
Court isbetween 6and18months. Isthisforalltypes ofcases orforintellectual property proceedings
inparticular?
8. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inAustria thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
9. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, withIP/C/W/83
Page29
regard toeachtypeofcourt identified inquestion 1,whether judges must render theirdecisions in
writing andcitethelegalauthorities requiring suchwritten opinions.
10. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please state, withregard toeachtypeofcourt
identified inquestion 1,whatfactors maybeconsidered byajudge inrendering adecision andcite
thelegalauthorities establishing thebasis onwhich judges mayreach decisions.
11. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegal
limitations, ifany,areplaced upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement
proceeding tohavebothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority,
andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
12. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed byeachtype
ofcourt identified inquestion 1fornotifying defending parties regarding proceedings thathavebeen
initiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding theproceeding andcitethelegal
authorities establishing these procedures.
13. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawofAustria onaparty’sability tosubstantiate aclaim
ortopresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
14. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
InIP/N/6/AUT/1, Austria states thatthere isnoprocedure forspecial marking orprotection of
confidential evidence butthatthecourt canexclude thepublic exofficio incertain instances andthat
intellectual property materials cannot beinspected bythirdparties unless bothparties totheproceeding
agree. Please describe themeans provided under thelawofAustria, inany,forparties torequest
thataccess belimited totestimony, evidence, orportions ofwritten opinions thatmight contain
confidential information.
15. Article 43.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beable
toorder aparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding toproduce relevant evidence in
thatparty’scontrol identified bytheopposing party when thelatter party haspresented reasonably
available evidence insupport ofitsclaims. InIP/N/6/AUT/1, Austria identifies certain circumstances
inwhich opponents mayrefuse topresent information. Please explain ingreater detail whatwould
havetoexisttoclaim eachcondition, giving examples where possible.
16. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial oradministrative officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinal
determinations adverse tothatparty. InIP/N/6/AUT/1, Austria states thatthejudge hasdiscretion
todetermine what, ifanything, willbedoneifaparty refuses toproduce required information. Please
provide examples ofsanctions imposed byjudges onparties thatrefused toprovide ordered information
andindicate under whatcircumstances those sanctions were imposed.
17. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise
prevent infringing activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothe
channels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction. InIP/N/6/AUT/1, Austria identifies injunctions asoneIP/C/W/83
Page30
oftheremedies thatcanbeordered byjudges ininfringement cases. Please describe ingreater detail
theauthority ofjudges ininfringement cases toorder parties tostopinfringements andtoprevent
infringinggoodsfromenteringthechannelsofcommerceintheirjurisdictionimmediatelyafterclearance
ofsuchgoods through customs. Inaddition, please citethelegalauthorities authorizing suchactions.
18. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofAustria andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
19. Article 45.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoorder aninfringer to
paytheright holder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement. In
IP/N/6/AUT/1, Austria states thatajudge canorder thepayment ofdamages, including therecovery
ofprofits andexpenses, including attorney ’sfees. Please explain thefactors considered inestablishing
theamount oftheprofits andexpenses, notincluding theattorney ’sfees, andcitethelegalauthorities
authorizing suchcompensation orders.
20. Article 45.2requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder payment
ofarightholder 'sexpenses, including legalfees. InIP/N/6/AUT/1, Austria states thatajudge can
order thepayment ofdamages, including therecovery ofprofits andexpenses, including attorney ’s
fees.Please explain howtheamount ofattorney ’sfeesauthorized isdetermined, andciteanylegal
authorities involved.
21. Article 46requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder, incertain
circumstances, other remedies, including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction
ofgoods anddestruction ofmaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich isthecreation
ofinfringing goods. InIP/N/6/AUT/1, Austria states thatajudge canorder destruction orotherdisposal
ofinfringing goods andmaterials/implements fortheirproduction. Please describe thecircumstances
inwhichsuchauthoritywillbeexercised,thefactorsconsideredindeterminingthenatureoftheremedies
provided, andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
22. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges andadministrative officials to
order infringers toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution
ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution. InIP/N/6/AUT/1, Austria states
thatthere isnotright tosuchinformation intheinstances identified. Please explain anyplans the
Government ofAustria might havetoamend itslawstoauthorize provision ofsuchinformation as
ameans todeter infringement ofintellectual property rights.
23. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw. Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.
Provisional Measures
24. Article 50.1provides thatjudicial andadministrative authorities shallhavetheauthority to
order prompt andeffective provisional remedies topreserve relevant evidence inregard toanalleged
infringement. InIP/N/6/AUT/1, Austria provides considerable detail regarding interim injunctions
intended topreserve therights ofthecomplaining party andtoensure thatresources willbeavailable
tosatisfy anyjudgment against thedefending party. Itisnotclearwhether thisauthority extends toIP/C/W/83
Page31
thepreservationofevidencerelevanttoprovinginfringement.Pleaseclarifywhetherthecourts’authority
toorder interim injunctions includes authority topreserve relevant evidence.
25. Article 50.2requires Members toauthorize judicial andadministrative authorities toadopt
provisional measures inaudita altera parte.InIP/N/6/AUT/1, Austria states thatadefendant need
notbegiven theopportunity ofcommenting ontherequested interim injunction prior toitsissuance.
Please describe thecircumstances inwhich ajudge would provide suchanopportunity andthose in
which thejudge would determine suchanopportunity wasnotappropriate.
26. Article 50.2requires Members toauthorize judicial authorities andadministrative bodies to
grant provisional remedies inaudita altera parte when adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm"
totheright holder. Please describe briefly what isrequired bythecourts inAustria toestablish
"irreparable harm" totherightholder.
27. Article 50.3requires Members toauthorize judicial andadministrative authorities torequire
applicants toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant is
therightholder andthatinfringement hasoccurred orisimminent.
(a) With respect toeachintellectual property right defined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS
Agreement,pleasedescribetheevidencerequiredofrightholderstoestablishownership.
(b) With respect toeachintellectual property rightdefined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS
Agreement, please describe theevidence required ofright holders toestablish that
infringement hasoccurred orisimminent.
28. Articles 50.3requires thatMembers authorize judicial authorities torequire theapplicant to
provide asecurity orequivalent assurance toprotect thedefendant. InIP/N/6/AUT/1, Austria states
thatapecuniary indemnification mayberequired oftherightholder before aninterim injunction is
issued "intheabsence ofsatisfactory evidence fortheclaim ofaninterim injunction". Thisimplies
thataninterim remedy canbeprovided evenwhere evidence doesnotsupport itsgrant. Please verify
ifthisunderstanding iscorrect and,ifnot,identify under what circumstances deposit ofasecurity
would berequired.
29. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte. InIP/N/6/AUT/1, Austria states that,ifnotheard before thegrant ofaninterim
injunctions, adefending partymayfileanobjection within 14daysofthegrantoftheinterim injunction.
Please describe howthedefending party isnotified ofthegrant oftheinterim injunction andindicate
thelegalauthority forsuchnotice.
30. Article 50.4alsorequires thatthedefendant beafforded areview process todetermine whether
provisional measures should bemodified, confirmed, orrevoked. InIP/N/6/AUT/1, Austria states
thatanopposition canbefiledbythedefendant within 14days. Please indicate under whatcircumstances
ajudge might modify orrevoke aninterim injunction.
31. Article 50.5requires Members toauthorize competent authorities torequire applicants tosupply
other information necessary fortheidentification ofgoods concerned bytheauthority thatwillexecute
theprovisional measures. Please describe briefly whatother information might berequired forthe
identification ofgoods. Please citethelegal authority establishing thebasis forthissupplemental
information.
32. Article 50.6provides thatifproceedings leading toadecision onthemerits arenotinitiated
within areasonable time, provisional remedies granted bycompetent authorities shallberevoked orIP/C/W/83
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otherwise cease tohaveeffect, attherequest ofthedefendant. Thestatement onpage7ofIP/N/6/AUT/1
regarding execution ofaninterim injunction isnotclear. Please clarify thisstatement.
33. Article 50.7requires Members toprovide thatjudicial authorities shallhavetheauthority to
order anapplicant toprovide thedefendant appropriate compensation foranyinjury caused bythe
adoption ofprovisional measures when saidmeasures arerevoked, havelapsed, orwhen ithasbeen
determined thatthere hasbeennoinfringement orthreat ofinfringement. Does thestatement onpage
4ofIP/N/6/AUT/1 thattheparty fullylosing anaction must remunerate allopponents forallcosts
incurred satisfy thisobligation oristhere some other provision ofAustrian lawthatisapplicable?
Please describe andciteanyother applicable provision.
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
34. Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatcountries adopt procedures thatenable right
holderstorequestsuspensionoftheimportationofcounterfeittrademarkedgoodsandpiratedcopyrighted
works. InIP/N/6/AUT/1, Austria explains itsimplementation ofcertain related E.C. directives and
states thatexcepted fromthissuspension for"imitated goods" or"unlawfully manufactured items of
duplication" aregoods between member states. Please indicate ifsome other provision isavailable
torightholders toprevent thetransfer ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works
being transported fromonemember oftheE.C.totheother, sincecompetence forintellectual property
protection generally remains withtheMember States.
35. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or trademarks.
36. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthereisprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement inAustria.
37. Article 52alsorequires thattherightholder provide a"sufficiently detailed description ofthe
goods" tobestopped andIP/N/6/AUT/1 refers to"asufficiently precise description ofthegoods".
Please explain whatisrequired oftherightholder inAustria foradescription tobe"sufficiently precise".
38. Article 52requires thatthecompetent authorities notify therightholder thathisapplication
isaccepted within areasonable time. Please explain within whatperiod oftimethecompetent authority
responds toarequest forsuspension ofrelease ofgoods and,iftheapplication isaccepted, thelength
oftimeduring which enforcement action willbetaken.
39. Article53.1requiresthatthecompetentauthoritieshavetheauthoritytosecurefromanapplicant
asecurity orequivalent assurance sufficient toprotect adefendant andtoprevent abuse. IP/N/6/AUT/1
refers tothetitleholder ’sfurnishing aguaranty tocover theliability vis-à-vis aperson affected by
themeasures. What istheamount oftheguaranty required andhowisitdetermined?
40. Article 53.2provides thattheowner, importer, orconsignee ofgoods involving industrial
designs, patents, layout-designs orundisclosed information thathave been suspended bycustoms
authorities should beable,incertain circumstances, tohavesuchgoods released onpayment ofsecurity
sufficient toprotect theright holder from infringement. Please identify what forms ofintellectual
property, ifany,aresubject toprovisions ofArticle 53.2andcitetotherelevant provisions oflaw
orregulations.IP/C/W/83
Page33
41. Article 54requires thattheimporter andtheapplicant benotified promptly ofthesuspension
orrelease ofgoods. Please identify theauthority/authorities responsible fornotifying theimporter
andapplicant andcitetothelaworregulations spelling outtheprocedure followed.
42. Please specify theperiod within which thecompetent authority must issue anotice thatthe
release ofgoods hasbeensuspended.
43. Article 55makes itclearthattherightholder applying forsuspension ofinfringing goods must
initiate aproceeding onthemerits inanappropriate forum within areasonable period oftimeorthe
goods willbereleased. Please verify thattheforainwhich anapplicant/party mayinitiate proceedings
onthemerits thatwillallow customs authorities toholdthegoods beyond tenworking daysarethe
Vienna Commercial Court orthecommercial senates oftherespective provincial courts or,ifnot,
identify thebody orbodies where suchproceedings must beinitiated.
44. Article 55provides thatareview istotakeplace within areasonable timeattherequest of
thedefending party todetermine ifthesuspension measures should bemodified, revoked orconfirmed
pending theoutcome oftheproceeding onthemerits. Would theauthority conducting suchareview
bethesame asthatinwhich therightholder initiated anaction orwould another review thematter?
Please citethelaworregulations providing forthese review procedures.
45. Article 56requires thattheauthorities beabletorequire theapplicant tocompensate the
defending party foranyinjury caused ifthedetention ofgoods wasunfounded. Would such
compensation beconsidered partoftheoverall costs forwhich remuneration isprovided asreferred
toonpage 4ofIP/N/6/AUT/1? Ifnot,please identify theauthority responsible forensuring
compensation ofthedefending party forinjury cause bytheunfounded detention ofgoods andcite
totheappropriate section oflaw.
46. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
47. Article 57alsorequires that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding the
importer, consignee orconsignor. Ifcompetent authorities inAustria canprovide information regarding
theimporter, consignee orconsignor totherightholder, please explain howinformation regarding
names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods areprovided
totheapplicantafterapositivedecisionofinfringementismade,e.g.,authoritiesautomaticallyproviding
information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.Please citetothelaw
orregulations providing suchauthority.
48. Article 58specifies procedures tobefollowed where thecompetent authorities canactexofficio.
IP/N/6/AUT/1 indicates thatthecompetent authorities inAustria arenotempowered toactexofficio
sofar.(Emphasis added.) Please describe anyconsideration being given toauthorize suchexofficio
action.
49. Article 59identifies theremedies thataretobeavailable, including destruction ordisposal
ofinfringing goods outside thestream ofcommerce. Ifdifferent from thatdescribed inconnection
withcivillitigation inIP/N/6/AUT/1, please explain whatthelawinAustria permits regarding the
disposition ofinfringing goods heldbycustoms authorities. Please citetothelaworregulations
providing suchauthority.IP/C/W/83
Page34
Criminal Procedures
50. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofAustria imply withthatobligation.
Belgium
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. In
IP/N/6/BEL/1/Rev.1, theGovernment ofBelgium gives adetailed explanation ofthejurisdiction of
Justices ofthePeace andthecourts offirstinstance, andmentions commercial courts. Since theJustices
ofthePeace havejurisdiction overmatters notexceeding avalue ofapproximately $2000, isitlikely
therewould bemany caseshandled bythem? Asapractical matter, where aremostintellectual property
cases heard, inthecourts offirstinstance orinthecommercial courts? Please provide statistics, if
possible, showing thenumber ofintellectual property cases handled byeach.
2. Does theCourt ofAppeals referred toinseveral sections ofIP/N/6/BEL/1/Rev.1 hearappeals
from boththecourts offirstinstance andthecommercial courts? Ifnot,howareanydifferences in
interpretation ofintellectual property lawsresolved?
3. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcement procedure ineachtypeofthecourt identified inresponse toquestion 1andcitethelegal
authorities establishing those procedures.
4. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies identified inanswer toquestion 1thatisnotrequired ofanational
orresident ofBelgium andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
5. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofjudicial andadministrative enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation
forinjury suffered because ofsuchabuse. InIP/N/6/BEL/1/Rev.1, Belgium states thatdamages can
beawarded aggrieved parties intheevent anaction isdeemed tobefrivolous andvexatious. Would
therequest forsuchdamages beconsidered during theoriginal proceeding orwould aseparate action
fordamages havetobebrought bythedefendant.
6. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please provide approximate amounts foreachofthefeesidentifies intheresponse to
question 8(a)inIP/N/6/BEL/1/Rev.1.
7. Article41.2alsoaddressesthetimelinessofjudicialandadministrativeenforcementproceedings.
Please citetoanylegalauthorities establishing timelimits forjudicial andadministrative proceedings
andbriefly describe thelimits imposed.
8. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inBelgium thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain whatprovisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
9. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, withIP/C/W/83
Page35
regard toeachtypeofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,whether judges or
administrative officials mustrender theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegalauthorities requiring
suchwritten opinions.
10. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please state, withregard toeachtypeofcourt
andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,what factors maybeconsidered byajudge or
administrative official inrendering adecision andcitethelegalauthorities establishing thebasis on
which judges andadministrative officials mayreach decisions.
11. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegal
limitations, ifany,areplaced upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement
proceeding tohavebothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority,
andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
12. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed byeachtype
ofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
13. Article 42alsorequires thatparties tointellectual property enforcement proceedings mustbe
abletoberepresented bycounsel andmustnotbesubject tooverly burdensome requirements toappear
personally. Please describe anylimitations under Belgium ’slawsontheability ofaparty insucha
proceeding toberepresented byindependent legalcounsel andanyrequirements imposed ontheparty
toappear personally inaproceeding. Please citethelegalauthorities providing suchlimitations and
imposing suchrequirements.
14. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawofBelgium onaparty’sability tosubstantiate aclaim
ortopresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
15. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
Inanswer toquestion 4contained inIP/N/6/BEL/1/Rev.1, theGovernment ofBelgium states thatthere
arenospecific provisions regarding protection ofconfidential information insuchproceedings and
thatjudges must, therefore, bearinmind therequirements ofArticle 42oftheTRIPS Agreement.
Please describe themeans bywhich judges andthepublic havebeenmade aware oftheenforcement
provisions oftheTRIPS Agreement sothattheformer canapply itwhere appropriate andthelatter
canrequest suchtreatment forsuchconfidential information.
16. Article 43.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beable
toorder aparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding toproduce relevant evidence in
thatparty’scontrol identified bytheopposing party when thelatter party haspresented reasonably
available evidence insupport ofitsclaims. Intheresponse toquestion 3contained in
IP/N/6/BEL/1/Rev.1, Belgium states thataparty refusing toprovide adocument pursuant toacourt
order maybesanctioned. Please describe thesanctions thatmaybeimposed andcitetotheprovision
oflawauthorizing them.IP/C/W/83
Page36
17. Information ordered tobeproduced, referred toinquestion 16,must beprotected ifitis
confidential. Please describe themeans provided under thelawofBelgium forprotecting such
information, ifdifferent fromthatprovided inanswer toquestion 4contained inIP/N/6/BEL/1/Rev.1
andcitethelegalauthority providing forsuchprotection.
18. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise
prevent infringing activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothe
channels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction. InIP/N/6/BEL/1/Rev.1, Belgium describes theprovisions
forsuspension orders inconnection withcopyrights, patents, layout designs, trademarks andindustrial
designs. Please verify thatthegeneral rulesdiscussed inthesame answer would apply inactions for
enforcement ofrights ingeographical indications andundisclosed information.
19. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofBelgium andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
20. Article 45.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoorder aninfringer to
paytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement. In
IP/N/6/BEL/1/Rev.1, theGovernment ofBelgium identifies theprovisions oflawthatauthorize judges
toorder aparty found tobeinfringing topaytheright holder damages suffered asaresult ofthe
infringement. Please explain thefactors considered bythecourts indetermining theamount ofthe
compensation.
21. Article 45.2requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder payment
ofarightholder 'sexpenses, including legalfees. InIP/N/6/BEL/1/Rev.1, theGovernment ofBelgium
states thatcontrary toArticle 45,thelawofBelgium doesnotinclude attorney ’sfeesinthecosts that
judges mayorder paidtorightholders. Please explain whatstepstheGovernment ofBelgium istaking
tobring itslawintoconformity withthisobligation.
22. Article 46requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder, incertain
circumstances, other remedies, including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction
ofgoods anddestruction ofmaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich isthecreation
ofinfringing goods. Thedescription oflawscontaining suchauthority inIP/N/6/BEL/1/Rev.1 indicates
thattheremedy isavailable where "badfaith" isshown. Please describe thefactors considered in
determining thewhether "badfaith" exists.
23. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges andadministrative officials to
order infringers toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution
ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution. Theresponses toquestions 3and5
inIP/N/6/BEL/1/Rev.1 appear toindicate thatitisonlyinconnection withtrademarks thatsuch
information willbemade available toarightholder toallow therightholder "toreconstitute thechain
ofproduction anddistribution ofcounterfeit objects". Please verify thatthisiscorrect andindicate
whether anythought isbeing givetoproviding similar authority atleastinconnection withpiratical
copyrighted works.
24. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw. InIP/N/6/BEL/1/Rev.1, Belgium states thattheStateisliable forthe
actions ofitsofficials. Please describe thecircumstances inwhich suchliability would befound to
apply.IP/C/W/83
Page37
Provisional Measures
25. Articles50.1and50.8providethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesshallhavetheauthority
toorder prompt andeffective provisional remedies topreserve relevant evidence inregard toanalleged
infringement. Thedescription oftheauthorities andtheprocedure inIP/N/6/BEL/1/Rev.1 isthorough
butitdoesnotindicate whether suchactions canbetaken topreserve evidence. Please explain under
what circumstances ajudge oradministrative authority canorder provisional measures topreserve
evidenceandindicatewhethertheprocedurefolloweddiffersfromthatdescribedinIP/N/6/BEL/1/Rev.1.
26. Articles 50.2and50.8require members toauthorize judicial authorities andadministrative
bodies togrant provisional remedies when adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totheright
holder. InIP/N/6/BEL/1/Rev.1, theadditional phrase "significant damages" isused. Please describe
briefly whatisrequired bytheauthorities toestablish "significant damages" totherightholder and
toestablish "irreparable harm".
27. Articles 50.2and50.8alsorequire Members toauthorize judicial authorities andadministrative
bodies togrant provisional remedies when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed."
Asnoted above itisnotclear whether provisional measures areavailable topreserve evidence. If
suchisthecase, please describe briefly whatfactors areconsidered bythecompetent authorities to
determine ifthere isa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed".
28. Articles 50.3and50.8require Members toauthorize judicial andadministrative authorities
torequire applicant toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant
istherightholder. Withrespect toeachintellectual property rightdefined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS
Agreement, please describe theevidence required byrightholders toestablish ownership.
29. Articles 50.3and50.8require Members toauthorize judicial andadministrative authorities
toprovide asecurity orequivalent assurance toprotect thedefendant. Please explain whether asecurity
orequivalent assurance isrequired when provisional measures arerequested and,ifso,under what
circumstances.
30. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte.Please describe briefly theprocedures followed byeachauthority abletoadopt
suchmeasures fornotifying affected parties andtheperiod within which suchnotification takes place.
31. Articles 50.6and50.8require thatMembers provide forrevocation ofprovisional measures
attherequest ofthedefendant ifproceedings leading toadecision onthemerits ofacasearenotinitiated
within areasonable time. IP/N/6/BEL/1/Rev.1 indicates thatprovisional measures canbeimposed
incomplete independence ofanytrialonthemerits. Please identify therelevant provisions inyour
country, withaccompanying citations, authorizing therevocation orcessation ofprovisional measures
ifreview proceedings arenotinitiated within areasonable timeandindicate what would constitute
areasonable time.
32. Articles 50.7and50.8require Members toauthorize judicial andadministrative authorities
toorder theapplicant toprovide thedefendant appropriate compensation foranyinjury caused bythe
adoption ofprovisional measures when saidmeasures arerevoked, havelapsed, orwhen ithasbeen
determined thatthere hasbeennoinfringement orthreat ofinfringement. Please indicate whether
theappropriate authorities canorder suchcompensation andindicate whatfactors would beconsidered
indetermining whatconstitutes "appropriate compensation" inaparticular case.IP/C/W/83
Page38
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
33. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthereisprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement inBelgium.
34. Article 52alsorequires thattherightholder provide a"sufficiently detailed description ofthe
goods" tobestopped. Please explain whatisrequired oftherightholder inBelgium foradescription
tobe"sufficiently detailed".
35. Article 52requires thatthecompetent authorities notify therightholder thathisapplication
isaccepted within areasonable time. Please explain within whatperiod oftimethecompetent authority
responds toarequest forsuspension ofrelease ofgoods and,iftheapplication isaccepted, thelength
oftimeduring which enforcement action willbetaken.
36. Please specify theperiod within which thecompetent authority toissueanotice thattherelease
ofgoods hasbeensuspended.
37. Article 55provides thatareview istotakeplace within areasonable timeattherequest of
thedefending party todetermine ifthesuspension measures should bemodified, revoked orconfirmed
pending theoutcome oftheproceeding onthemerits. Please identify theforum thatisauthorized to
conduct suchareview anddescribe theprocedure. Please citethelaworregulations providing for
these procedures.
38. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
39. Article 57alsorequires that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding the
importer,consigneeorconsignor.IfcompetentauthoritiesinBelgiumcanprovideinformationregarding
theimporter, consignee orconsignor totheright holder, please explain howinformation regarding
names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods areprovided
totheapplicantafterapositivedecisionofinfringementismade,e.g.,authoritiesautomaticallyproviding
information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.Please citetothelaw
orregulations providing suchauthority.
40. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofBelgium.
Criminal Procedures
41. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofBelgium comply withthatobligation.IP/C/W/83
Page39
Denmark
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. Please describe
thestructureofthejudicialproceduresinDenmarkinwhichpartiescanenforcetheirintellectualproperty
rights, atlocal, provincial andnational levels, indicate thejurisdiction ofeachtypeofcourt or
administrative body, andexplain theinterrelationships, ifany,ofthevarious types ofcourts.
2. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies identified inanswer toquestion 1thatisnotrequired ofanational
orresident ofDenmark andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
3. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofjudicial andadministrative enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation
forinjury suffered because ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawofDenmark
toprevent abuse ofjudicial andadministrative procedures ortoremedy damages suffered asaresult
ofsuchabuse andcitethelegalauthorities forthose means.
4. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inDenmark thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
5. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please describe anyfeescharged byjudicial oradministrative officials forfiling legal
actions involving intellectual property orforpursuing suchactions onceinitiated andcitethelegal
authorities forsuchfees.
6. Article41.2alsoaddressesthetimelinessofjudicialandadministrativeenforcementproceedings.
Please citetothelegalauthorities establishing anytimelimits forjudicial andadministrative proceedings
and,ifithasnotalready beendone, provide copies ofthelawsorregulations inquestion.
7. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,whether judges or
administrative officials mustrender theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegalauthorities requiring
suchwritten opinions.
8. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please state, withregard toeachtypeofcourt
andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,what factors maybeconsidered byajudge or
administrative official inrendering adecision andcitethelegalauthorities establishing thebasis on
which judges andadministrative officials mayreach decisions.
9. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegal
limitations, ifany,areplaced upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement
proceeding tohavebothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority,
andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchreviews.IP/C/W/83
Page40
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
10. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed byeachtype
ofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
11. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawofDenmark onaparty’sability tosubstantiate aclaim
ortopresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
12. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial oradministrative officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinal
determinations adverse tothatparty. InIP/N/6/DNK/1, Denmark states thatintheevent aparty fails
toprovide evidence thecourthasordered beproduced, thecourt cantakethefailure toproduce evidence
intoaccount inreaching aconclusion inthecase. Please describe what"taking intoaccount" might
indicate inconnection withthelitigation andunder whatcircumstances thecourt would takeaction.
13. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise
prevent infringing activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothe
channels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction. Response 5(a)inIP/N/6/DNK/1 discusses provisional
injunctions butdoesnotmention permanent injunctions. Please describe authority ofthejudges and
administrative officials toorder parties tostopinfringements andtoprevent infringing goods from
entering thechannels ofcommerce intheirjurisdictions onapermanent basis.
14. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofDenmark andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
15. Article 45.2requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder payment
ofarightholder 'sexpenses, including legalfees. Response 5(c)ofIP/N/6/DNK/1 states thelosing
party must paytothewinning party thecosts caused bytheproceeding. Please identify eachofthe
expenses, including attorney ’sfees,thatwould beincluded insuchcosts andexplain anylimitations
onthose expenses. What factors areconsidered indetermining whether anexpense was"necessary
fortheproceeding.
16. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges andadministrative officials to
order infringers toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution
ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution. InIP/N/6/DNK/1, Denmark states
thatacourt may, "onaconcrete basis," impose anobligation ontheinfringer tosupply information
onanythirdparties involved. Please describe ingreater detail theauthority ofjudges toorder infringers
toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution ofinfringing goods
orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution anddescribe thecircumstances inwhich thisauthority
would beexercised.
17. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw.Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.IP/C/W/83
Page41
Provisional Measures
18. Articles 50.1and50.8provide thatjudicial andadministrative authorities shallhave the
authority toorder prompt andeffective provisional remedies topreserve relevant evidence inregard
toanalleged infringement. Please identify theprovisional measures available topreserve relevant
evidence inregard toanalleged infringement andcitetherelevant legalauthority establishing those
provisional remedies.
19. Articles 50.2and50.8requires thatMembers authorize judicial andadministrative authorities
toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera parte.Response 11inIP/N/6/DNK/1 states thatcourts
canimpose provisional remedies inabsence ofthedefendant when thedefendant hasfailed toappear
orcansuspendaction,dependingonthecircumstances.Thisimpliesthatthecourtsdonothaveauthority
toactwithout having firstgiven notice tothedefendant andanopportunity forahearing, regardless
oftheurgency ofthecircumstances. Please explain indetail theauthority ofthecourts toprovide
temporary relief toarightholder when irreparable harm islikely toresult from inaction.
20. Articles 50.2and50.8require Members toauthorize judicial authorities andadministrative
bodies togrant provisional remedies when adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totheright
holder. IP/N/6/DNK/1 indicates thatsuchremedies canbeissued ifthedefendant failstoappear and
delay islikely tocause "irreparable damage" totherightholder. Please describe briefly whatisrequired
bytheauthorities toestablish that"irreparable damage" totherightholder willresult from delay.
21. Articles 50.2and50.8alsorequire Members toauthorize judicial authorities andadministrative
bodies togrant provisional remedies when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed".
IP/N/6/DNK/1 indicates thatsuchremedies canbeissued ifthedefendant failstoappear andthere
isalikelihood thatdelay creates a"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed". Please describe
briefly what factors areconsidered bythecompetent authorities indetermining when there isa
"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed".
22. Articles 50.3and50.8authorize judicial andadministrative authorities torequire applicant
toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant istherightholder
andthatinfringement hasoccurred orisimminent. With respect toeachintellectual property right
defined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe theevidence required byrightholders
toestablish ownership.
23. Articles 50.3and50.8require thatauthorities beauthorized toprovide asecurity orequivalent
assurance toprotect thedefendant. Please describe whatauthority courts havetorequire submission
ofasecurity orequivalent assurance toprotect thedefendant when provisional relief isprovided.
24. Article 50.5requires thatcompetent authorities beauthorized torequire applicants tosupply
other information fortheidentification ofgoods concerned bytheauthority thatwillexecute the
provisional measures. Please describe briefly whatotherinformation mayberequired bytheauthorities
andcitethelegalauthority establishing thebasis forthissupplemental information.
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
25. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
26. Article 57alsorequires that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding theIP/C/W/83
Page42
importer,consigneeorconsignor.IfcompetentauthoritiesinDenmarkcanprovideinformationregarding
theimporter, consignee orconsignor totherightholder, please explain howinformation regarding
names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods areprovided
totheapplicantafterapositivedecisionofinfringementismade,e.g.,authoritiesautomaticallyproviding
information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.Please citetothelaw
orregulations providing suchauthority.
27. Please identify:
(a) thecompetent authority thatdecides thedisposition ofthegoods, i.e.,whether thegoods
willbedestroyed ordisposed ofoutside thestream ofcommerce; and
(b) thecompetent authority thatcarries outthedestruction ordisposal ofthegoods.
28. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofDenmark.
Criminal Procedures
29. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofDenmark comply withthatobligation.
Finland
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. Please describe
thestructure ofthejudicial andadministrative5procedures inFinland inwhich parties canenforce their
intellectual property rights, atlocal, provincial andnational levels, indicating thejurisdiction ofeach
typeofcourt oradministrative bodyandexplaining theinterrelationships, ifany,ofthevarious types
ofcourtsandadministrativebodies.Citethelawsorotherauthoritiesestablishingthestructure,including
eachtypeofcourt andadministrative body.
2. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcementprocedureineachofthecourtsandadministrativebodiesidentifiedinresponsetoquestion1
andcitethelegalauthorities establishing those procedures.
3. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies identified inanswer toquestion 1thatisnotrequired ofanational
orresident ofFinland andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
4. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofjudicial andadministrative enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation
5These questions apply tobothjudicial andadministrative enforcement ofintellectual property rights because ofArticle 49
oftheTRIPS Agreement.IP/C/W/83
Page43
forinjury suffered because ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawofFinland
toprevent abuse ofjudicial andadministrative procedures ortoremedy damages suffered asaresult
ofsuchabuse andcitethelegalauthorities forthose means.
5. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please describe anyfeescharged byjudicial oradministrative officials forfiling legal
actionsinvolvingintellectualpropertyorforpursuingsuchactionsonceinitiated,citethelegalauthorities
forsuchfees,andprovide copies ofthedocuments usedtoinform thepublic ofsuchfees.
6. Article41.2alsoaddressesthetimelinessofjudicialandadministrativeenforcementproceedings.
Please citetothelegalauthorities establishing anytimelimits forjudicial andadministrative proceedings
and,ifithasnotalready beendone, provide copies ofthelawsorregulations inquestion.
7. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inFinland thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
8. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,whether judges or
administrative officials mustrender theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegalauthorities requiring
suchwritten opinions.
9. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please state, withregard toeachtypeofcourt
andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,what factors maybeconsidered byajudge or
administrative official inrendering adecision andcitethelegalauthorities establishing thebasis on
which judges andadministrative officials mayreach decisions.
10. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegal
limitations, ifany,areplaced upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement
proceeding tohavebothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority,
andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
11. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed byeachtype
ofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
12. Article 42alsorequires thatparties tointellectual property enforcement proceedings mustbe
abletoberepresented bycounsel andmustnotbesubject tooverly burdensome requirements toappear
personally. Please describe anylimitations under Finland ’slawsontheability ofaparty insucha
proceeding toberepresented byindependent legalcounsel andanyrequirements imposed ontheparty
toappear personally inaproceeding. Please citethelegalauthorities providing suchlimitations and
imposing suchrequirements.IP/C/W/83
Page44
13. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawofFinland onaparty’sability tosubstantiate aclaim
ortopresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
14. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
Please describe themeans provided under thelawofFinland forparties toidentify andhaveprotected
confidential information required tobepresented inorder toprove theirclaims andcitethelegal
authorities providing forsuchidentification andprotection.
15. Article 43.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beable
toorder aparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding toproduce relevant evidence in
thatparty’scontrol identified bytheopposing party when thelatter party haspresented reasonably
available evidence insupport ofitsclaims. Please describe howandinwhat circumstances judges
andadministrativeofficialsmayorderproductionofrelevantevidenceinintellectualpropertyenforcement
proceedings andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchorders.
16. Information ordered tobeproduced, referred toinquestion 15,must beprotected ifitis
confidential.PleasedescribethemeansprovidedunderthelawofFinlandforprotectingsuchinformation
andcitethelegalauthority providing forsuchprotection, ifthose means differ fromthose described
inanswer toquestion 14.
17. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial oradministrative officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinal
determinations adverse tothatparty. Please describe whatsanctions maybeimposed onaparty that
refused toprovide ordered information andunder what circumstances those sanctions areimposed,
citing thelegalauthority forthose sanctions.
18. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise
prevent infringing activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothe
channels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction. Please describe authority ofthejudges andadministrative
officials identified inquestion 1toorder parties tostopinfringements andtoprevent infringing goods
fromentering thechannels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction immediately afterclearance ofsuchgoods
through customs. Inaddition, please citethelegalauthorities authorizing suchactions.
19. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofFinland andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
20. Article 45.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoorder aninfringer to
paytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement. Please
describe theauthority ofthejudges andadministrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder aparty
found tobeinfringing topaytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused
bytheinfringement.Pleaseexplainthefactorsconsideredinestablishingtheamountofthecompensation
andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchcompensation orders.
21. Article 45.2requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder payment
ofaright holder 'sexpenses, including legal fees. Please describe theauthority ofthejudges and
administrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder payment ofright holders ’expenses, the
circumstances under which suchanorder willbegiven, thefactors considered inestablishing the
expenses, andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchpayments.IP/C/W/83
Page45
22. Article 46requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder, incertain
circumstances, otherremedies, including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction
ofgoods anddestruction ofmaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich isthecreation
ofinfringing goods. Please describe theadditional remedies available under thelawsofFinland, the
circumstances inwhich suchauthority willbeexercised, thefactors considered indetermining thenature
oftheremedies provided, andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
23. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges andadministrative officials to
order infringers toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution
ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution. Please describe anyauthority judges
andadministrative officials haveunder thelawsofFinland toorder infringers toidentify forrightholders
thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels
ofdistribution anddescribe thecircumstances inwhich thisauthority would beexercised. Please cite
thelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
24. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw. Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.
Provisional Measures
25. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorderpromptandeffectiveprovisionalremediestopreventaninfringementofanyintellectualproperty
right. Withrespect toeachintellectual property rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement,
please identify theprovisional measures available toprotect intellectual property rights. Please cite
therelevant legalauthority establishing those provisional remedies.
26. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorder prompt andeffective provisional remedies topreserve relevant evidence inregard toanalleged
infringement. Please identify theprovisional measures available topreserve relevant evidence inregard
toanalleged infringement andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
27. Articles 50.2and50.8require Members toauthorize judicial andadministrative authorities
toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera parte.With respect toeachintellectual property right
identified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe briefly thecircumstances inwhich
thejudicial andadministrative authorities areempowered toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera
parte andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
28. Articles 50.2and50.8require thatjudicial authorities andadministrative bodies beauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
Please describe briefly what isrequired bytheauthorities identified inanswers toquestions 25,26
and27toestablish "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
29. Articles50.2and50.8alsorequirethatjudicialauthoritiesandadministrativebodiesbeauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed". Please
describe briefly whatfactors areconsidered bythecompetent authorities indetermining when there
isa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed".
30. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtorequire
anapplicant toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicantIP/C/W/83
Page46
istherightholder andthatinfringement hasoccurred orisimminent. Withrespect toeachintellectual
property rightdefined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe theevidence required
byrightholders toestablish ownership.
31. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtoprovide
asecurity orequivalent assurance toprotect thedefendant. Withrespect toeachintellectual property
rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please citethelegalauthority establishing a
security orequivalent assurance.
32. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte.Please describe briefly theprocedures followed byeachauthority abletoadopt
suchmeasures fornotifying affected parties andstatethetimewithin which suchnotice musttakeplace.
33. Article 50.4alsorequires thatdefendants beafforded areview process todetermine whether
provisional measures should bemodified, confirmed, orrevoked. Please describe briefly theprocedures
adefendant must follow toinitiate review proceedings ineachoftheauthorities abletoadopt such
measures andidentify theperiod within which suchproceedings must beinitiated.
34. Article 50.5requires thatcompetent authorities beauthorized torequire applicants tosupply
other information necessary fortheidentification ofgoods concerned bytheauthority thatwillexecute
theprovisional measures. Please describe briefly what other information mayberequired bythe
authorities andcitethelegalauthority establishing thebasis forthissupplemental information.
35. Articles 50.6and50.8provide thatifproceedings leading toadecision onthemerits arenot
initiatedwithinareasonabletime,provisionalremediesgrantedbycompetentauthoritiesshallberevoked
orotherwise cease tohaveeffect, attherequest ofthedefendant. Please identify therelevant provisions
inthelawofFinland authorizing therevocation orcessation ofprovisional measures ifreview
proceedings arenotinitiated within areasonable timeandspecify whatconstitutes a"reasonable time
period" toinitiate proceedings.
36. Articles50.7and50.8providethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesshallhavetheauthority
toorder theapplicant toprovide thedefendant appropriate compensation foranyinjury caused bythe
adoption ofprovisional measures when saidmeasures arerevoked, havelapsed, orwhen ithasbeen
determined thatthere hasbeennoinfringement orthreat ofinfringement. Please describe howthe
competent authorities determine "appropriate compensation".
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
37. Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatcountries adopt procedures thatenable right
holderstorequestsuspensionoftheimportationofcounterfeittrademarkedgoodsandpiratedcopyrighted
works. Please identify thecompetent authority inFinland authorized toaccept applications forarequest
tosuspend release ofsuspected infringing goods andcitetherelevant laworregulation governing such
authority.
38. Please describe theprocedures arightholder mustfollow toobtain border protection bythe
competent authorities, e.g.,ifthere isaformal application thatmustbesubmitted tothecompetent
authority, judicial oradministrative, andtheinformation required intherequest forsuspension and
citethelaworregulations providing suchprocedures.
39. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or trademarks.IP/C/W/83
Page47
40. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthereisprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement inFinland.
41. Article 52alsorequires thattherightholder provide a"sufficiently detailed description ofthe
goods" tobestopped. Please explain whatisrequired oftherightholder inFinland foradescription
tobe"sufficiently detailed".
42. Article 52requires thatthecompetent authorities notify therightholder thathisapplication
isaccepted within areasonable time. Please explain within whatperiod oftimethecompetent authority
responds toarequest forsuspension ofrelease ofgoods and,iftheapplication isaccepted, thelength
oftimeduring which enforcement action willbetaken.
43. Article53.1requiresthatthecompetentauthoritieshavetheauthoritytosecurefromanapplicant
asecurity orequivalent assurance sufficient toprotect adefendant andtoprevent abuse. Please verify
thatthecompetent authorities identified above areempowered torequire security orequivalent assurance
andprovide citations totheprovisions oflaworregulation thatgrant them thatauthority.
44. Article 53.2provides thattheowner, importer, orconsignee ofgoods involving industrial
designs, patents, layout-designs orundisclosed information thathave been suspended bycustoms
authorities should beable,incertain circumstances, tohavesuchgoods released onpayment ofsecurity
sufficient toprotect theright holder from infringement. Please identify what forms ofintellectual
property, ifany,aresubject toprovisions ofArticle 53.2andcitetotherelevant provisions oflaw
orregulations.
45. Article 54requires thattheimporter andtheapplicant benotified promptly ofthesuspension
orrelease ofgoods. Please specify theperiod within which thecompetent authority toissue anotice
thattherelease ofgoods hasbeensuspended.
46. Article 55makes itclearthattherightholder applying forsuspension ofinfringing goods must
initiate aproceeding onthemerits inanappropriate forum within areasonable period oftimeorthe
goods willbereleased. Please identify theforainwhich anapplicant/party mayinitiate proceedings
onthemerits thatwillallow customs authorities toholdthegoods beyond tenworking days.
47. Article 55provides thatareview istotakeplace within areasonable timeattherequest of
thedefending party todetermine ifthesuspension measures should bemodified, revoked orconfirmed
pending theoutcome oftheproceeding onthemerits. Please identify theforum thatisauthorized to
conduct suchareview anddescribe theprocedure andcitetheapplicable laworregulations.
48. Article 56requires thattheauthorities beabletorequire theapplicant tocompensate the
defending party foranyinjury caused ifthedetention ofgoods wasunfounded. Please identify the
authorities thatcanorder theapplicant topaytheimporter, consignee orowner compensation forinjury
caused bywrongful detention orthrough thedetention ofgoods released pursuant toArticle 55and
citetotheapplicable laworregulations.
49. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
50. Article 57alsorequires that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding theIP/C/W/83
Page48
importer, consignee orconsignor. Ifcompetent authorities inFinland canprovide information regarding
theimporter, consignee orconsignor totherightholder, please explain howinformation regarding
names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods areprovided
totheapplicantafterapositivedecisionofinfringementismade,e.g.,authoritiesautomaticallyproviding
information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.Please citetothelaw
orregulations providing suchauthority.
51. Article 58specifies procedures tobefollowed where thecompetent authorities canactexofficio.
Please explain whether thecompetent authorities inFinland areempowered toactexofficio and,if
so,please identify theintellectual property areas subject toexofficio action.
52. Article 59identifies theremedies thataretobeavailable, including destruction ordisposal
ofinfringing goods outside thestream ofcommerce. Please explain whatthelawinFinland permits
regarding thedisposition ofinfringing goods, i.e.,doesthelawallow fordestruction, disposal orboth.
Please citetothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.
53. Please identify:
(a) thecompetent authority thatdecides thedisposition ofthegoods, i.e.,whether thegoods
willbedestroyed ordisposed ofoutside thestream ofcommerce; and
(b) thecompetent authority thatcarries outthedestruction ordisposal ofthegoods.
54. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofFinland.
Criminal Procedures
55. Article 61oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatMembers have criminal procedures and
penalties, including imprisonment and/or monetary fines sufficient toactasadeterrent, atleastfor
cases ofwilful trademark counterfeiting andcopyright infringement onacommercial scale. Please
describe theprovisions inthelawofFinland thatfulfill thatobligation andprovide legalcitations.
56. Article 61alsorequires thatremedies inappropriate cases include theseizure, forfeiture and
destruction ofinfringing goods andanymaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich has
beenthecommission oftheoffense. Please explain theprovisions inthelawofFinland thatprovide
forsuchremedies, describe thecircumstances inwhich those remedies would beimposed andprovide
legalcitations.
57. Article 61alsoindicates thatMembers mayprovide forcriminal procedures andpenalties in
cases ofwilful infringement ofother forms ofintellectual property. Please describe anyprovisions
inthelawofFinland thatprovide forsuchprocedures andremedies andprovide legalcitations.
58. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofFinland comply withthatobligation.IP/C/W/83
Page49
France
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. Please describe
thestructure ofthejudicial andadministrative6procedures inFrance inwhich parties canenforce their
intellectual property rights, atlocal, provincial andnational levels, indicating thejurisdiction ofeach
typeofcourt oradministrative bodyandexplaining theinterrelationships, ifany,ofthevarious types
ofcourtsandadministrativebodies.Citethelawsorotherauthoritiesestablishingthestructure,including
eachtypeofcourt andadministrative body.
2. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcementprocedureineachofthecourtsandadministrativebodiesidentifiedinresponsetoquestion1
andcitethelegalauthorities establishing those procedures.
3. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies identified inanswer toquestion 1thatisnotrequired ofanational
orresident ofFrance andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
4. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofjudicial andadministrative enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation
forinjury suffered because ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawofFrance
toprevent abuse ofjudicial andadministrative procedures ortoremedy damages suffered asaresult
ofsuchabuse andcitethelegalauthorities forthose means.
5. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please describe anyfeescharged byjudicial oradministrative officials forfiling legal
actionsinvolvingintellectualpropertyorforpursuingsuchactionsonceinitiated,citethelegalauthorities
forsuchfees,andprovide copies ofthedocuments usedtoinform thepublic ofsuchfees.
6. Article41.2alsoaddressesthetimelinessofjudicialandadministrativeenforcementproceedings.
Please citetothelegalauthorities establishing anytimelimits forjudicial andadministrative proceedings
and,ifithasnotalready beendone, provide copies ofthelawsorregulations inquestion.
7. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inFrance thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain whatprovisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
8. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,whether judges or
administrative officials mustrender theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegalauthorities requiring
suchwritten opinions.
9. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please state, withregard toeachtypeofcourt
andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,what factors maybeconsidered byajudge or
6These questions apply tobothjudicial andadministrative enforcement ofintellectual property rights because ofArticle 49
oftheTRIPS Agreement.IP/C/W/83
Page50
administrative official inrendering adecision andcitethelegalauthorities establishing thebasis on
which judges andadministrative officials mayreach decisions.
10. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegal
limitations, ifany,areplaced upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement
proceeding tohavebothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority,
andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
11. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed byeachtype
ofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
12. Article 42alsorequires thatparties tointellectual property enforcement proceedings mustbe
abletoberepresented bycounsel andmustnotbesubject tooverly burdensome requirements toappear
personally. Please describe anylimitations under France ’slawsontheability ofaparty insucha
proceeding toberepresented byindependent legalcounsel andanyrequirements imposed ontheparty
toappear personally inaproceeding. Please citethelegalauthorities providing suchlimitations and
imposing suchrequirements.
13. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawofFrance onaparty’sability tosubstantiate aclaim or
topresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
14. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
Please describe themeans provided under thelawofFrance forparties toidentify andhaveprotected
confidential information required tobepresented inorder toprove theirclaims andcitethelegal
authorities providing forsuchidentification andprotection.
15. Article 43.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beable
toorder aparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding toproduce relevant evidence in
thatparty’scontrol identified bytheopposing party when thelatter party haspresented reasonably
available evidence insupport ofitsclaims. Please describe howandinwhat circumstances judges
andadministrativeofficialsmayorderproductionofrelevantevidenceinintellectualpropertyenforcement
proceedings andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchorders.
16. Information ordered tobeproduced, referred toinquestion 15,must beprotected ifitis
confidential. Please describe themeans provided under thelawofFrance forprotecting suchinformation
andcitethelegalauthority providing forsuchprotection, ifthose means differ fromthose described
inanswer toquestion 14.
17. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial oradministrative officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinal
determinations adverse tothatparty. Please describe whatsanctions maybeimposed onaparty that
refused toprovide ordered information andunder what circumstances those sanctions areimposed,
citing thelegalauthority forthose sanctions.IP/C/W/83
Page51
18. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise
prevent infringing activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothe
channels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction. Please describe authority ofthejudges andadministrative
officials identified inquestion 1toorder parties tostopinfringements andtoprevent infringing goods
fromentering thechannels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction immediately afterclearance ofsuchgoods
through customs. Inaddition, please citethelegalauthorities authorizing suchactions.
19. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofFrance andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
20. Article 45.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoorder aninfringer to
paytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement. Please
describe theauthority ofthejudges andadministrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder aparty
found tobeinfringing topaytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused
bytheinfringement.Pleaseexplainthefactorsconsideredinestablishingtheamountofthecompensation
andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchcompensation orders.
21. Article 45.2requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder payment
ofaright holder 'sexpenses, including legal fees. Please describe theauthority ofthejudges and
administrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder payment ofright holders ’expenses, the
circumstances under which suchanorder willbegiven, thefactors considered inestablishing the
expenses, andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchpayments.
22. Article 46requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder, incertain
circumstances, other remedies, including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction
ofgoods anddestruction ofmaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich isthecreation
ofinfringing goods. Please describe theadditional remedies available under thelawsofFrance, the
circumstances inwhich suchauthority willbeexercised, thefactors considered indetermining thenature
oftheremedies provided, andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
23. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges andadministrative officials to
order infringers toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution
ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution. Please describe anyauthority judges
andadministrative officials haveunder thelawsofFrance toorder infringers toidentify forrightholders
thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels
ofdistribution anddescribe thecircumstances inwhich thisauthority would beexercised. Please cite
thelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
24. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw.Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.
Provisional Measures
25. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorderpromptandeffectiveprovisionalremediestopreventaninfringementofanyintellectualproperty
right. Withrespect toeachintellectual property rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement,IP/C/W/83
Page52
please identify theprovisional measures available toprotect intellectual property rights. Please cite
therelevant legalauthority establishing those provisional remedies.
26. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorder prompt andeffective provisional remedies topreserve relevant evidence inregard toanalleged
infringement. Please identify theprovisional measures available topreserve relevant evidence inregard
toanalleged infringement andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
27. Articles 50.2and50.8require Members toauthorize judicial andadministrative authorities
toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera parte.With respect toeachintellectual property right
identified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe briefly thecircumstances inwhich
thejudicial andadministrative authorities areempowered toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera
parte andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
28. Articles 50.2and50.8require thatjudicial authorities andadministrative bodies beauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
Please describe briefly what isrequired bytheauthorities identified inanswers toquestions 25,26
and27toestablish "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
29. Articles50.2and50.8alsorequirethatjudicialauthoritiesandadministrativebodiesbeauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed". Please
describe briefly whatfactors areconsidered bythecompetent authorities indetermining when there
isa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed".
30. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtorequire
anapplicant toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant
istherightholder andthatinfringement hasoccurred orisimminent. Withrespect toeachintellectual
property rightdefined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe theevidence required
byrightholders toestablish ownership.
31. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtoprovide
asecurity orequivalent assurance toprotect thedefendant. With respect toeachintellectual property
rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please citethelegalauthority establishing a
security orequivalent assurance.
32. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte.Please describe briefly theprocedures followed byeachauthority abletoadopt
suchmeasures fornotifying affected parties andstatethetimewithin which suchnotice musttakeplace.
33. Article 50.4alsorequires thatdefendants beafforded areview process todetermine whether
provisional measures should bemodified, confirmed, orrevoked. Please describe briefly theprocedures
adefendant must follow toinitiate review proceedings ineachoftheauthorities abletoadopt such
measures andidentify theperiod within which suchproceedings must beinitiated.
34. Article 50.5requires thatcompetent authorities beauthorized torequire applicants tosupply
other information necessary fortheidentification ofgoods concerned bytheauthority thatwillexecute
theprovisional measures. Please describe briefly what other information mayberequired bythe
authorities andcitethelegalauthority establishing thebasis forthissupplemental information.
35. Articles 50.6and50.8provide thatifproceedings leading toadecision onthemerits arenot
initiatedwithinareasonabletime,provisionalremediesgrantedbycompetentauthoritiesshallberevoked
orotherwise cease tohaveeffect, attherequest ofthedefendant. Please identify therelevant provisionsIP/C/W/83
Page53
inthelawofFranceauthorizingtherevocationorcessationofprovisionalmeasuresifreviewproceedings
arenotinitiated within areasonable timeandspecify whatconstitutes a"reasonable timeperiod" to
initiate proceedings.
36. Articles50.7and50.8providethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesshallhavetheauthority
toorder theapplicant toprovide thedefendant appropriate compensation foranyinjury caused bythe
adoption ofprovisional measures when saidmeasures arerevoked, havelapsed, orwhen ithasbeen
determined thatthere hasbeennoinfringement orthreat ofinfringement. Please describe howthe
competent authorities determine "appropriate compensation".
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
37. Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatcountries adopt procedures thatenable right
holderstorequestsuspensionoftheimportationofcounterfeittrademarkedgoodsandpiratedcopyrighted
works. Please identify thecompetent authority inFrance authorized toaccept applications forarequest
tosuspend release ofsuspected infringing goods andcitetherelevant laworregulation governing such
authority.
38. Please describe theprocedures arightholder mustfollow toobtain border protection bythe
competent authorities, e.g.,ifthere isaformal application thatmust besubmitted tothecompetent
authority, judicial oradministrative, andtheinformation required intherequest forsuspension and
citethelaworregulations providing suchprocedures.
39. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or trademarks.
40. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthere isprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement inFrance.
41. Article 52alsorequires thattherightholder provide a"sufficiently detailed description ofthe
goods" tobestopped. Please explain whatisrequired oftherightholder inFrance foradescription
tobe"sufficiently detailed".
42. Article 52requires thatthecompetent authorities notify therightholder thathisapplication
isaccepted within areasonable time. Please explain within whatperiod oftimethecompetent authority
responds toarequest forsuspension ofrelease ofgoods and,iftheapplication isaccepted, thelength
oftimeduring which enforcement action willbetaken.
43. Article53.1requiresthatthecompetentauthoritieshavetheauthoritytosecurefromanapplicant
asecurity orequivalent assurance sufficient toprotect adefendant andtoprevent abuse. Please verify
thatthecompetent authorities identified above areempowered torequire security orequivalent assurance
andprovide citations totheprovisions oflaworregulation thatgrant them thatauthority.
44. Article 53.2provides thattheowner, importer, orconsignee ofgoods involving industrial
designs, patents, layout-designs orundisclosed information thathave been suspended bycustoms
authorities should beable,incertain circumstances, tohavesuchgoods released onpayment ofsecurity
sufficient toprotect theright holder from infringement. Please identify what forms ofintellectual
property, ifany,aresubject toprovisions ofArticle 53.2andcitetotherelevant provisions oflaw
orregulations.IP/C/W/83
Page54
45. Article 54requires thattheimporter andtheapplicant benotified promptly ofthesuspension
orrelease ofgoods. Please specify theperiod within which thecompetent authority toissue anotice
thattherelease ofgoods hasbeensuspended.
46. Article 55makes itclearthattherightholder applying forsuspension ofinfringing goods must
initiate aproceeding onthemerits inanappropriate forum within areasonable period oftimeorthe
goods willbereleased. Please identify theforainwhich anapplicant/party mayinitiate proceedings
onthemerits thatwillallow customs authorities toholdthegoods beyond tenworking days.
47. Article 55provides thatareview istotakeplace within areasonable timeattherequest of
thedefending party todetermine ifthesuspension measures should bemodified, revoked orconfirmed
pending theoutcome oftheproceeding onthemerits. Please identify theforum thatisauthorized to
conduct suchareview anddescribe theprocedure andcitetheapplicable laworregulations.
48. Article 56requires thattheauthorities beabletorequire theapplicant tocompensate the
defending party foranyinjury caused ifthedetention ofgoods wasunfounded. Please identify the
authorities thatcanorder theapplicant topaytheimporter, consignee orowner compensation forinjury
caused bywrongful detention orthrough thedetention ofgoods released pursuant toArticle 55and
citetotheapplicable laworregulations.
49. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
50. Article 57alsorequires that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding the
importer, consignee orconsignor. Ifcompetent authorities inFrance canprovide information regarding
theimporter, consignee orconsignor totherightholder, please explain howinformation regarding
names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods areprovided
totheapplicantafterapositivedecisionofinfringementismade,e.g.,authoritiesautomaticallyproviding
information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.Please citetothelaw
orregulations providing suchauthority.
51. Article 58specifies procedures tobefollowed where thecompetent authorities canactexofficio.
Please explain whether thecompetent authorities inFrance areempowered toactexofficio and,if
so,please identify theintellectual property areas subject toexofficio action.
52. Article 59identifies theremedies thataretobeavailable, including destruction ordisposal
ofinfringing goods outside thestream ofcommerce. Please explain whatthelawinFrance permits
regarding thedisposition ofinfringing goods, i.e.,doesthelawallow fordestruction, disposal orboth.
Please citetothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.
53. Please identify:
(a) thecompetent authority thatdecides thedisposition ofthegoods, i.e.,whether thegoods
willbedestroyed ordisposed ofoutside thestream ofcommerce; and
(b) thecompetent authority thatcarries outthedestruction ordisposal ofthegoods.
54. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.IP/C/W/83
Page55
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofFrance.
Criminal Procedures
55. Article 61oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatMembers have criminal procedures and
penalties, including imprisonment and/or monetary finessufficient toactasadeterrent, atleastfor
cases ofwilful trademark counterfeiting andcopyright infringement onacommercial scale. Please
describe theprovisions inthelawofFrance thatfulfill thatobligation andprovide legalcitations.
56. Article 61alsorequires thatremedies inappropriate cases include theseizure, forfeiture and
destruction ofinfringing goods andanymaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich has
beenthecommission oftheoffense. Please explain theprovisions inthelawofFrance thatprovide
forsuchremedies, describe thecircumstances inwhich those remedies would beimposed andprovide
legalcitations.
57. Article 61alsoindicates thatMembers mayprovide forcriminal procedures andpenalties in
cases ofwilful infringement ofother forms ofintellectual property. Please describe anyprovisions
inthelawofFrance thatprovide forsuchprocedures andremedies andprovide legalcitations.
58. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofFrance comply withthatobligation.
Germany
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. InIP/N/6/DEU/1,
Germanydescribesidentifiesthecourtsthathavejurisdictionoverdisputesinvolvingintellectualproperty
rights. Noreference ismade, however, totheprotection ofundisclosed information. Please describe
thejudicial andadministrative7bodies inGermany withjurisdiction overenforcement actions involving
undisclosed information. Inaddition, please explain theinterrelationships ofthevarious types ofcourts
andadministrative bodies.
2. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts thatisnotrequired ofanational orresident ofGermany andcitethelegalauthorities providing
forthose differences.
3. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofjudicial, including provision foradequate compensation forinjury suffered because ofsuchabuse.
Theresponse toquestion 7inIP/N/6/DEU/1 provides forcompensation intheevent ofanincorrect
judgement orother executory titleofwhich theother party isaware. Please describe anyother means
available under thelawofGermany toprevent abuse ofjudicial andadministrative procedures and
citethelegalauthorities forthose means.
7These questions apply tobothjudicial andadministrative enforcement ofintellectual property rights because ofArticle 49
oftheTRIPS Agreement.IP/C/W/83
Page56
4. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inGermany thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
5. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial enforcement proceedings.
IP/N/6/DEU/1 describes theconclusions resulting fromastudy bytheMaxPlanck Institute forForeign
andInternational Private Law, which isveryinformative. Please identify thefeescharged byjudicial
oradministrative officials forfiling legalactions involving intellectual property orforpursuing such
actions onceinitiated andcitethelegalauthorities forsuchfees.
6. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt, whether judges mustrender theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegal
authorities requiring suchwritten opinions.
7. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please state, withregard toeachtypeofcourt,
whatfactors maybeconsidered byajudge oradministrative official inrendering adecision andcite
thelegal authorities establishing thebasis onwhich judges andadministrative officials mayreach
decisions.
8. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe anylegal
limitations placed upontheability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding tohave
bothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority, andcitethelegal
authorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
9. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed byeachtype
ofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
10. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawofGermany onaparty’sability tosubstantiate aclaim
ortopresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
11. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
IP/N/6/DEU/1 describes themeans ofprotection forinformation anddocuments during thecourse
ofatrial,butdoesnotindicatehowdocumentaryorphysicalevidenceisprotectedwhileinthepossession
ofthecourt. Please describe themeans provided under thelawofGermany forparties toidentify
andhavesuchevidence protected andciteanyrelated legalauthorities.
12. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise
prevent infringing activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothe
channels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction. IP/N/6/DEU/1 describes theinjunctive authority ofthe
courts inconnection withallforms ofintellectual property addressed inPartIIoftheTRIPS Agreement
except forundisclosed information. Please describe thecourts ’authority toorder parties tostopIP/C/W/83
Page57
violations ofrights inundisclosed information andtoprevent goods resulting fromsuchviolations from
entering thechannels ofcommerce. Inaddition, please citethelegalauthorities authorizing suchactions.
13. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofGermany andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
14. Article 45.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoorder aninfringer to
paytheright holder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement.
IP/N/6/DEU/1 describes theauthority ofthecourts toaward damages inconnection withallforms
ofintellectual property addressed inPartIIoftheTRIPS Agreement except forundisclosed information.
Please describe thecourts ’authority toorder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused
byviolations ofrights inundisclosed information. Please explain thefactors considered inestablishing
theamount ofthecompensation andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchcompensation orders.
15. Article 46requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder, incertain
circumstances, other remedies, including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction
ofgoods anddestruction ofmaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich isthecreation
ofinfringing goods. IP/N/6/DEU/1 describes theauthority ofthecourts toorder suchremedies in
connection withallforms ofintellectual property addressed inPartIIoftheTRIPS Agreement except
forundisclosedinformation.PleasedescribetheadditionalremediesavailableunderthelawsofGermany
intheevent ofviolations ofrights intrade secrets, thecircumstances inwhich suchauthority willbe
exercised, thefactors considered indetermining thenature oftheremedies provided, andcitethelegal
authorities providing forsuchremedies.
16. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges andadministrative officials to
order infringers toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution
ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution. IP/N/6/DEU/1 describes theauthority
ofthecourts toorder thatsuchinformation bedisclosed inconnection withutility models, plant
varieties, trademarks, designs andcopyrights. Please describe anyauthority judges have toorder
infringers ofpatents andorrights inundisclosed toidentify forright holders thirdparties involved
intheproduction anddistribution ofgoods orservices inviolation ofsuchrights andtheirchannels
ofdistribution anddescribe thecircumstances inwhich thisauthority would beexercised. Please cite
thelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
17. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw.Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.
Provisional Measures
18. Article 50.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority toorder
prompt andeffective provisional remedies toprevent aninfringement ofanyintellectual property right.
IP/N/6/DEU/1 describes theauthority ofthecourts toorder suchprovisional remedies inconnection
withallformsofintellectualpropertyaddressedinPartIIoftheTRIPSAgreementexceptforundisclosed
information. Please verify thatsuchprotection isavailable toaddress violations ofrights insuch
information anddescribe thecircumstances inwhich suchorders would begranted.IP/C/W/83
Page58
19. Article 50.2requires thatjudicial authorities havetheauthority togrant provisional remedies
when adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totherightholder. Please describe briefly what
isrequired bytheauthorities toestablish "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
20. Article 50.2alsorequires thatjudicial authorities beauthorized togrant provisional remedies
when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed". Please describe briefly whatfactors
areconsideredbythecompetentauthoritiesindeterminingwhenthereisa"demonstrableriskofevidence
being destroyed".
21. Article 50.3requires thatjudicial authorities beauthorized torequire applicant toprovide
evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant istherightholder andthat
infringement hasoccurred orisimminent. With respect toeachintellectual property right defined
inArticle1.2oftheTRIPSAgreement,pleasedescribetheevidencerequiredbyrightholderstoestablish
ownership.
22. Article 50.3requires thatjudicial authorities beauthorized toprovide asecurity orequivalent
assurance toprotect thedefendant. Please citethelegalauthority establishing asecurity orequivalent
assurance.
23. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte.Please describe briefly theprocedures followed byeachauthority abletoadopt
suchmeasures fornotifying affected parties andspecify thetimewithin suchnotice must occur.
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
24. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthereisprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement inGermany.
25. Article 58specifies procedures tobefollowed where thecompetent authorities canactexofficio.
IP/N/6/DEU/1 states thatexofficio action ispossible incertain circumstances. Please explain in
connection with what intellectual property rights exofficio action ispossible anddescribe the
circumstances inwhich itwould beavailable.
26. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofGermany.
Criminal Procedures
27. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofGermany comply withthatobligation.IP/C/W/83
Page59
Greece
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. IP/N/6/GRC/1
provides appears toaddress primarily copyright law. Please describe thestructure ofthejudicial and
administrative8procedures inGreece inwhich parties canenforce other forms ofintellectual property
rights included inPartIIoftheTRIPS Agreement, atlocal, provincial andnational levels, indicating
thejurisdiction ofeachtypeofcourt oradministrative body andexplaining theinterrelationships, if
any,ofthevarious types ofcourts andadministrative bodies. Citethelawsorother authorities
establishing thestructure, including eachtypeofcourt andadministrative body.
2. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcementprocedureineachofthecourtsandadministrativebodiesidentifiedinresponsetoquestion1
andcitethelegalauthorities establishing those procedures.
3. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies identified inanswer toquestion 1thatisnotrequired ofanational
orresident ofGreece andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
4. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofjudicial andadministrative enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation
forinjury suffered because ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawofGreece
toprevent abuse ofjudicial andadministrative procedures ortoremedy damages suffered asaresult
ofsuchabuse andcitethelegalauthorities forthose means.
5. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please describe anyfeescharged byjudicial oradministrative officials forfiling legal
actionsinvolvingintellectualpropertyorforpursuingsuchactionsonceinitiated,citethelegalauthorities
forsuchfees,andprovide copies ofthedocuments usedtoinform thepublic ofsuchfees.
6. Article41.2alsoaddressesthetimelinessofjudicialandadministrativeenforcementproceedings.
Please citetothelegalauthorities establishing anytimelimits forjudicial andadministrative proceedings
and,ifithasnotalready beendone, provide copies ofthelawsorregulations inquestion.
7. There havebeenreports ofunwarranted delays incivilandcriminal actions fortheenforcement
ofintellectual property rights inGreece. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system that
ensure expeditious remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent
deliberate delays bytheparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions
willbeapplied.
8. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,whether judges or
administrative officials mustrender theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegalauthorities requiring
suchwritten opinions.
8These questions apply tobothjudicial andadministrative enforcement ofintellectual property rights because ofArticle 49
oftheTRIPS Agreement.IP/C/W/83
Page60
9. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please state, withregard toeachtypeofcourt
andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,what factors maybeconsidered byajudge or
administrative official inrendering adecision andcitethelegalauthorities establishing thebasis on
which judges andadministrative officials mayreach decisions.
10. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegal
limitations, ifany,areplaced upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement
proceeding tohavebothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority,
andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
11. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed byeachtype
ofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
12. Article 42alsorequires thatparties tointellectual property enforcement proceedings mustbe
abletoberepresented bycounsel andmustnotbesubject tooverly burdensome requirements toappear
personally. Please describe anylimitations under Greece ’slawsontheability ofaparty insucha
proceeding toberepresented byindependent legalcounsel andanyrequirements imposed ontheparty
toappear personally inaproceeding. Please citethelegalauthorities providing suchlimitations and
imposing suchrequirements.
13. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawofGreece onaparty’sability tosubstantiate aclaim or
topresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
14. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
Please describe themeans provided under thelawofGreece forparties toidentify andhaveprotected
confidential information required tobepresented inorder toprove theirclaims andcitethelegal
authorities providing forsuchidentification andprotection.
15. Article 43.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beable
toorder aparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding toproduce relevant evidence in
thatparty’scontrol identified bytheopposing party when thelatter party haspresented reasonably
available evidence insupport ofitsclaims. Please describe howandinwhat circumstances judges
andadministrativeofficialsmayorderproductionofrelevantevidenceinintellectualpropertyenforcement
proceedings andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchorders.
16. Ithasbeenreported thatitisnotpossible inGreece forarightholder toobtain through such
judicial oradministrative order certain business records indicating thescope ofacopyright pirate ’s
profits, necessary tosubstantiate therightholder ’sclaims withrespect todamages. Please statewhether
thatisthecaseand,ifso,explain themanner inwhich Greek lawconforms totheobligations ofArticle
43.1oftheTRIPS Agreement.
17. Information ordered tobeproduced, referred toinquestion 15,must beprotected ifitis
confidential.PleasedescribethemeansprovidedunderthelawofGreeceforprotectingsuchinformationIP/C/W/83
Page61
andcitethelegalauthority providing forsuchprotection, ifthose means differ from those described
inanswer toquestion 14.
18. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial oradministrative officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinal
determinations adverse tothatparty. Please describe whatsanctions maybeimposed onaparty that
refused toprovide ordered information andunder what circumstances those sanctions areimposed,
citing thelegalauthority forthose sanctions.
19. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise
prevent infringing activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothe
channels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction. Please describe authority ofthejudges andadministrative
officials identified inquestion 1toorder parties tostopinfringements andtoprevent infringing goods
fromentering thechannels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction immediately afterclearance ofsuchgoods
through customs. Inaddition, please citethelegalauthorities authorizing suchactions.
20. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofGreece andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
21. Article 45.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoorder aninfringer to
paytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement. Please
describe theauthority ofthejudges andadministrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder aparty
found tobeinfringing topaytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused
bytheinfringement.Pleaseexplainthefactorsconsideredinestablishingtheamountofthecompensation
andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchcompensation orders.
22. Article 45.2requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder payment
ofaright holder 'sexpenses, including legal fees. Please describe theauthority ofthejudges and
administrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder payment ofright holders ’expenses, the
circumstances under which suchanorder willbegiven, thefactors considered inestablishing the
expenses, andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchpayments.
23. Article 46requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder, incertain
circumstances, other remedies, including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction
ofgoods anddestruction ofmaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich isthecreation
ofinfringing goods. Please describe theadditional remedies available under thelawsofGreece, the
circumstances inwhich suchauthority willbeexercised, thefactors considered indetermining thenature
oftheremedies provided, andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
24. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges andadministrative officials to
order infringers toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution
ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution. Please describe anyauthority judges
andadministrative officials haveunder thelawsofGreece toorder infringers toidentify forrightholders
thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels
ofdistribution anddescribe thecircumstances inwhich thisauthority would beexercised. Please cite
thelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
25. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw.Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficialsIP/C/W/83
Page62
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.
Provisional Measures
26. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorderpromptandeffectiveprovisionalremediestopreventaninfringementofanyintellectualproperty
right. Withrespect toeachintellectual property rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement,
please identify theprovisional measures available toprotect intellectual property rights. Please cite
therelevant legalauthority establishing those provisional remedies.
27. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorder prompt andeffective provisional remedies topreserve relevant evidence inregard toanalleged
infringement. Please identify theprovisional measures available topreserve relevant evidence inregard
toanalleged infringement. Please citetherelevant legal authority establishing those provisional
remedies.
28. Articles 50.2and50.8require Members toauthorize judicial andadministrative authorities
toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera parte.With respect toeachintellectual property right
identified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe briefly thecircumstances inwhich
thejudicial andadministrative authorities areempowered toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera
parte.Please citetherelevant legalauthority granting authorities thispower.
29. Articles 50.2and50.8require thatjudicial authorities andadministrative bodies beauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
Please describe briefly whatisrequired bytheauthorities identified inanswers toquestions 25,26
and27toestablish "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
30. Articles50.2and50.8alsorequirethatjudicialauthoritiesandadministrativebodiesbeauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed". Please
describe briefly whatfactors areconsidered bythecompetent authorities indetermining when there
isa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed".
31. Articles 50.1, 50.2, and50.8require thatcompetent authorities beauthorized toorder prompt
andeffective measures toprevent aninfringement ofanyintellectual property rightandtopreserve
relevant evidence inregard tothealleged infringement. Istheauthority toorder prompt andeffective
remedies enforced without discrimination based onthenationality oftherightholder. Ifnot,please
identify thedifferences pertaining toforeign parties seeking provisional remedies andciteaccompanying
legalauthority.
32. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtorequire
applicant toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant isthe
rightholderandthatinfringementhasoccurredorisimminent.Withrespecttoeachintellectualproperty
rightdefined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe theevidence required byright
holders toestablish ownership.
33. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtoprovide
asecurity orequivalent assurance toprotect thedefendant. With respect toeachintellectual property
rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please citethelegalauthority establishing a
security orequivalent assurance.IP/C/W/83
Page63
34. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte.Please describe briefly theprocedures followed byeachauthority abletoadopt
suchmeasures fornotifying affected parties andstatethetimewithin which suchnotice musttakeplace.
35. Article 50.4alsorequires thatdefendants beafforded areview process todetermine whether
provisional measures should bemodified, confirmed, orrevoked. Please describe briefly theprocedures
adefendant must follow toinitiate review proceedings ineachoftheauthorities abletoadopt such
measures andidentify theperiod within which suchproceedings must beinitiated.
36. Article 50.5requires thatcompetent authorities beauthorized torequire applicants tosupply
other information necessary fortheidentification ofgoods concerned bytheauthority thatwillexecute
theprovisional measures. Please describe briefly what other information mayberequired bythe
authorities andcitethelegalauthority establishing thebasis forthissupplemental information.
37. Articles 50.6and50.8provide thatifproceedings leading toadecision onthemerits arenot
initiatedwithinareasonabletime,provisionalremediesgrantedbycompetentauthoritiesshallberevoked
orotherwise cease tohaveeffect, attherequest ofthedefendant. Please identify therelevant provisions
inGreek lawauthorizing therevocation orcessation ofprovisional measures ifreview proceedings
arenotinitiated within areasonable timeandspecify whatconstitutes a"reasonable timeperiod" to
initiate proceedings.
38. Articles50.7and50.8providethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesshallhavetheauthority
toorder theapplicant toprovide thedefendant appropriate compensation foranyinjury caused bythe
adoption ofprovisional measures when saidmeasures arerevoked, havelapsed, orwhen ithasbeen
determined thatthere hasbeennoinfringement orthreat ofinfringement. Please describe howthe
competent authorities determine "appropriate compensation".
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
39. Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatcountries adopt procedures thatenable right
holderstorequestsuspensionoftheimportationofcounterfeittrademarkedgoodsandpiratedcopyrighted
works. IP/N/6/GRC/1 states thatECRegulations Nos. 3295/94 and1367/95 havebeenimplemented
inGreece. Please identify thecompetent authority inGreece authorized toaccept applications fora
request tosuspend release ofsuspected infringing goods andcitetherelevant laworregulation governing
suchauthority.
40. Please describe theprocedures arightholder mustfollow toobtain border protection bythe
competent authorities, e.g.,ifthere isaformal application thatmust besubmitted tothecompetent
authority, judicial oradministrative, andtheinformation required intherequest forsuspension and
citethelaworregulations providing suchprocedures.
41. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or trademarks, even
iftheyarenotconsidered counterfeit trademarked goods orpiratical copyrighted works.
42. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthereisprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement inGreece.IP/C/W/83
Page64
43. Article 52alsorequires thattherightholder provide a"sufficiently detailed description ofthe
goods" tobestopped. Please explain whatisrequired oftherightholder inGreece foradescription
tobe"sufficiently detailed".
44. Article 52requires thatthecompetent authorities notify therightholder thathisapplication
isaccepted within areasonable time. Please explain within whatperiod oftimethecompetent authority
responds toarequest forsuspension ofrelease ofgoods and,iftheapplication isaccepted, thelength
oftimeduring which enforcement action willbetaken.
45. Article53.1requiresthatthecompetentauthoritieshavetheauthoritytosecurefromanapplicant
asecurity orequivalent assurance sufficient toprotect adefendant andtoprevent abuse. Please verify
thatthecompetent authorities identified above areempowered torequire security orequivalent assurance
andprovide citations totheprovisions oflaworregulation thatgrant them thatauthority.
46. Article 53.2provides thattheowner, importer, orconsignee ofgoods involving industrial
designs, patents, layout-designs orundisclosed information thathave been suspended bycustoms
authorities should beable,incertain circumstances, tohavesuchgoods released onpayment ofsecurity
sufficient toprotect therightholder frominfringement. Please identify forms ofintellectual property
otherthantrademarks andcopyrights thataresubject toprovisions ofArticle 53.2andcitetotherelevant
provisions oflaworregulations.
47. Article 54requires thattheimporter andtheapplicant benotified promptly ofthesuspension
orrelease ofgoods. Please identify theauthority/authorities responsible fornotifying theimporter
andapplicant andcitetothelaworregulations spelling outtheprocedure.
48. Please specify theperiod within which thecompetent authority toissueanotice thattherelease
ofgoods hasbeensuspended.
49. Article 55makes itclearthattherightholder applying forsuspension ofinfringing goods must
initiate aproceeding onthemerits inanappropriate forum within areasonable period oftimeorthe
goods willbereleased. Please identify theforainwhich anapplicant/party mayinitiate proceedings
onthemerits thatwillallow customs authorities toholdthegoods beyond tenworking days.
50. Article 55provides thatareview istotakeplace within areasonable timeattherequest of
thedefending party todetermine ifthesuspension measures should bemodified, revoked orconfirmed
pending theoutcome oftheproceeding onthemerits. Please identify theforum thatisauthorized to
conduct suchareview anddescribe theprocedure. Please citethelaworregulations providing for
these procedures.
51. Article 56requires thattheauthorities beabletorequire theapplicant tocompensate the
defending party foranyinjury caused ifthedetention ofgoods wasunfounded. Please identify the
authorities thatcanorder theapplicant topaytheimporter, consignee orowner compensation forinjury
caused bywrongful detention orthrough thedetention ofgoods released pursuant toArticle 55and
citetothelaworregulations providing thatauthority.
52. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
53. Article 57alsorequires that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding the
importer, consignee orconsignor. Ifcompetent authorities inGreece canprovide information regardingIP/C/W/83
Page65
theimporter, consignee orconsignor totheright holder, please explain howinformation regarding
names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods areprovided
totheapplicantafterapositivedecisionofinfringementismade,e.g.,authoritiesautomaticallyproviding
information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.Please citetothelaw
orregulations providing suchauthority.
54. Article 58specifies procedures tobefollowed where thecompetent authorities canactexofficio.
Please explain whether thecompetent authorities inGreece areempowered toactexofficio and,if
so,please identify theintellectual property areas subject toexofficio action.
55. Article 59identifies theremedies thataretobeavailable, including destruction ordisposal
ofinfringing goods outside thestream ofcommerce. Please explain whatthelawinGreece permits
regarding thedisposition ofinfringing goods, i.e.,doesthelawallow fordestruction, disposal orboth.
Please citetothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.
56. Please identify:
(a) thecompetent authority thatdecides thedisposition ofthegoods, i.e.,whether thegoods
willbedestroyed ordisposed ofoutside thestream ofcommerce; and
(b) thecompetent authority thatcarries outthedestruction ordisposal ofthegoods.
57. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofGreece.
Criminal Procedures
58. Article 61oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatMembers have criminal procedures and
penalties, including imprisonment and/or monetary fines sufficient toactasadeterrent, atleastfor
cases ofwilful trademark counterfeiting andcopyright infringement onacommercial scale.
IP/N/6/GRC/1 provides information regarding copyright andrelated rights. Please describe the
provisions inthelawofGreece thatfulfill theobligations ofArticle 61inrelation totrademarks and
provide legalcitations.
59. Article 61alsorequires thatremedies inappropriate cases include theseizure, forfeiture and
destruction ofinfringing goods andanymaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich has
beenthecommission oftheoffense. IP/N/6/GRC/1 provides information regarding copyright and
related rights. Please explain theprovisions inthelawofGreece thatprovide forsuchremedies in
relationtotrademarks,describethecircumstancesinwhichthoseremedieswouldbeimposedandprovide
legalcitations.
60. Article 61alsoindicates thatMembers mayprovide forcriminal procedures andpenalties in
cases ofwilful infringement ofother forms ofintellectual property. Please describe anyprovisions
inthelawofGreece thatprovide forsuchprocedures andremedies andprovide legalcitations.
61. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under Greek
lawscomply withthatobligation.IP/C/W/83
Page66
Ireland
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. IP/N/6/IRL/1
andAdd.1containinformationonthecourtswithjurisdictionovercasesinvolvingallformsofintellectual
property butundisclosed information. Please describe thestructure ofthejudicial andadministrative
procedures inIreland inwhich parties canenforce rights inundisclosed information, atlocal, provincial
andnational levels.
2. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcement procedure ineachofthecourts andcitethelegalauthorities establishing those procedures.
3. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies identified thatisnotrequired ofanational orresident ofIreland and
citethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
4. Article 41.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires establishment ofsafeguards against abuse of
enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation forinjury suffered because
ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawofIreland toprevent abuse ofjudicial
procedures ortoremedy damages suffered asaresult ofsuchabuse andcitethelegalauthorities for
those means.
5. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inIreland thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
6. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. IP/N/IRL/1 andAdd.1 indicate thatthecostandtimevarydepending onthetypeofcase.
Please describe anyfeescharged forfiling legalactions involving intellectual property incourt orfor
pursuing suchactions onceinitiated andcitethelegalauthorities forsuchfees.
7. Article41.2alsoaddressesthetimelinessofjudicialandadministrativeenforcementproceedings.
Please citetothelegalauthorities establishing anyspecific timelimits forjudicial proceedings.
8. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt, whether judges mustrender theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegal
authorities requiring suchwritten opinions.
9. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please identify thefactors thatmaybe
considered byajudge oradministrative official inrendering adecision andcitethelegalauthorities
establishing thebasis onwhich judges andadministrative officials reach decisions.
10. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegal
limitations, ifany,areplaced upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement
proceeding tohavebothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority,
andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchreviews.IP/C/W/83
Page67
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
11. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofintellectual property enforcement proceedings
brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
12. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawofIreland onaparty’sability tosubstantiate aclaim or
topresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
13. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidential information during intellectual property enforcement proceedings. IP/N/6/IRL/1 andAdd.1
indicate thathearings orportions thereof cantakeplace inprivate when itisintheinterests ofjustice
todoso.Please describe anyother means provided under thelawofIreland forparties toidentify
andhaveprotected confidential information required tobepresented inorder toprove theirclaims,
suchasnon-disclosure orders directed totheattorneys andparties present during ahearing, andcite
thelegalauthorities providing suchprotection.
14. Article 43.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatjudicial officials beabletoorder aparty
toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding toproduce relevant evidence inthatparty’scontrol
identified bytheopposing party when thelatter party haspresented reasonably available evidence in
support ofitsclaims. IP/N/6/IRL/1 andAdd.1 statethatcourts canissuesubpoenas ororder discovery
ofdocuments. Please verify thatsuchauthority exists incases involving undisclosed information.
15. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinaldeterminations adverse
tothatparty. Please describe whatsanctions maybeimposed onaparty thatrefused toprovide ordered
information andunder whatcircumstances those sanctions areimposed, citing thelegalauthority for
those sanctions.
16. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement regarding injunctions, inparagraph 1,
forgovernment useorusebythird parties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy for
infringement topayment ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe any
suchlimitations onremedies inthelawsofIreland andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose
limitations.
17. Article 45.2requires thatjudges beauthorized toorder payment ofarightholder 'sexpenses,
including legalfees. Please describe theauthority ofthejudges toorder payment ofrightholders ’
expenses, thecircumstances under which such anorder willbegiven, thefactors considered in
establishing theexpenses, andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchpayments.
18. IP/N/6/IRL/1 andAdd.1 refer to"anyother remedies" inthelistsofremedies provided in
answer toquestion 5.Please describe whatthese additional remedies might be,thecircumstances in
which suchauthority willbeexercised, thefactors considered indetermining thenature oftheremedies
provided, andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
19. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw.Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.IP/C/W/83
Page68
Provisional Measures
20. Articles 50.2require thatjudicial authorities beauthorized togrant provisional remedies when
adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totherightholder. Please describe briefly whatisrequired
toestablish "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
21. Articles 50.2alsorequire thatjudicial authorities beauthorized togrant provisional remedies
when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed". Please describe briefly whatfactors
areconsideredbythecompetentauthoritiesindeterminingwhenthereisa"demonstrableriskofevidence
being destroyed".
22. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtorequire
applicant toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant isthe
rightholderandthatinfringementhasoccurredorisimminent.Withrespecttoeachintellectualproperty
rightdefined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe theevidence required byright
holders toestablish ownership.
23. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte.Please describe briefly theprocedures followed fornotifying affected parties
andstatethetimewithin which suchnotice must takeplace.
24. Article 50.4alsorequires thatdefendants beafforded areview process todetermine whether
provisional measures should bemodified, confirmed, orrevoked. Please describe briefly theprocedures
adefendant must follow toinitiate review proceedings andidentify theperiod within which such
proceedings must beinitiated.
25. Article 50.5requires thatcompetent authorities beauthorized torequire applicants tosupply
other information necessary fortheidentification ofgoods concerned bytheauthority thatwillexecute
theprovisional measures. Please describe briefly what other information mayberequired bythe
authorities andcitethelegalauthority establishing thebasis forthissupplemental information.
26. Articles 50.6provides thatifproceedings leading toadecision onthemerits arenotinitiated
within areasonable time, provisional remedies granted bycompetent authorities willberevoked or
otherwise cease tohaveeffect, attherequest ofthedefendant. Please identify therelevant provisions
inIrishlawauthorizing therevocation orcessation ofprovisional measures ifreview proceedings are
notinitiated within areasonable timeandspecify whatconstitutes a"reasonable timeperiod" toinitiate
proceedings.
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
27. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or trademarks.
28. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthereisprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement inIreland.
29. Article 52alsorequires thattherightholder provide a"sufficiently detailed description ofthe
goods" tobestopped. Please explain whatisrequired oftherightholder inIreland foradescription
tobe"sufficiently detailed".IP/C/W/83
Page69
30. Article 52requires thatthecompetent authorities notify therightholder thathisapplication
isaccepted within areasonable time. Please explain within whatperiod oftimethecompetent authority
responds toarequest forsuspension ofrelease ofgoods and,iftheapplication isaccepted, thelength
oftimeduring which enforcement action willbetaken.
31. Article53.1requiresthatthecompetentauthoritieshavetheauthoritytosecurefromanapplicant
asecurity orequivalent assurance sufficient toprotect adefendant andtoprevent abuse. Please verify
thatthecompetent authorities identified above areempowered torequire security orequivalent assurance
andprovide citations totheprovisions oflaworregulation thatgrant them thatauthority.
32. Article 54requires thattheimporter andtheapplicant benotified promptly ofthesuspension
orrelease ofgoods. Please identify theauthority/authorities responsible fornotifying theimporter
andapplicant andcitetothelaworregulations spelling outtheprocedure.
33. Article 55makes itclearthattherightholder applying forsuspension ofinfringing goods must
initiate aproceeding onthemerits inanappropriate forum within areasonable period oftimeorthe
goods willbereleased. Please identify theforainwhich anapplicant/party mayinitiate proceedings
onthemerits thatwillallow customs authorities toholdthegoods beyond tenworking days.
34. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
35. Article 58specifies procedures tobefollowed where thecompetent authorities canactexofficio.
Please identify thetypes ofintellectual property subject toexofficio action.
36. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofIreland.
Criminal Procedures
37. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofIreland comply withthatobligation.
Italy
General Obligations
1. Article 41.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatprocedures beavailable fortheeffective
enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. IP/N/6/ITA/1 states that
thepretore andtheCourts havejurisdiction overintellectual property cases. Please describe thestructure
ofthejudicial bodies inItalyinwhich parties canenforce theirintellectual property rights, atlocal,
provincial andnational levels, indicating thejurisdiction ofeach typeofcourt andexplain the
interrelationships, ifany,ofthevarious bodies.
2. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcement procedure ineachofthecourts identified inresponse toquestion 1andcitethelegal
authorities establishing those procedures.IP/C/W/83
Page70
3. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party must meet toinitiate aproceeding that
isnotrequired ofanational orresident ofItalyandcitethelegal authorities providing forthose
differences.
4. Article 41.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires establishment ofsafeguards against abuse of
judicial procedures, including provision foradequate compensation forinjury suffered because ofsuch
abuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawofItalytoprevent abuse ofjudicial procedures
ortoremedy damages suffered asaresult ofsuchabuse.
5. PleaseexplainanyprovisionsintheenforcementsysteminItalythatensureexpeditiousremedies.
Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays bytheparties
toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
6. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please describe anyfeescharged forfiling legalactions involving intellectual property
orforpursuing suchactions onceinitiated andcitethelegalauthorities forsuchfees.
7. Article41.2alsoaddressesthetimelinessofjudicialandadministrativeenforcementproceedings.
Please citethelegalauthorities establishing anytimelimits forjudicial proceedings.
8. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt identified inquestion 1,whether judges must render theirdecisions in
writing andcitethelegalauthorities requiring suchwritten opinions.
9. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please state, withregard toeachtypeofcourt,
what factors maybeconsidered byajudge inrendering adecision andcitetheappropriate legal
authorities.
10. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial decisions
inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegallimitations, ifany,are
placed upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding tohaveboth
procedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority, andcitethelegal
authorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
11. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofintellectual property enforcement proceedings
brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
12. Article 42alsorequires thatparties tointellectual property enforcement proceedings mustnot
besubject tooverly burdensome requirements toappear personally. Please describe anyrequirements
imposed ontheparty toappear personally inaproceeding. Please citethelegalauthorities imposing
suchrequirements.
13. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawofItalyonaparty’sability tosubstantiate aclaim or
topresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.IP/C/W/83
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14. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidential information during intellectual property enforcement proceedings. IP/N/6/ITA/1 includes
aparagraph regarding protection ofconfidential information andcitations totwoprovisions ofItaly’s
Code ofCivil Procedure. Please describe whatjudges candotoensure thatconfidential information
thatmustbepresented incourt tosubstantiate claims isprotected against disclosure bothduring the
litigation andafterthelitigation isover.
15. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial officials, thoseofficials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinaldeterminations adverse
tothatparty. Please describe whatsanctions maybeimposed onaparty thatrefused toprovide ordered
information andunder whatcircumstances those sanctions areimposed, citing thelegalauthority for
those sanctions.
16. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise prevent infringing
activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothechannels ofcommerce
intheirjurisdiction. IP/N/6/ITA/1 refers tothepossibility ofaninjunction asa"provisional" decision
inconnection withtrademarks orpatents. Please describe authority ofthejudges officials tostop
infringements andtoprevent infringing goods protected byother forms ofintellectual property from
entering thechannels ofcommerce andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchactions. Alsoplease
clarify whether thestatement inIP/N/6/ITA/1 means thatpermanent injunctions arenotavailable.
Ifthelatter isthecase, please explain inwhatmanner thelawofItalyconforms withArticle 44.1of
theTRIPS Agreement.
17. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofItalyandcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
18. Article 45.1requires thatjudicial officials beabletoorder aninfringer topaytherightholder
damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement. IP/N/6/ITA/1 refers to
damagesauthorizedinconnectionwithcopyrights,trademarks,andpatents.Pleasedescribetheauthority
ofthejudges toorder aparty found tobeinfringing other forms ofintellectual property required to
beprotected under theTRIPS Agreement topaytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate for
theinjury caused bytheinfringement. Ifjudges arenotauthorized toorder damages inconnection
withother forms ofintellectual property, please explain inwhatmanner thelawofItalyconforms with
Article 45.1oftheTRIPS Agreement.
19. Article 45.2requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder payment
ofaright holder ’sexpenses, including legal fees. IP/N/6/ITA/1 refers tothispossibility onlyin
connection withcopyright infringement. Please describe theauthority ofthejudges toorder payment
ofrightholders ’expenses incases involving other forms ofintellectual property, thecircumstances
under which suchanorder willbegiven, thefactors considered inestablishing theexpenses, andcite
thelegal authorities authorizing suchpayments. Ifthejudges arenotauthorized toorder payment
ofarightholder ’sexpenses inappropriate cases, please explain inwhatmanner thelawofItalyconforms
withArticle 44.1oftheTRIPS Agreement.
20. Article 46requires thatjudges beauthorized toorder, incertain circumstances, otherremedies,
including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction ofgoods anddestruction of
materialsandimplementsthepredominantuseofwhichisthecreationofinfringinggoods.IP/N/6/ITA/1
refers tothisremedy onlyinconnection withcopyrights andtrademarks. Please describe theadditional
remedies available under thelawsofItalyinconnection withother forms ofintellectual property, the
circumstances inwhich suchauthority willbeexercised, thefactors considered indetermining thenatureIP/C/W/83
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oftheremedies provided, andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies. Ifthese remedies
arenotavailable inconnection withother forms ofintellectual property, please explain inwhatmanner
thelawofItalyconforms withArticle 44.1oftheTRIPS Agreement.
21. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw.Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.
Provisional Measures
22. Article 50.1requires thatjudicial authorities havetheauthority toorder prompt andeffective
provisionalremediestopreventaninfringementofanyintellectualpropertyright.IP/N/6/ITA/1indicates
thatprovisional measures areavailable onlyinconnection withcopyrights, trademarks, andpatents.
With respect toother intellectual property rights identified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement,
please identify theprovisional measures available toprotect intellectual property rights andcitethe
relevant legalauthority establishing those provisional remedies. Ifsuchremedies arenotavailable,
please explain inwhatmanner thelawofItalyconforms withArticle 44.1oftheTRIPS Agreement.
23. Article 50.1requires thatjudicial authorities havetheauthority toorder prompt andeffective
provisional remedies topreserve relevant evidence inregard toanalleged infringement. Please identify
theprovisional measures available topreserve relevant evidence inregard toanalleged infringement.
Please citetherelevant legalauthority establishing those provisional remedies.
24. Articles 50.2requires Members toauthorize judicial authorities toadopt provisional measures
inaudita altera parte.IP/N/6/ITA/1 indicates thatsuchauthorization applies onlytocopyright. With
respect toother intellectual property rights identified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please
describe briefly thecircumstances inwhich thejudicial andadministrative authorities areempowered
toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera parte andcitetherelevant legal authority. Ifsuch
procedures arenotavailable, please explain inwhat manner thelawofItalyconforms withArticle
44.1oftheTRIPS Agreement.
25. Article 50.2requires thatjudicial authorities beauthorized togrant provisional remedies when
adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totherightholder. Please describe briefly whatisrequired
under thelawofItalytoestablish "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
26. Article 50.2alsorequires thatjudicial authorities beauthorized togrant provisional remedies
when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed". Please describe briefly whatfactors
areconsideredbythecompetentauthoritiesindeterminingwhenthereisa"demonstrableriskofevidence
being destroyed".
27. Article 50.3requires thatjudicial authorities beauthorized torequire anapplicant toprovide
evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant istherightholder andthat
infringement hasoccurred orisimminent. With respect toeachintellectual property right defined
inArticle1.2oftheTRIPSAgreement,pleasedescribetheevidencerequiredbyrightholderstoestablish
ownership.
28. Article 50.3requires thatjudicial authorities beauthorized toprovide asecurity orequivalent
assurance toprotect thedefendant. Withrespect toeachintellectual property rightidentified inArticle
1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please citethelegal authority establishing asecurity orequivalent
assurance.IP/C/W/83
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29. Article 50.4requires thatdefendants beafforded areview process todetermine whether
provisional measures should bemodified, confirmed, orrevoked. Please describe briefly theprocedures
adefendant must follow toinitiate review proceedings andidentify theperiod within which such
proceedings must beinitiated.
30. Article 50.5requires thatcompetent authorities beauthorized torequire applicants tosupply
other information necessary fortheidentification ofgoods concerned bytheauthority thatwillexecute
theprovisional measures. Please describe briefly what other information mayberequired bythe
authorities andcitethelegalauthority establishing thebasis forthissupplemental information.
31. Articles 50.6provides thatifproceedings leading toadecision onthemerits isnotinitiated
within areasonable time, provisional remedies granted bycompetent authorities willberevoked or
otherwise cease tohaveeffect, attherequest ofthedefendant. Please identify therelevant provisions
inItaly’slawauthorizing therevocation orcessation ofprovisional measures ifreview proceedings
arenotinitiated within areasonable timeandspecify whatconstitutes a"reasonable timeperiod" to
initiate proceedings.
32. Article 50.7provides thatjudicial authorities shallhavetheauthority toorder theapplicant
toprovide thedefendant appropriate compensation foranyinjury caused bytheadoption ofprovisional
measures when saidmeasures arerevoked, havelapsed, orwhen ithasbeendetermined thatthere
hasbeennoinfringement orthreat ofinfringement. Please describe howthecompetent authorities
determine "appropriate compensation".
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
33. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthereisprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement inItaly.
34. Article 52alsorequires thattherightholder provide a"sufficiently detailed description ofthe
goods" tobestopped. Please explain whatisrequired oftheright holder inItalyforadescription
tobe"sufficiently detailed".
35. Article 53.2provides thattheowner, importer, orconsignee ofgoods involving industrial
designs, patents, layout-designs orundisclosed information thathave been suspended bycustoms
authorities should beable,incertain circumstances, tohavesuchgoods released onpayment ofsecurity
sufficient toprotect theright holder from infringement. Please identify what forms ofintellectual
property, ifany,aresubject toprovisions ofArticle 53.2andcitetotherelevant provisions oflaw
orregulations.
36. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
37. Article 57alsoprovides that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding the
importer, consignee orconsignor. Ifcompetent authorities inItalycanprovide information regarding
theimporter, consignee orconsignor totherightholder, please explain howinformation regarding
names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods areprovided
totheapplicantafterapositivedecisionofinfringementismade,e.g.,authoritiesautomaticallyprovidingIP/C/W/83
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information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.Please citetothelaw
orregulations providing suchauthority.
Criminal Procedures
38. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofItalycomply withthatobligation.
Luxembourg
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. Please describe
thestructure ofthejudicial andadministrative9procedures inLuxembourg inwhich parties canenforce
theirintellectual property rights, atlocal, provincial andnational levels, indicating thejurisdiction of
eachtypeofcourt oradministrative bodyandexplaining theinterrelationships, ifany,ofthevarious
types ofcourts andadministrative bodies. Citethelawsorother authorities establishing thestructure,
including eachtypeofcourt andadministrative body.
2. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcementprocedureineachofthecourtsandadministrativebodiesidentifiedinresponsetoquestion1
andcitethelegalauthorities establishing those procedures.
3. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies identified inanswer toquestion 1thatisnotrequired ofanational
orresident ofLuxembourg andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
4. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofjudicial andadministrative enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation
forinjury suffered because ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawof
Luxembourg toprevent abuse ofjudicial andadministrative procedures ortoremedy damages suffered
asaresult ofsuchabuse andcitethelegalauthorities forthose means.
5. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please describe anyfeescharged byjudicial oradministrative officials forfiling legal
actionsinvolvingintellectualpropertyorforpursuingsuchactionsonceinitiated,citethelegalauthorities
forsuchfees,andprovide copies ofthedocuments usedtoinform thepublic ofsuchfees.
6. Article41.2alsoaddressesthetimelinessofjudicialandadministrativeenforcementproceedings.
Please citetothelegalauthorities establishing anytimelimits forjudicial andadministrative proceedings
and,ifithasnotalready beendone, provide copies ofthelawsorregulations inquestion.
7. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inLuxembourg thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
9These questions apply tobothjudicial andadministrative enforcement ofintellectual property rights because ofArticle 49
oftheTRIPS Agreement.IP/C/W/83
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8. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,whether judges or
administrative officials mustrender theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegalauthorities requiring
suchwritten opinions.
9. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please state, withregard toeachtypeofcourt
andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,what factors maybeconsidered byajudge or
administrative official inrendering adecision andcitethelegalauthorities establishing thebasis on
which judges andadministrative officials mayreach decisions.
10. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegal
limitations, ifany,areplaced upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement
proceeding tohavebothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority,
andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
11. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed byeachtype
ofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
12. Article 42alsorequires thatparties tointellectual property enforcement proceedings mustbe
abletoberepresented bycounsel andmustnotbesubject tooverly burdensome requirements toappear
personally. Please describe anylimitations under Luxembourg ’slawsontheability ofaparty insuch
aproceeding toberepresented byindependent legalcounsel andanyrequirements imposed ontheparty
toappear personally inaproceeding. Please citethelegalauthorities providing suchlimitations and
imposing suchrequirements.
13. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawofLuxembourg onaparty’sability tosubstantiate aclaim
ortopresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
14. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
Please describe themeans provided under thelawofLuxembourg forparties toidentify andhave
protected confidential information required tobepresented inorder toprove theirclaims andcitethe
legalauthorities providing forsuchidentification andprotection.
15. Article 43.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beable
toorder aparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding toproduce relevant evidence in
thatparty’scontrol identified bytheopposing party when thelatter party haspresented reasonably
available evidence insupport ofitsclaims. Please describe howandinwhat circumstances judges
andadministrativeofficialsmayorderproductionofrelevantevidenceinintellectualpropertyenforcement
proceedings andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchorders.
16. Information ordered tobeproduced, referred toinquestion 15,must beprotected ifitis
confidential. Please describe themeans provided under thelawofLuxembourg forprotecting suchIP/C/W/83
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information andcitethelegalauthority providing forsuchprotection, ifthose means differ fromthose
described inanswer toquestion 14.
17. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial oradministrative officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinal
determinations adverse tothatparty. Please describe whatsanctions maybeimposed onaparty that
refused toprovide ordered information andunder what circumstances those sanctions areimposed,
citing thelegalauthority forthose sanctions.
18. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise
prevent infringing activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothe
channels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction. Please describe authority ofthejudges andadministrative
officials identified inquestion 1toorder parties tostopinfringements andtoprevent infringing goods
fromentering thechannels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction immediately afterclearance ofsuchgoods
through customs. Inaddition, please citethelegalauthorities authorizing suchactions.
19. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofLuxembourg andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
20. Article 45.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoorder aninfringer to
paytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement. Please
describe theauthority ofthejudges andadministrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder aparty
found tobeinfringing topaytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused
bytheinfringement.Pleaseexplainthefactorsconsideredinestablishingtheamountofthecompensation
andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchcompensation orders.
21. Article 45.2requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder payment
ofaright holder 'sexpenses, including legal fees. Please describe theauthority ofthejudges and
administrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder payment ofright holders ’expenses, the
circumstances under which suchanorder willbegiven, thefactors considered inestablishing the
expenses, andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchpayments.
22. Article 46requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder, incertain
circumstances, other remedies, including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction
ofgoods anddestruction ofmaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich isthecreation
ofinfringing goods. Please describe theadditional remedies available under thelawsofLuxembourg,
thecircumstances inwhich suchauthority willbeexercised, thefactors considered indetermining the
nature oftheremedies provided, andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
23. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges andadministrative officials to
order infringers toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution
ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution. Please describe anyauthority judges
andadministrative officials haveunder thelawsofLuxembourg toorder infringers toidentify forright
holders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution ofinfringing goods orservices and
theirchannels ofdistribution anddescribe thecircumstances inwhich thisauthority would beexercised.
Please citethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
24. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw.Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficialsIP/C/W/83
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fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.
Provisional Measures
25. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorderpromptandeffectiveprovisionalremediestopreventaninfringementofanyintellectualproperty
right. Withrespect toeachintellectual property rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement,
please identify theprovisional measures available toprotect intellectual property rights. Please cite
therelevant legalauthority establishing those provisional remedies.
26. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorder prompt andeffective provisional remedies topreserve relevant evidence inregard toanalleged
infringement. Please identify theprovisional measures available topreserve relevant evidence inregard
toanalleged infringement andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
27. Articles 50.2and50.8require Members toauthorize judicial andadministrative authorities
toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera parte.With respect toeachintellectual property right
identified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe briefly thecircumstances inwhich
thejudicial andadministrative authorities areempowered toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera
parte andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
28. Articles 50.2and50.8require thatjudicial authorities andadministrative bodies beauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
Please describe briefly what isrequired bytheauthorities identified inanswers toquestions 25,26
and27toestablish "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
29. Articles50.2and50.8alsorequirethatjudicialauthoritiesandadministrativebodiesbeauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed". Please
describe briefly whatfactors areconsidered bythecompetent authorities indetermining when there
isa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed".
30. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtorequire
anapplicant toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant
istherightholder andthatinfringement hasoccurred orisimminent. Withrespect toeachintellectual
property rightdefined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe theevidence required
byrightholders toestablish ownership.
31. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtoprovide
asecurity orequivalent assurance toprotect thedefendant. Withrespect toeachintellectual property
rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please citethelegalauthority establishing a
security orequivalent assurance.
32. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte.Please describe briefly theprocedures followed byeachauthority abletoadopt
suchmeasures fornotifying affected parties andstatethetimewithin which suchnotice musttakeplace.
33. Article 50.4alsorequires thatdefendants beafforded areview process todetermine whether
provisional measures should bemodified, confirmed, orrevoked. Please describe briefly theprocedures
adefendant must follow toinitiate review proceedings ineachoftheauthorities abletoadopt such
measures andidentify theperiod within which suchproceedings must beinitiated.IP/C/W/83
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34. Article 50.5requires thatcompetent authorities beauthorized torequire applicants tosupply
other information necessary fortheidentification ofgoods concerned bytheauthority thatwillexecute
theprovisional measures. Please describe briefly what other information mayberequired bythe
authorities andcitethelegalauthority establishing thebasis forthissupplemental information.
35. Articles 50.6and50.8provide thatifproceedings leading toadecision onthemerits arenot
initiatedwithinareasonabletime,provisionalremediesgrantedbycompetentauthoritiesshallberevoked
orotherwise cease tohaveeffect, attherequest ofthedefendant. Please identify therelevant provisions
inthelawofLuxembourg authorizing therevocation orcessation ofprovisional measures ifreview
proceedings arenotinitiated within areasonable timeandspecify whatconstitutes a"reasonable time
period" toinitiate proceedings.
36. Articles50.7and50.8providethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesshallhavetheauthority
toorder theapplicant toprovide thedefendant appropriate compensation foranyinjury caused bythe
adoption ofprovisional measures when saidmeasures arerevoked, havelapsed, orwhen ithasbeen
determined thatthere hasbeennoinfringement orthreat ofinfringement. Please describe howthe
competent authorities determine "appropriate compensation".
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
37. Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatcountries adopt procedures thatenable right
holderstorequestsuspensionoftheimportationofcounterfeittrademarkedgoodsandpiratedcopyrighted
works. Please identify thecompetent authority inLuxembourg authorized toaccept applications for
arequest tosuspend release ofsuspected infringing goods andcitetherelevant laworregulation
governing suchauthority.
38. Please describe theprocedures arightholder mustfollow toobtain border protection bythe
competent authorities, e.g.,ifthere isaformal application thatmust besubmitted tothecompetent
authority, judicial oradministrative, andtheinformation required intherequest forsuspension and
citethelaworregulations providing suchprocedures.
39. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or trademarks.
40. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthereisprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement inLuxembourg.
41. Article 52alsorequires thattherightholder provide a"sufficiently detailed description ofthe
goods" tobestopped. Please explain what isrequired oftheright holder inLuxembourg fora
description tobe"sufficiently detailed".
42. Article 52requires thatthecompetent authorities notify therightholder thathisapplication
isaccepted within areasonable time. Please explain within whatperiod oftimethecompetent authority
responds toarequest forsuspension ofrelease ofgoods and,iftheapplication isaccepted, thelength
oftimeduring which enforcement action willbetaken.
43. Article53.1requiresthatthecompetentauthoritieshavetheauthoritytosecurefromanapplicant
asecurity orequivalent assurance sufficient toprotect adefendant andtoprevent abuse. Please verify
thatthecompetent authorities identified above areempowered torequire security orequivalent assurance
andprovide citations totheprovisions oflaworregulation thatgrant them thatauthority.IP/C/W/83
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44. Article 53.2provides thattheowner, importer, orconsignee ofgoods involving industrial
designs, patents, layout-designs orundisclosed information thathave been suspended bycustoms
authorities should beable,incertain circumstances, tohavesuchgoods released onpayment ofsecurity
sufficient toprotect theright holder from infringement. Please identify what forms ofintellectual
property, ifany,aresubject toprovisions ofArticle 53.2andcitetotherelevant provisions oflaw
orregulations.
45. Article 54requires thattheimporter andtheapplicant benotified promptly ofthesuspension
orrelease ofgoods. Please specify theperiod within which thecompetent authority toissue anotice
thattherelease ofgoods hasbeensuspended.
46. Article 55makes itclearthattherightholder applying forsuspension ofinfringing goods must
initiate aproceeding onthemerits inanappropriate forum within areasonable period oftimeorthe
goods willbereleased. Please identify theforainwhich anapplicant/party mayinitiate proceedings
onthemerits thatwillallow customs authorities toholdthegoods beyond tenworking days.
47. Article 55provides thatareview istotakeplace within areasonable timeattherequest of
thedefending party todetermine ifthesuspension measures should bemodified, revoked orconfirmed
pending theoutcome oftheproceeding onthemerits. Please identify theforum thatisauthorized to
conduct suchareview anddescribe theprocedure andcitetheapplicable laworregulations.
48. Article 56requires thattheauthorities beabletorequire theapplicant tocompensate the
defending party foranyinjury caused ifthedetention ofgoods wasunfounded. Please identify the
authorities thatcanorder theapplicant topaytheimporter, consignee orowner compensation forinjury
caused bywrongful detention orthrough thedetention ofgoods released pursuant toArticle 55and
citetotheapplicable laworregulations.
49. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
50. Article 57alsorequires that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding the
importer, consignee orconsignor. Ifcompetent authorities inLuxembourg canprovide information
regarding theimporter, consignee orconsignor totheright holder, please explain howinformation
regarding names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods are
provided totheapplicant afterapositive decision ofinfringement ismade, e.g.,authorities automatically
providing information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.Please cite
tothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.
51. Article 58specifies procedures tobefollowed where thecompetent authorities canactexofficio.
Please explain whether thecompetent authorities inLuxembourg areempowered toactexofficio and,
ifso,please identify theintellectual property areas subject toexofficio action.
52. Article 59identifies theremedies thataretobeavailable, including destruction ordisposal
ofinfringing goods outside thestream ofcommerce. Please explain whatthelawinLuxembourg permits
regarding thedisposition ofinfringing goods, i.e.,doesthelawallow fordestruction, disposal orboth.
Please citetothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.IP/C/W/83
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53. Please identify:
(a) thecompetent authority thatdecides thedisposition ofthegoods, i.e.,whether thegoods
willbedestroyed ordisposed ofoutside thestream ofcommerce; and
(b) thecompetent authority thatcarries outthedestruction ordisposal ofthegoods.
54. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofLuxembourg.
Criminal Procedures
55. Article 61oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatMembers have criminal procedures and
penalties, including imprisonment and/or monetary finessufficient toactasadeterrent, atleastfor
cases ofwilful trademark counterfeiting andcopyright infringement onacommercial scale. Please
describe theprovisions inthelawofLuxembourg thatfulfill thatobligation andprovide legalcitations.
56. Article 61alsorequires thatremedies inappropriate cases include theseizure, forfeiture and
destruction ofinfringing goods andanymaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich has
beenthecommission oftheoffense. Please explain theprovisions inthelawofLuxembourg thatprovide
forsuchremedies, describe thecircumstances inwhich those remedies would beimposed andprovide
legalcitations.
57. Article 61alsoindicates thatMembers mayprovide forcriminal procedures andpenalties in
cases ofwilful infringement ofother forms ofintellectual property. Please describe anyprovisions
inthelawofLuxembourg thatprovide forsuchprocedures andremedies andprovide legalcitations.
58. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofLuxembourg comply withthatobligation.
Netherlands
General Obligations
1. InIP/N/6/NLD/1, intheresponse toquestion 2,theGovernment oftheNetherlands provides
information withregard toenforcement ofcopyrights andpatents butnotwithregard toother forms
ofintellectual property. Please statewithregard totrademarks, geographical indications, industrial
designs, integrated circuit layout designs, andundisclosed information, which persons havestanding
toassert rights andcitetotherelevant provisions oflaworregulation.
2. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party must meet toinitiate aproceeding that
isnotrequired ofanational orresident oftheNetherlands andcitethelegalauthorities providing for
those differences.
3. PleaseexplainanyprovisionsintheenforcementsystemintheNetherlandsthatensureexpeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.IP/C/W/83
Page81
4. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. IP/N/6/NLD/1
notes thatallcourt decisions mustbemotivated, stating thegrounds forthedecision infull. Please
statewhether judges oradministrative officials must render theirdecisions inwriting, givethetime
limit, ifany,forrendering suchdecisions, andcitethelegalauthorities requiring suchwritten opinions.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
5. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed fornotifying
defending parties regarding proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation
provided regarding theproceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
6. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
IP/N/6/NLD/1 states thatcareistaken nottorequire parties "todivulge trade secrets which arenot
relevant tothecase"(emphasis added), which implies thattrade secrets relevant tothecasewillhave
tobedivulged. Please describe themeans provided under thelawoftheNetherlands forparties to
identify andhaveprotected confidential information required tobepresented inorder toprove their
claims andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchidentification andprotection.
7. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial oradministrative officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinal
determinations adverse tothatparty. IP/N/6/NLD/1 doesnotdiscuss theconsequences ifaparty
appearing inawitness hearing refuses toanswer questions putbythecourt. Please describe what
sanctions maybeimposed onaparty thatrefused toprovide ordered information andunder what
circumstances those sanctions areimposed, citing thelegalauthority forthose sanctions.
8. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsoftheNetherlands andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
9. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials fromliability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw.Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.
Provisional Measures
10. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtorequire
anapplicant toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant
istherightholder andthatinfringement hasoccurred orisimminent. Withrespect toeachintellectual
property rightdefined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe theevidence required
ofrightholders toestablish ownership.
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
11. IP/N/6/NLD/1 states thatamendments tothelawsoftheNetherlands areinpreparation to
implement Regulation 3295/94 oftheCouncil oftheEuropean Communities. Please explain thestatus
oftheimplementation andprovide adescription oftheborder measures thatwillbeputinplace.IP/C/W/83
Page82
Criminal Procedures
12. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsoftheNetherlands comply withthatobligation.
Portugal
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. Please describe
thestructure ofthejudicial andadministrative10procedures inPortugal inwhich parties canenforce
theirintellectual property rights, atlocal, provincial andnational levels, indicating thejurisdiction of
eachtypeofcourt oradministrative body andexplaining theinterrelationships, ifany,ofthevarious
types ofcourts andadministrative bodies. Citethelawsorother authorities establishing thestructure,
including eachtypeofcourt andadministrative body.
2. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcementprocedureineachofthecourtsandadministrativebodiesidentifiedinresponsetoquestion1
andcitethelegalauthorities establishing those procedures.
3. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies identified inanswer toquestion 1thatisnotrequired ofanational
orresident ofPortugal andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
4. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofjudicial andadministrative enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation
forinjury suffered because ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawofPortugal
toprevent abuse ofjudicial andadministrative procedures ortoremedy damages suffered asaresult
ofsuchabuse andcitethelegalauthorities forthose means.
5. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please describe anyfeescharged byjudicial oradministrative officials forfiling legal
actionsinvolvingintellectualpropertyorforpursuingsuchactionsonceinitiated,citethelegalauthorities
forsuchfees,andprovide copies ofthedocuments usedtoinform thepublic ofsuchfees.
6. Article41.2alsoaddressesthetimelinessofjudicialandadministrativeenforcementproceedings.
Please citetothelegalauthorities establishing anytimelimits forjudicial andadministrative proceedings
and,ifithasnotalready beendone, provide copies ofthelawsorregulations inquestion.
7. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inPortugal thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
8. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,whether judges or
10These questionsapplytobothjudicialandadministrativeenforcement ofintellectualpropertyrightsbecause ofArticle49
oftheTRIPS Agreement.IP/C/W/83
Page83
administrative officials mustrender theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegalauthorities requiring
suchwritten opinions.
9. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please state, withregard toeachtypeofcourt
andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,what factors maybeconsidered byajudge or
administrative official inrendering adecision andcitethelegalauthorities establishing thebasis on
which judges andadministrative officials mayreach decisions.
10. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegal
limitations, ifany,areplaced upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement
proceeding tohavebothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority,
andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
11. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed byeachtype
ofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
12. Article 42alsorequires thatparties tointellectual property enforcement proceedings mustbe
abletoberepresented bycounsel andmustnotbesubject tooverly burdensome requirements toappear
personally. Please describe anylimitations under Portugal ’slawsontheability ofaparty insucha
proceeding toberepresented byindependent legalcounsel andanyrequirements imposed ontheparty
toappear personally inaproceeding. Please citethelegalauthorities providing suchlimitations and
imposing suchrequirements.
13. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawofPortugal onaparty’sability tosubstantiate aclaim
ortopresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
14. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
Please describe themeans provided under thelawofPortugal forparties toidentify andhaveprotected
confidential information required tobepresented inorder toprove theirclaims andcitethelegal
authorities providing forsuchidentification andprotection.
15. Article 43.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beable
toorder aparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding toproduce relevant evidence in
thatparty’scontrol identified bytheopposing party when thelatter party haspresented reasonably
available evidence insupport ofitsclaims. Please describe howandinwhat circumstances judges
andadministrativeofficialsmayorderproductionofrelevantevidenceinintellectualpropertyenforcement
proceedings andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchorders.
16. Information ordered tobeproduced, referred toinquestion 15,must beprotected ifitis
confidential. Please describe themeans provided under thelawofPortugal forprotecting such
information andcitethelegalauthority providing forsuchprotection, ifthose means differ fromthose
described inanswer toquestion 14.IP/C/W/83
Page84
17. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial oradministrative officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinal
determinations adverse tothatparty. Please describe whatsanctions maybeimposed onaparty that
refused toprovide ordered information andunder what circumstances those sanctions areimposed,
citing thelegalauthority forthose sanctions.
18. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise
prevent infringing activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothe
channels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction. Please describe authority ofthejudges andadministrative
officials identified inquestion 1toorder parties tostopinfringements andtoprevent infringing goods
fromentering thechannels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction immediately afterclearance ofsuchgoods
through customs. Inaddition, please citethelegalauthorities authorizing suchactions.
19. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofPortugal andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
20. Article 45.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoorder aninfringer to
paytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement. Please
describe theauthority ofthejudges andadministrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder aparty
found tobeinfringing topaytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused
bytheinfringement.Pleaseexplainthefactorsconsideredinestablishingtheamountofthecompensation
andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchcompensation orders.
21. Article 45.2requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder payment
ofaright holder 'sexpenses, including legal fees. Please describe theauthority ofthejudges and
administrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder payment ofright holders ’expenses, the
circumstances under which suchanorder willbegiven, thefactors considered inestablishing the
expenses, andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchpayments.
22. Article 46requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder, incertain
circumstances, other remedies, including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction
ofgoods anddestruction ofmaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich isthecreation
ofinfringing goods. Please describe theadditional remedies available under thelawsofPortugal, the
circumstances inwhich suchauthority willbeexercised, thefactors considered indetermining thenature
oftheremedies provided, andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
23. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges andadministrative officials to
order infringers toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution
ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution. Please describe anyauthority judges
andadministrative officials haveunder thelawsofPortugal toorder infringers toidentify forright
holders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution ofinfringing goods orservices and
theirchannels ofdistribution anddescribe thecircumstances inwhich thisauthority would beexercised.
Please citethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
24. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw. Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.IP/C/W/83
Page85
Provisional Measures
25. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorderpromptandeffectiveprovisionalremediestopreventaninfringementofanyintellectualproperty
right. Withrespect toeachintellectual property rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement,
please identify theprovisional measures available toprotect intellectual property rights. Please cite
therelevant legalauthority establishing those provisional remedies.
26. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorder prompt andeffective provisional remedies topreserve relevant evidence inregard toanalleged
infringement. Please identify theprovisional measures available topreserve relevant evidence inregard
toanalleged infringement andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
27. Articles 50.2and50.8require Members toauthorize judicial andadministrative authorities
toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera parte.With respect toeachintellectual property right
identified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe briefly thecircumstances inwhich
thejudicial andadministrative authorities areempowered toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera
parte andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
28. Articles 50.2and50.8require thatjudicial authorities andadministrative bodies beauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
Please describe briefly what isrequired bytheauthorities identified inanswers toquestions 25,26
and27toestablish "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
29. Articles50.2and50.8alsorequirethatjudicialauthoritiesandadministrativebodiesbeauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed". Please
describe briefly whatfactors areconsidered bythecompetent authorities indetermining when there
isa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed".
30. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtorequire
anapplicant toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant
istherightholder andthatinfringement hasoccurred orisimminent. Withrespect toeachintellectual
property rightdefined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe theevidence required
byrightholders toestablish ownership.
31. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtoprovide
asecurity orequivalent assurance toprotect thedefendant. With respect toeachintellectual property
rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please citethelegalauthority establishing a
security orequivalent assurance.
32. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte.Please describe briefly theprocedures followed byeachauthority abletoadopt
suchmeasures fornotifying affected parties andstatethetimewithin which suchnotice musttakeplace.
33. Article 50.4alsorequires thatdefendants beafforded areview process todetermine whether
provisional measures should bemodified, confirmed, orrevoked. Please describe briefly theprocedures
adefendant must follow toinitiate review proceedings ineachoftheauthorities abletoadopt such
measures andidentify theperiod within which suchproceedings must beinitiated.
34. Article 50.5requires thatcompetent authorities beauthorized torequire applicants tosupply
other information necessary fortheidentification ofgoods concerned bytheauthority thatwillexecuteIP/C/W/83
Page86
theprovisional measures. Please describe briefly what other information mayberequired bythe
authorities andcitethelegalauthority establishing thebasis forthissupplemental information.
35. Articles 50.6and50.8provide thatifproceedings leading toadecision onthemerits arenot
initiatedwithinareasonabletime,provisionalremediesgrantedbycompetentauthoritiesshallberevoked
orotherwise cease tohaveeffect, attherequest ofthedefendant. Please identify therelevant provisions
inthelawofPortugal authorizing therevocation orcessation ofprovisional measures ifreview
proceedings arenotinitiated within areasonable timeandspecify whatconstitutes a"reasonable time
period" toinitiate proceedings.
36. Articles50.7and50.8providethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesshallhavetheauthority
toorder theapplicant toprovide thedefendant appropriate compensation foranyinjury caused bythe
adoption ofprovisional measures when saidmeasures arerevoked, havelapsed, orwhen ithasbeen
determined thatthere hasbeennoinfringement orthreat ofinfringement. Please describe howthe
competent authorities determine "appropriate compensation".
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
37. Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatcountries adopt procedures thatenable right
holderstorequestsuspensionoftheimportationofcounterfeittrademarkedgoodsandpiratedcopyrighted
works. Please identify thecompetent authority inPortugal authorized toaccept applications forarequest
tosuspend release ofsuspected infringing goods andcitetherelevant laworregulation governing such
authority.
38. Please describe theprocedures arightholder mustfollow toobtain border protection bythe
competent authorities, e.g.,ifthere isaformal application thatmust besubmitted tothecompetent
authority, judicial oradministrative, andtheinformation required intherequest forsuspension and
citethelaworregulations providing suchprocedures.
39. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or trademarks.
40. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthereisprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement inPortugal.
41. Article 52alsorequires thattherightholder provide a"sufficiently detailed description ofthe
goods" tobestopped. Please explain whatisrequired oftherightholder inPortugal foradescription
tobe"sufficiently detailed".
42. Article 52requires thatthecompetent authorities notify therightholder thathisapplication
isaccepted within areasonable time. Please explain within whatperiod oftimethecompetent authority
responds toarequest forsuspension ofrelease ofgoods and,iftheapplication isaccepted, thelength
oftimeduring which enforcement action willbetaken.
43. Article53.1requiresthatthecompetentauthoritieshavetheauthoritytosecurefromanapplicant
asecurity orequivalent assurance sufficient toprotect adefendant andtoprevent abuse. Please verify
thatthecompetent authorities identified above areempowered torequire security orequivalent assurance
andprovide citations totheprovisions oflaworregulation thatgrant them thatauthority.IP/C/W/83
Page87
44. Article 53.2provides thattheowner, importer, orconsignee ofgoods involving industrial
designs, patents, layout-designs orundisclosed information thathave been suspended bycustoms
authorities should beable,incertain circumstances, tohavesuchgoods released onpayment ofsecurity
sufficient toprotect theright holder from infringement. Please identify what forms ofintellectual
property, ifany,aresubject toprovisions ofArticle 53.2andcitetotherelevant provisions oflaw
orregulations.
45. Article 54requires thattheimporter andtheapplicant benotified promptly ofthesuspension
orrelease ofgoods. Please specify theperiod within which thecompetent authority toissue anotice
thattherelease ofgoods hasbeensuspended.
46. Article 55makes itclearthattherightholder applying forsuspension ofinfringing goods must
initiate aproceeding onthemerits inanappropriate forum within areasonable period oftimeorthe
goods willbereleased. Please identify theforainwhich anapplicant/party mayinitiate proceedings
onthemerits thatwillallow customs authorities toholdthegoods beyond tenworking days.
47. Article 55provides thatareview istotakeplace within areasonable timeattherequest of
thedefending party todetermine ifthesuspension measures should bemodified, revoked orconfirmed
pending theoutcome oftheproceeding onthemerits. Please identify theforum thatisauthorized to
conduct suchareview anddescribe theprocedure andcitetheapplicable laworregulations.
48. Article 56requires thattheauthorities beabletorequire theapplicant tocompensate the
defending party foranyinjury caused ifthedetention ofgoods wasunfounded. Please identify the
authorities thatcanorder theapplicant topaytheimporter, consignee orowner compensation forinjury
caused bywrongful detention orthrough thedetention ofgoods released pursuant toArticle 55and
citetotheapplicable laworregulations.
49. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
50. Article 57alsorequires that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding the
importer,consigneeorconsignor.IfcompetentauthoritiesinPortugalcanprovideinformationregarding
theimporter, consignee orconsignor totherightholder, please explain howinformation regarding
names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods areprovided
totheapplicantafterapositivedecisionofinfringementismade,e.g.,authoritiesautomaticallyproviding
information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.Please citetothelaw
orregulations providing suchauthority.
51. Article 58specifies procedures tobefollowed where thecompetent authorities canactexofficio.
Please explain whether thecompetent authorities inPortugal areempowered toactexofficio and,if
so,please identify theintellectual property areas subject toexofficio action.
52. Article 59identifies theremedies thataretobeavailable, including destruction ordisposal
ofinfringing goods outside thestream ofcommerce. Please explain whatthelawinPortugal permits
regarding thedisposition ofinfringing goods, i.e.,doesthelawallow fordestruction, disposal orboth.
Please citetothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.IP/C/W/83
Page88
53. Please identify:
(a) thecompetent authority thatdecides thedisposition ofthegoods, i.e.,whether thegoods
willbedestroyed ordisposed ofoutside thestream ofcommerce; and
(b) thecompetent authority thatcarries outthedestruction ordisposal ofthegoods.
54. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofPortugal.
Criminal Procedures
55. Article 61oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatMembers have criminal procedures and
penalties, including imprisonment and/or monetary finessufficient toactasadeterrent, atleastfor
cases ofwilful trademark counterfeiting andcopyright infringement onacommercial scale. Please
describe theprovisions inthelawofPortugal thatfulfill thatobligation andprovide legalcitations.
56. Article 61alsorequires thatremedies inappropriate cases include theseizure, forfeiture and
destruction ofinfringing goods andanymaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich has
beenthecommission oftheoffense. Please explain theprovisions inthelawofPortugal thatprovide
forsuchremedies, describe thecircumstances inwhich those remedies would beimposed andprovide
legalcitations.
57. Article 61alsoindicates thatMembers mayprovide forcriminal procedures andpenalties in
cases ofwilful infringement ofother forms ofintellectual property. Please describe anyprovisions
inthelawofPortugal thatprovide forsuchprocedures andremedies andprovide legalcitations.
58. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofPortugal comply withthatobligation.
Spain
General Obligations
1. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcement procedure inthecourts andcitethelegalauthorities establishing those procedures.
2. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts thatisnotrequired ofanational orresident ofSpain andcitethelegalauthorities providing
forthose differences.
3. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofenforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation forinjury suffered because
ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawofSpain toprevent abuse ofjudicial
procedures ortoremedy damages suffered asaresult ofsuchabuse andcitethelegalauthorities for
those means.IP/C/W/83
Page89
4. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inSpain thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
5. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please statewhether
judgesmustrendertheirdecisionsinwritingandcitethelegalauthoritiesrequiringsuchwrittenopinions.
6. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial decisions
inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegallimitations, ifany,are
placed upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding tohaveboth
procedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority, andcitethelegal
authorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
7. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed fornotifying
defending parties regarding proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation
provided regarding theproceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
8. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
Please describe themeans bywhich judges ensure theprotection ofconfidential information, oralor
written, inrelation toeachauthority referenced inIP/N/6/ESP/1.
9. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information asordered by
judicial officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinaldeterminations adverse
tothatparty. Please describe whatsanctions maybeimposed onaparty thatrefused toprovide ordered
information andunder whatcircumstances those sanctions areimposed, citing thelegalauthority for
those sanctions.
10. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofSpain andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
11. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges andadministrative officials to
order infringers toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution
ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution. IP/N/6/ESP/1 indicates thatSpanish
judgeshavesuchauthority.Pleasedescribethecircumstancesinwhichthisauthoritywouldbeexercised.
12. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw.Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.IP/C/W/83
Page90
Provisional Measures
13. Article 50.3requires thatjudicial andadministrative authorities beauthorized torequire an
applicant toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant isthe
rightholderandthatinfringementhasoccurredorisimminent.Withrespecttoeachintellectualproperty
rightdefined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe theevidence required byright
holders toestablish ownership.
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
14. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or trademarks.
15. Article 56requires thattheauthorities beabletorequire theapplicant tocompensate the
defending party foranyinjury caused ifthedetention ofgoods wasunfounded. Please identify the
authorities thatcanorder theapplicant topaytheimporter, consignee orowner compensation forinjury
caused bywrongful detention andcitetotheapplicable laworregulations.
16. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
17. Article 57alsorequires that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding the
importer, consignee orconsignor. Ifcompetent authorities inSpain canprovide information regarding
theimporter, consignee orconsignor totherightholder, please explain howinformation regarding
names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods areprovided
totheapplicantafterapositivedecisionofinfringementismade,e.g.,authoritiesautomaticallyproviding
information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.
18. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofSpain.
Criminal Procedures
19. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofSpain comply withthatobligation.
Sweden
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. IP/N/6/SWE/1
describes jurisdiction inrelation tocopyright, patent, trademark, andindustrial design cases. Please
statewhether thesamejurisdiction applies inconnection withgeographical indications, integrated-circuit
layout designs, andrights inundisclosed information and,ifnot,describe identify thecourts thatare
responsible forinfringement actions inrelation tothose rights.IP/C/W/83
Page91
2. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcement procedure inthecourts.
3. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts thatisnotrequired ofanational orresident ofSweden andcitethelegalauthorities providing
forthose differences.
4. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inSweden thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
5. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please statewhether
judgesmustrendertheirdecisionsinwritingandcitethelegalauthoritiesrequiringsuchwrittenopinions.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
6. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures fornotifying defending
parties regarding proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided
regarding theproceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
7. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent apartyrefuses toprovide information ordered byjudicial
officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinaldeterminations adverse to
thatparty. IP/N/6/SWE/1 states thatfines canbeimposed intheevent aperson failstoproduce a
document ordered bythecourt. Mayjudges order parties toprovide information notcontained ina
document andhave theauthority tomake determinations adverse totheparty refusing toprovide
information ordocuments?
8. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofSweden andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
Provisional Measures
9. Article 50.1require thatjudicial authorities havetheauthority toorder prompt andeffective
provisional remedies topreserve relevant evidence inregard toanalleged infringement. IP/N/6/SWE/1
describes theauthority which exists toprevent further infringement ortopreserve assets thatmight
beneeded tosatisfy ajudgment. Please identify anyprovisional measures available topreserve relevant
evidence inregard toanalleged infringement andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
10. Article 50.3requires thatjudicial authorities beauthorized torequire anapplicant toprovide
evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant istherightholder andthat
infringement hasoccurred orisimminent. With respect toeachintellectual property right defined
inArticle1.2oftheTRIPSAgreement,pleasedescribetheevidencerequiredbyrightholderstoestablish
ownership.
11. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte.Please describe briefly theprocedures followed byeachauthority abletoadopt
suchmeasures fornotifying affected parties andstatethetimewithin which suchnotice musttakeplace.IP/C/W/83
Page92
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
12. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthereisprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement inSweden.
13. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
14. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofSweden.
Criminal Procedures
15. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofSweden comply withthatobligation.
United Kingdom
General Obligations
1. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcementprocedureineachofthecourtsandadministrativebodiesidentifiedinresponsetoquestion1
ofthe"Checklist" andcitethelegalauthorities establishing those procedures.
2. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies thatisnotrequired ofanational orresident oftheUnited Kingdom
andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
3. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system intheUnited Kingdom thatensure
expeditious remedies. Inaddition, please explain whatprovisions areavailable toprevent deliberate
delays bytheparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbe
applied.
4. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please describe anyfeescharged byjudicial oradministrative officials forfiling legal
actionsinvolvingintellectualpropertyorforpursuingsuchactionsonceinitiated,citethelegalauthorities
forsuchfees,andprovide copies ofthedocuments usedtoinform thepublic ofsuchfees.
5. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt andadministrative body whether judges oradministrative officials must
render theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegalauthorities requiring suchwritten opinions.IP/C/W/83
Page93
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
6. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed bycourts
fornotifying defending parties regarding proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate
theinformation provided regarding theproceeding andcitethelegal authorities establishing these
procedures.
7. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial oradministrative officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinal
determinations adverse tothatparty. IP/N/6/GBR/1 indicates thatfailure toproduce documents is
treated ascontempt ofcourt. Please statewhether authorities maymake determinations adverse to
aparty thatrefused toprovide ordered information andunder whatcircumstances suchasanction might
beimposed.
8. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsoftheUnited Kingdom andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
Provisional Measures
9. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtorequire
anapplicant toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant
istherightholder andthatinfringement hasoccurred orisimminent. Withrespect toeachintellectual
property rightdefined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe theevidence required
byrightholders toestablish ownership.
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
10. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or trademarks.
11. Article 54requires thattheimporter andtheapplicant benotified promptly ofthesuspension
orrelease ofgoods. Please specify theperiod within which thecompetent authority toissue anotice
thattherelease ofgoods hasbeensuspended.
12. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
13. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawoftheUnited Kingdom.
Criminal Procedures
14. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsoftheUnited Kingdom comply withthatobligation.IP/C/W/83
Page94
HUNGARY
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. Please describe
thestructure ofthejudicial andadministrative11procedures inHungary inwhich parties canenforce
theirintellectual property rights, atlocal, provincial andnational levels, indicating thejurisdiction of
eachtypeofcourt oradministrative bodyandexplaining theinterrelationships, ifany,ofthevarious
types ofcourts andadministrative bodies. Citethelawsorother authorities establishing thestructure,
including eachtypeofcourt andadministrative body.
2. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcementprocedureineachofthecourtsandadministrativebodiesidentifiedinresponsetoquestion1
andcitethelegalauthorities establishing those procedures.
3. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies identified inanswer toquestion 1thatisnotrequired ofanational
orresident ofHungary andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
4. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofjudicial andadministrative enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation
forinjury suffered because ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawofHungary
toprevent abuse ofjudicial andadministrative procedures ortoremedy damages suffered asaresult
ofsuchabuse andcitethelegalauthorities forthose means.
5. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please describe anyfeescharged byjudicial oradministrative officials forfiling legal
actionsinvolvingintellectualpropertyorforpursuingsuchactionsonceinitiated,citethelegalauthorities
forsuchfees,andprovide copies ofthedocuments usedtoinform thepublic ofsuchfees.
6. Article41.2alsoaddressesthetimelinessofjudicialandadministrativeenforcementproceedings.
Please citetothelegalauthorities establishing anytimelimits forjudicial andadministrative proceedings
and,ifithasnotalready beendone, provide copies ofthelawsorregulations inquestion.
7. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inHungary thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
8. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,whether judges or
administrative officials mustrender theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegalauthorities requiring
suchwritten opinions.
9. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please state, withregard toeachtypeofcourt
andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,what factors maybeconsidered byajudge or
11These questionsapplytobothjudicialandadministrativeenforcement ofintellectualpropertyrightsbecause ofArticle49
oftheTRIPS Agreement.IP/C/W/83
Page95
administrative official inrendering adecision andcitethelegalauthorities establishing thebasis on
which judges andadministrative officials mayreach decisions.
10. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegal
limitations, ifany,areplaced upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement
proceeding tohavebothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority,
andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
11. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed byeachtype
ofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
12. Article 42alsorequires thatparties tointellectual property enforcement proceedings mustbe
abletoberepresented bycounsel andmustnotbesubject tooverly burdensome requirements toappear
personally. Please describe anylimitations under Hungary ’slawsontheability ofaparty insuch
aproceeding toberepresented byindependent legalcounsel andanyrequirements imposed ontheparty
toappear personally inaproceeding. Please citethelegalauthorities providing suchlimitations and
imposing suchrequirements.
13. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawofHungary onaparty’sability tosubstantiate aclaim
ortopresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
14. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
Please describe themeans provided under thelawofHungary forparties toidentify andhaveprotected
confidential information required tobepresented inorder toprove theirclaims andcitethelegal
authorities providing forsuchidentification andprotection.
15. Article 43.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beable
toorder aparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding toproduce relevant evidence in
thatparty’scontrol identified bytheopposing party when thelatter party haspresented reasonably
available evidence insupport ofitsclaims. Please describe howandinwhat circumstances judges
andadministrativeofficialsmayorderproductionofrelevantevidenceinintellectualpropertyenforcement
proceedings andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchorders.
16. Information ordered tobeproduced, referred toinquestion 15,must beprotected ifitis
confidential. Please describe themeans provided under thelawofHungary forprotecting such
information andcitethelegalauthority providing forsuchprotection, ifthose means differ fromthose
described inanswer toquestion 14.
17. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial oradministrative officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinal
determinations adverse tothatparty. Please describe whatsanctions maybeimposed onaparty that
refused toprovide ordered information andunder what circumstances those sanctions areimposed,
citing thelegalauthority forthose sanctions.IP/C/W/83
Page96
18. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise
prevent infringing activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothe
channels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction. Please describe authority ofthejudges andadministrative
officials identified inquestion 1toorder parties tostopinfringements andtoprevent infringing goods
fromentering thechannels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction immediately afterclearance ofsuchgoods
through customs. Inaddition, please citethelegalauthorities authorizing suchactions.
19. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofHungary andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
20. Article 45.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoorder aninfringer to
paytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement. Please
describe theauthority ofthejudges andadministrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder aparty
found tobeinfringing topaytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused
bytheinfringement.Pleaseexplainthefactorsconsideredinestablishingtheamountofthecompensation
andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchcompensation orders.
21. Article 45.2requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder payment
ofaright holder 'sexpenses, including legal fees. Please describe theauthority ofthejudges and
administrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder payment ofright holders ’expenses, the
circumstances under which suchanorder willbegiven, thefactors considered inestablishing the
expenses, andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchpayments.
22. Article 46requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder, incertain
circumstances, other remedies, including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction
ofgoods anddestruction ofmaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich isthecreation
ofinfringing goods. Please describe theadditional remedies available under thelawsofHungary,
thecircumstances inwhich suchauthority willbeexercised, thefactors considered indetermining the
nature oftheremedies provided, andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
23. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges andadministrative officials to
order infringers toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution
ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution. Please describe anyauthority judges
andadministrative officials haveunder thelawsofHungary toorder infringers toidentify forright
holders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution ofinfringing goods orservices and
theirchannels ofdistribution anddescribe thecircumstances inwhich thisauthority would beexercised.
Please citethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
24. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw.Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.
Provisional Measures
25. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorderpromptandeffectiveprovisionalremediestopreventaninfringementofanyintellectualproperty
right. Withrespect toeachintellectual property rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement,IP/C/W/83
Page97
please identify theprovisional measures available toprotect intellectual property rights. Please cite
therelevant legalauthority establishing those provisional remedies.
26. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorder prompt andeffective provisional remedies topreserve relevant evidence inregard toanalleged
infringement. Please identify theprovisional measures available topreserve relevant evidence inregard
toanalleged infringement andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
27. Articles 50.2and50.8require Members toauthorize judicial andadministrative authorities
toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera parte.With respect toeachintellectual property right
identified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe briefly thecircumstances inwhich
thejudicial andadministrative authorities areempowered toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera
parte andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
28. Articles 50.2and50.8require thatjudicial authorities andadministrative bodies beauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
Please describe briefly what isrequired bytheauthorities identified inanswers toquestions 25,26
and27toestablish "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
29. Articles50.2and50.8alsorequirethatjudicialauthoritiesandadministrativebodiesbeauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed". Please
describe briefly whatfactors areconsidered bythecompetent authorities indetermining when there
isa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed".
30. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtorequire
anapplicant toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant
istherightholder andthatinfringement hasoccurred orisimminent. Withrespect toeachintellectual
property rightdefined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe theevidence required
byrightholders toestablish ownership.
31. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtoprovide
asecurity orequivalent assurance toprotect thedefendant. With respect toeachintellectual property
rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please citethelegalauthority establishing a
security orequivalent assurance.
32. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte.Please describe briefly theprocedures followed byeachauthority abletoadopt
suchmeasures fornotifying affected parties andstatethetimewithin which suchnotice musttakeplace.
33. Article 50.4alsorequires thatdefendants beafforded areview process todetermine whether
provisional measures should bemodified, confirmed, orrevoked. Please describe briefly theprocedures
adefendant must follow toinitiate review proceedings ineachoftheauthorities abletoadopt such
measures andidentify theperiod within which suchproceedings must beinitiated.
34. Article 50.5requires thatcompetent authorities beauthorized torequire applicants tosupply
other information necessary fortheidentification ofgoods concerned bytheauthority thatwillexecute
theprovisional measures. Please describe briefly what other information mayberequired bythe
authorities andcitethelegalauthority establishing thebasis forthissupplemental information.
35. Articles 50.6and50.8provide thatifproceedings leading toadecision onthemerits arenot
initiatedwithinareasonabletime,provisionalremediesgrantedbycompetentauthoritiesshallberevoked
orotherwise cease tohaveeffect, attherequest ofthedefendant. Please identify therelevant provisionsIP/C/W/83
Page98
inthelawofHungary authorizing therevocation orcessation ofprovisional measures ifreview
proceedings arenotinitiated within areasonable timeandspecify whatconstitutes a"reasonable time
period" toinitiate proceedings.
36. Articles50.7and50.8providethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesshallhavetheauthority
toorder theapplicant toprovide thedefendant appropriate compensation foranyinjury caused bythe
adoption ofprovisional measures when saidmeasures arerevoked, havelapsed, orwhen ithasbeen
determined thatthere hasbeennoinfringement orthreat ofinfringement. Please describe howthe
competent authorities determine "appropriate compensation".
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
37. Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatcountries adopt procedures thatenable right
holderstorequestsuspensionoftheimportationofcounterfeittrademarkedgoodsandpiratedcopyrighted
works. Please identify thecompetent authority inHungary authorized toaccept applications forarequest
tosuspend release ofsuspected infringing goods andcitetherelevant laworregulation governing such
authority.
38. Please describe theprocedures arightholder mustfollow toobtain border protection bythe
competent authorities, e.g.,ifthere isaformal application thatmust besubmitted tothecompetent
authority, judicial oradministrative, andtheinformation required intherequest forsuspension and
citethelaworregulations providing suchprocedures.
39. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or trademarks.
40. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthere isprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement inHungary.
41. Article 52alsorequires thattherightholder provide a"sufficiently detailed description ofthe
goods" tobestopped. Please explain whatisrequired oftherightholder inHungary foradescription
tobe"sufficiently detailed".
42. Article 52requires thatthecompetent authorities notify therightholder thathisapplication
isaccepted within areasonable time. Please explain within whatperiod oftimethecompetent authority
responds toarequest forsuspension ofrelease ofgoods and,iftheapplication isaccepted, thelength
oftimeduring which enforcement action willbetaken.
43. Article53.1requiresthatthecompetentauthoritieshavetheauthoritytosecurefromanapplicant
asecurity orequivalent assurance sufficient toprotect adefendant andtoprevent abuse. Please verify
thatthecompetent authorities identified above areempowered torequire security orequivalent assurance
andprovide citations totheprovisions oflaworregulation thatgrant them thatauthority.
44. Article 53.2provides thattheowner, importer, orconsignee ofgoods involving industrial
designs, patents, layout-designs orundisclosed information thathave been suspended bycustoms
authorities should beable,incertain circumstances, tohavesuchgoods released onpayment ofsecurity
sufficient toprotect theright holder from infringement. Please identify what forms ofintellectual
property, ifany,aresubject toprovisions ofArticle 53.2andcitetotherelevant provisions oflaw
orregulations.IP/C/W/83
Page99
45. Article 54requires thattheimporter andtheapplicant benotified promptly ofthesuspension
orrelease ofgoods. Please specify theperiod within which thecompetent authority toissue anotice
thattherelease ofgoods hasbeensuspended.
46. Article 55makes itclearthattherightholder applying forsuspension ofinfringing goods must
initiate aproceeding onthemerits inanappropriate forum within areasonable period oftimeorthe
goods willbereleased. Please identify theforainwhich anapplicant/party mayinitiate proceedings
onthemerits thatwillallow customs authorities toholdthegoods beyond tenworking days.
47. Article 55provides thatareview istotakeplace within areasonable timeattherequest of
thedefending party todetermine ifthesuspension measures should bemodified, revoked orconfirmed
pending theoutcome oftheproceeding onthemerits. Please identify theforum thatisauthorized to
conduct suchareview anddescribe theprocedure andcitetheapplicable laworregulations.
48. Article 56requires thattheauthorities beabletorequire theapplicant tocompensate the
defending party foranyinjury caused ifthedetention ofgoods wasunfounded. Please identify the
authorities thatcanorder theapplicant topaytheimporter, consignee orowner compensation forinjury
caused bywrongful detention orthrough thedetention ofgoods released pursuant toArticle 55and
citetotheapplicable laworregulations.
49. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
50. Article 57alsorequires that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding the
importer,consigneeorconsignor.IfcompetentauthoritiesinHungarycanprovideinformationregarding
theimporter, consignee orconsignor totherightholder, please explain howinformation regarding
names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods areprovided
totheapplicantafterapositivedecisionofinfringementismade,e.g.,authoritiesautomaticallyproviding
information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.Please citetothelaw
orregulations providing suchauthority.
51. Article 58specifies procedures tobefollowed where thecompetent authorities canactexofficio.
Please explain whether thecompetent authorities inHungary areempowered toactexofficio and,
ifso,please identify theintellectual property areas subject toexofficio action.
52. Article 59identifies theremedies thataretobeavailable, including destruction ordisposal
ofinfringing goods outside thestream ofcommerce. Please explain whatthelawinHungary permits
regarding thedisposition ofinfringing goods, i.e.,doesthelawallow fordestruction, disposal orboth.
Please citetothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.
53. Please identify:
(a) thecompetent authority thatdecides thedisposition ofthegoods, i.e.,whether thegoods
willbedestroyed ordisposed ofoutside thestream ofcommerce; and
(b) thecompetent authority thatcarries outthedestruction ordisposal ofthegoods.
54. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.IP/C/W/83
Page100
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofHungary.
Criminal Procedures
55. Article 61oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatMembers have criminal procedures and
penalties, including imprisonment and/or monetary finessufficient toactasadeterrent, atleastfor
cases ofwilful trademark counterfeiting andcopyright infringement onacommercial scale. Please
describe theprovisions inthelawofHungary thatfulfill thatobligation andprovide legalcitations.
56. Article 61alsorequires thatremedies inappropriate cases include theseizure, forfeiture and
destruction ofinfringing goods andanymaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich has
beenthecommission oftheoffense. Please explain theprovisions inthelawofHungary thatprovide
forsuchremedies, describe thecircumstances inwhich those remedies would beimposed andprovide
legalcitations.
57. Article 61alsoindicates thatMembers mayprovide forcriminal procedures andpenalties in
cases ofwilful infringement ofother forms ofintellectual property. Please describe anyprovisions
inthelawofHungary thatprovide forsuchprocedures andremedies andprovide legalcitations.
58. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofHungary comply withthatobligation.IP/C/W/83
Page101
JAPAN
General Obligations
1. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcementprocedureineachofthecourtsandadministrativebodiesidentifiedinresponsetoquestion1
ofthe"Checklist ofIssues onEnforcement" andcitethelegalauthorities establishing those procedures.
2. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies identified inanswer toquestion 1thatisnotrequired ofanational
orresident ofJapan andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
3. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofjudicial andadministrative enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation
forinjury suffered because ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawofJapan
toprevent abuse ofjudicial andadministrative procedures ortoremedy damages suffered asaresult
ofsuchabuse andcitethelegalauthorities forthose means.
4. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inJapan thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain whatprovisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
5. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please statewhether
judges oradministrative officials mustrender theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegalauthorities
requiring suchwritten opinions.
6. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please explain whatfactors maybeconsidered
byajudge oradministrative official inrendering adecision andcitethelegalauthorities establishing
thebasis onwhich judges andadministrative officials mayreach decisions.
7. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegal
limitations, ifany,areplaced upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement
proceeding tohavebothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority,
andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
8. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofenforcement proceedings brought against them.
Please describe theprocedures followed bycourts fornotifying defending parties regarding proceedings
thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding theproceeding and
citethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
9. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawofJapan onaparty’sability tosubstantiate aclaim or
topresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
10. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidential information during intellectual property enforcement proceedings. InIP/N/6/JPN/1, Japan
states that"there arenocircumstances under which confidential information mayberequired tobeIP/C/W/83
Page102
produced" andtherefor protection forconfidential information isassured. Inmany cases, however,
parties mustprovide financial information, forexample, toshow theextent ofharm ormustprovide
technical information toprove theexistence ofatrade secret. Such information must beprotected
inaccordance withArticle 42.Please describe themeans provided under thelawofJapan forparties
toidentify suchinformation andhaveitprotected.
11. Article 43.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatjudicial officials beabletoorder aparty
toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding toproduce relevant evidence inthatparty’scontrol
identified bytheopposing party when thelatter party haspresented reasonably available evidence in
support ofitsclaims. InIP/N/6/JPN/1, Japan states thatparties mayrefuse toproduce documents
thatajudge hasordered themtoproduce ifsuchparty has"legitimate reasons". Please describe what
areconsidered "legitimate reasons".
12. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise prevent infringing
activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothechannels ofcommerce
intheirjurisdiction. InIP/N/6/JPN/1, Japan identifies provisions forinjunctions inconnection with
patents,trademarks,industrialdesigns,copyrights,andintegratedcircuitlayoutdesigns.Pleasedescribe
authority ofthejudges toorder parties tostopviolations ofrights inundisclosed information andto
prevent goods resulting fromsuchviolations fromentering thechannels ofcommerce, citing therelevant
legalauthorities.
13. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofJapan andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
14. Article 45.1requires thatjudicial officials beabletoorder aninfringer topaytherightholder
damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement. InIP/N/6/JPN/1, Japan
identifies provisions fordamages inconnection withpatents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyrights,
andintegrated circuit layout designs. Please describe authority ofthejudges toorder parties to
compensate forviolations ofrights inundisclosed information andtoprevent goods resulting from
suchviolations from entering thechannels ofcommerce, citing therelevant legalauthorities. Please
explainthefactorsconsideredinestablishingtheamountofthecompensationandcitethelegalauthorities
authorizing suchcompensation orders.
15. Article 45.2requires thatjudges beauthorized toorder payment ofarightholder 'sexpenses,
including legal fees. InIP/N/6/JPN/1, Japan states thatcourt costs areborne bythelosing party.
Please describe thefactors considered inestablishing suchcosts, indicate whether lawyers ’feesare
included, andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchpayments.
16. Article 46requires thatjudges officials beauthorized toorder, incertain circumstances, other
remedies, including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction ofgoods and
destruction ofmaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich isthecreation ofinfringing
goods. InIP/N/6/JPN/1, Japan identifies provisions forsuchotherremedies inconnection withpatents,
trademarks,industrialdesigns,copyrights,andintegratedcircuitlayoutdesigns.Pleasedescribeauthority
ofthejudges toorder suchremedies inconnection withviolations ofrights inundisclosed information
andtoprevent goods resulting from suchviolations from entering thechannels ofcommerce, citing
therelevant legalauthorities. Please explain thefactors considered inestablishing theamount ofthe
compensation andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchcompensation orders.
17. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheirIP/C/W/83
Page103
responsibilities under thelaw. Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.
Provisional Measures
18. Article 50.2requires thatjudicial authorities beauthorized togrant provisional remedies when
adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totherightholder. Please describe briefly whatisrequired
bytheauthorities toestablish "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
19. Article 50.2alsorequires thatjudicial authorities beauthorized togrant provisional remedies
when there isa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed". Please describe briefly whatfactors
areconsideredbythecompetentauthoritiesindeterminingwhenthereisa"demonstrableriskofevidence
being destroyed".
20. Article 50.3requires thatjudicial authorities beauthorized torequire anapplicant toprovide
evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant istherightholder andthat
infringement hasoccurred orisimminent. With respect toeachintellectual property right, please
describe theevidence required byrightholders toestablish ownership.
21. Article 50.3requires thatjudicial authorities beauthorized toprovide asecurity orequivalent
assurance toprotect thedefendant. Dojudges inJapan havesuchauthority andunder whatcircumstances
dotheyexercise it?
22. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte.Please describe briefly theprocedures followed fornotifying affected parties
andstatethetimewithin which suchnotice must takeplace.
23. Article 50.4alsorequires thatdefendants beafforded areview process todetermine whether
provisional measures should bemodified, confirmed, orrevoked. Please describe briefly theprocedures
adefendant must follow toinitiate review proceedings andidentify theperiod within which such
proceedings must beinitiated.
24. Article 50.6provides thatifproceedings leading toadecision onthemerits arenotinitiated
within areasonable time, provisional remedies granted bycompetent authorities shallberevoked or
otherwise cease tohaveeffect, attherequest ofthedefendant. Please identify therelevant provisions
inthelawofJapan authorizing therevocation orcessation ofprovisional measures ifreview proceedings
arenotinitiated within areasonable timeandspecify whatconstitutes a"reasonable timeperiod" to
initiate proceedings.
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
25. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or trademarks.
26. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthereisprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement inJapan.
27. Article 52requires thatthecompetent authorities notify therightholder thathisapplication
isaccepted within areasonable time. Please explain within whatperiod oftimethecompetent authorityIP/C/W/83
Page104
responds toarequest forsuspension ofrelease ofgoods and,iftheapplication isaccepted, thelength
oftimeduring which enforcement action willbetaken.
28. Article 53.2provides thattheowner, importer, orconsignee ofgoods involving industrial
designs, patents, layout-designs orundisclosed information thathave been suspended bycustoms
authorities should beable,incertain circumstances, tohavesuchgoods released onpayment ofsecurity
sufficient toprotect theright holder from infringement. Please identify what forms ofintellectual
property, ifany,aresubject toprovisions ofArticle 53.2andcitetotherelevant provisions oflaw
orregulations.
29. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofJapan.
Criminal Procedures
30. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofJapan comply withthatobligation.IP/C/W/83
Page105
LIECHTENSTEIN
General Obligations
1. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcement procedure ineachofthecourts identified inresponse toquestion 1inIP/N/6/LIE/1 and
citethelegalauthorities establishing those procedures.
2. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party must meet toinitiate anenforcement
proceeding inthecourts thatisnotrequired ofanational orresident ofLiechtenstein andcitethelegal
authorities providing forthose differences.
3. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inLiechtenstein thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
4. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please statewhether
judges must render theirdecisions inwriting andciteanylegal authorities requiring suchwritten
opinions.
5. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please describe whatfactors maybeconsidered
byajudge inrendering adecision andcitethelegalauthorities establishing thebasisonwhich judges
mayreach decisions.
6. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial decisions
inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegallimitations, ifany,are
placed upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding tohaveboth
procedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority, andcitethelegal
authorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
7. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofintellectual property enforcement proceedings
brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
8. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
InIP/N/6/LIE/1, Liechtenstein indicates thatsuchmeans arenotactually available inproceedings in
Liechtenstein. Please indicate inwhatwaythelawofLiechtenstein conforms totherequirements of
Article 42.
9. Article 43.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatjudicial officials beabletoorder aparty
toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding toproduce relevant evidence inthatparty’scontrol
identified bytheopposing party when thelatter party haspresented reasonably available evidence in
support ofitsclaims. IP/N/6/LIE/1 listsanumber ofexceptions, several ofwhich seem verybroad.
Please describe ingreater detail, giving examples, whatisincluded ineachoftheexceptions.IP/C/W/83
Page106
10. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise prevent infringing
activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothechannels ofcommerce
intheirjurisdiction. IP/N/6/LIE/1 describes theremedies available inconnection withcopyright, but
doesnotaddress theother forms ofintellectual property covered inPartIIoftheTRIPS Agreement.
Please describe authority ofthejudges toorder parties tostopinfringements andother violations of
intellectual property rights andtoprevent infringing goods fromentering thechannels ofcommerce,
providing thelegalcitations.
11. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofLiechtenstein andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
12. Article 45.1requires thatjudicial officials beabletoorder aninfringer topaytherightholder
damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement. IP/N/6/LIE/1 describes
theremedies available inconnection withcopyright, butdoesnotaddress theother forms ofintellectual
property covered inPartIIoftheTRIPS Agreement. Please describe theauthority ofthejudges to
order aparty found tobeinfringing orotherwise violating intellectual property rights topaytheright
holder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement. Please explain the
factorsconsideredinestablishingtheamountofthecompensationandcitethelegalauthoritiesauthorizing
suchcompensation orders.
13. Article 46requires thatjudges beauthorized toorder, incertain circumstances, otherremedies,
including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction ofgoods anddestruction of
materialsandimplementsthepredominantuseofwhichisthecreationofinfringinggoods.IP/N/6/LIE/1
describes theremedies available inconnection withcopyright, butdoesnotaddress theother forms
ofintellectual property covered inPartIIoftheTRIPS Agreement. Please describe theadditional
remedies available under thelawsofLiechtenstein, thecircumstances inwhich suchauthority willbe
exercised, thefactors considered indetermining thenature oftheremedies provided, andcitethelegal
authorities providing forsuchremedies.
14. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw. Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.
Provisional Measures
15. Article 50.2requires thatjudicial authorities beauthorized togrant provisional remedies when
thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed". IP/N/6/LIE/1 refers tothegrant ofinterim
injunctions "ifandwhen itistobeanticipated thatintheirabsence theprosecution ...oftheclaim
inquestion might berendered verydifficult oraltogether impossible". Itisnotclearifthisincludes
theissueofinjunctions inorder toprevent thedestruction ofevidence. Please statewhether suchinterim
injunctions areavailable toprotect evidence anddescribe briefly whatfactors areconsidered bythe
competent authorities indetermining when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed".
16. Article 50.3requires thatjudicial authorities beauthorized toprovide forasecurity orequivalent
assurance toprotect thedefendant. Dothejudicial authorities inLiechtenstein havesuchauthority
and,ifso,please citetheapplicable laworregulation.IP/C/W/83
Page107
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
17. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or trademarks.
18. Article 55provides thatareview istotakeplace within areasonable timeattherequest of
thedefending party todetermine ifthesuspension measures should bemodified, revoked orconfirmed
pending theoutcome oftheproceeding onthemerits. Please identify theforum thatisauthorized to
conduct suchareview anddescribe theprocedure andcitetheapplicable laworregulations.
19. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
20. Article 57alsorequires that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding the
importer, consignee orconsignor. Ifcompetent authorities inLiechtenstein canprovide information
regarding theimporter, consignee orconsignor totheright holder, please explain howinformation
regarding names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods are
provided totheapplicant afterapositive decision ofinfringement ismade, e.g.,authorities automatically
providing information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.Please cite
tothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.
21. Article 59identifies theremedies thataretobeavailable, including destruction ordisposal
ofinfringing goods outside thestream ofcommerce. Please explain what thelawinLiechtenstein
permits regarding thedisposition ofinfringing goods, i.e.,doesthelawallow fordestruction, disposal
orboth. Please citetothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.
22. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofLiechtenstein.
Criminal Procedures
23. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofLiechtenstein comply withthatobligation.IP/C/W/83
Page108
MEXICO
ThequestionsoftheUnitedStatesaddressedtotheGovernmentofMexicoconsistofthechecklist
ofissues onenforcement (document IP/C/5).IP/C/W/83
Page109
NEW ZEALAND
General Obligations
1. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcement procedure ineachofthecourts identified inIP/N/6/NZL/1 andcitethelegalauthorities
establishing those procedures.
2. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts thatisnotrequired ofanational orresident ofNewZealand andcitethelegalauthorities providing
forthose differences.
3. Article 41.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires establishment ofsafeguards against abuse of
judicial enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation forinjury suffered
because ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawofNewZealand toprevent
abuse ofjudicial procedures ortoremedy damages suffered asaresult ofsuchabuse andcitethelegal
authorities forthose means.
4. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inNewZealand thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain whatprovisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
5. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please describe anyfeescharged byjudicial officials forfiling legalactions involving
intellectual property orforpursuing suchactions onceinitiated, citethelegalauthorities forsuchfees,
andprovide copies ofthedocuments usedtoinform thepublic ofsuchfees.
6. Article41.2alsoaddressesthetimelinessofjudicialandadministrativeenforcementproceedings.
Pleasecitetothelegalauthoritiesestablishinganytimelimitsforjudicialandadministrativeproceedings.
7. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt identified inIP/N/6/NZL/1, whether judges mustrender theirdecisions
inwriting andcitethelegalauthorities requiring suchwritten opinions.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
8. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed fornotifying
defending parties regarding proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation
provided regarding theproceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
9. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial officials, thoseofficials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinaldeterminations adverse
tothatparty. Please describe whatsanctions maybeimposed onaparty thatrefused toprovide ordered
information andunder whatcircumstances those sanctions areimposed, citing thelegalauthority for
those sanctions.IP/C/W/83
Page110
Provisional Measures
10. Article 50.2requires thatjudicial authorities beauthorized togrant provisional remedies when
adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totherightholder. Please describe briefly whatisrequired
bytheauthorities toestablish "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
11. Article 57requires interaliathat,where thedecision onthemerits favors therightholder,
thecompetent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding
theimporter, consignee orconsignor. Ifcompetent authorities inNewZealand canprovide information
regarding theimporter, consignee orconsignor totheright holder, please explain howinformation
regarding names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods are
provided totheapplicant afterapositive decision ofinfringement ismade, e.g.,authorities automatically
providing information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.
Criminal Procedures
12. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofNewZealand comply withthatobligation.IP/C/W/83
Page111
NORWAY
General Obligations
1. Article 41.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatprocedures beavailable fortheeffective
enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. InIP/N/6/NOR/1, Norway
states thatallcourts except theconciliation board havejurisdiction overintellectual property enforcement
cases. Please describe thecourt structure forthejudicial procedures inNorway inwhich parties can
enforcetheirintellectualpropertyrights,atlocal,provincialandnationallevels,indicatingthejurisdiction
ofeachtypeofcourt andexplaining theinterrelationships, ifany.
2. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcement procedure andcitethelegalauthorities establishing those procedures.
3. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts identified inanswer toquestion 1thatisnotrequired ofanational orresident ofNorway and
citethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
4. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inNorway thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain whatprovisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
5. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please describe anyfeescharged byjudicial oradministrative officials forfiling legal
actionsinvolvingintellectualpropertyorforpursuingsuchactionsonceinitiated,citethelegalauthorities
forsuchfees,andprovide copies ofthedocuments usedtoinform thepublic ofsuchfees.
6. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please statewhether
judgesmustrendertheirdecisionsinwritingandcitethelegalauthoritiesrequiringsuchwrittenopinions.
7. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please identify thefactors thatmaybe
considered byajudge inrendering adecision.
8. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial decisions
inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegallimitations, ifany,are
placed upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding tohaveboth
procedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority, andcitethelegal
authorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
9. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed fornotifying
defending parties regarding proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation
provided regarding theproceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
10. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial officials tobeproduced, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinal
determinations adverse tothatparty. Please describe whatsanctions maybeimposed onaparty thatIP/C/W/83
Page112
refused toprovide ordered information andunder what circumstances those sanctions areimposed,
citing thelegalauthority forthose sanctions.
11. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise prevent infringing
activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentryofinfringing goods intothechannels ofcommerce.
IP/N/6/NOR/1 explains thattheeffect ofalegaldetermination thatadefendant hasnorighttocarry
outactivities thatareinfringing, combined withthepossibility ofcriminal action, hasthesame effect
asaninjunction. Thedescription ofcriminal actions available doesnotindicate thatcriminal actions
arepossibleinconnectionwithviolationsinrelationtorightsinundisclosedinformation.Pleasedescribe
howactivities thatviolate suchrights canberemedied asrequired byArticle 44.1.
12. Other remedies required bytheTRIPS Agreement forviolations ofintellectual property rights
describedinIP/N/NOR/1alsodonotincludereferencestoviolationsofrightsinundisclosedinformation.
Please describe howsuchremedies areprovided under Norway ’slaws.
13. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofNorway andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
14. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw. Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.
Provisional Measures
15. Article 50.3requires thatjudicial authorities beauthorized torequire anapplicant toprovide
evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant istherightholder andthat
infringement hasoccurred orisimminent. Please describe theevidence required byrightholders to
establish ownership ofeachformofintellectual property covered byPartIIoftheTRIPS Agreement.
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
16. TheTRIPS Agreement requires thatcountries adopt procedures thatenable right holders to
request suspension oftheimportation ofcounterfeit trademarked goods andpirated copyrighted works.
IP/N/6/NOR/1, dated September 1996, states thatNorway isreviewing thelawsandregulations relating
toborder measures toensure conformity withtheTRIPS Agreement. Please givethestatus ofthe
review anddescribe themanner inwhich thelawsandregulations ofNorway comply withtheobligations
contained inArticles 51through 59oftheTRIPS Agreement.
Criminal Procedures
17. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofNorway comply withthatobligation.IP/C/W/83
Page113
POLAND
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. Please describe
thestructure ofthejudicial andadministrative12procedures inPoland inwhich parties canenforce their
intellectual property rights, atlocal, provincial andnational levels, indicating thejurisdiction ofeach
typeofcourt oradministrative bodyandexplaining theinterrelationships, ifany,ofthevarious types
ofcourtsandadministrativebodies.Citethelawsorotherauthoritiesestablishingthestructure,including
eachtypeofcourt andadministrative body.
2. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcementprocedureineachofthecourtsandadministrativebodiesidentifiedinresponsetoquestion1
andcitethelegalauthorities establishing those procedures.
3. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies identified inanswer toquestion 1thatisnotrequired ofanational
orresident ofPoland andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
4. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofjudicial andadministrative enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation
forinjury suffered because ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawofPoland
toprevent abuse ofjudicial andadministrative procedures ortoremedy damages suffered asaresult
ofsuchabuse andcitethelegalauthorities forthose means.
5. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please describe anyfeescharged byjudicial oradministrative officials forfiling legal
actionsinvolvingintellectualpropertyorforpursuingsuchactionsonceinitiated,citethelegalauthorities
forsuchfees,andprovide copies ofthedocuments usedtoinform thepublic ofsuchfees.
6. Article41.2alsoaddressesthetimelinessofjudicialandadministrativeenforcementproceedings.
Please citetothelegalauthorities establishing anytimelimits forjudicial andadministrative proceedings
and,ifithasnotalready beendone, provide copies ofthelawsorregulations inquestion.
7. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inPoland thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
8. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,whether judges or
administrative officials mustrender theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegalauthorities requiring
suchwritten opinions.
9. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please state, withregard toeachtypeofcourt
andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,what factors maybeconsidered byajudge or
12These questionsapplytobothjudicialandadministrativeenforcement ofintellectualpropertyrightsbecause ofArticle49
oftheTRIPS Agreement.IP/C/W/83
Page114
administrative official inrendering adecision andcitethelegalauthorities establishing thebasis on
which judges andadministrative officials mayreach decisions.
10. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegal
limitations, ifany,areplaced upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement
proceeding tohavebothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority,
andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
11. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed byeachtype
ofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
12. Article 42alsorequires thatparties tointellectual property enforcement proceedings mustbe
abletoberepresented bycounsel andmustnotbesubject tooverly burdensome requirements toappear
personally. Please describe anylimitations under Poland ’slawsontheability ofaparty insucha
proceeding toberepresented byindependent legalcounsel andanyrequirements imposed ontheparty
toappear personally inaproceeding. Please citethelegalauthorities providing suchlimitations and
imposing suchrequirements.
13. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawofPoland onaparty’sability tosubstantiate aclaim or
topresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
14. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
Please describe themeans provided under thelawofPoland forparties toidentify andhaveprotected
confidential information required tobepresented inorder toprove theirclaims andcitethelegal
authorities providing forsuchidentification andprotection.
15. Article 43.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beable
toorder aparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding toproduce relevant evidence in
thatparty’scontrol identified bytheopposing party when thelatter party haspresented reasonably
available evidence insupport ofitsclaims. Please describe howandinwhat circumstances judges
andadministrativeofficialsmayorderproductionofrelevantevidenceinintellectualpropertyenforcement
proceedings andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchorders.
16. Information ordered tobeproduced, referred toinquestion 15,must beprotected ifitis
confidential.PleasedescribethemeansprovidedunderthelawofPolandforprotectingsuchinformation
andcitethelegalauthority providing forsuchprotection, ifthose means differ fromthose described
inanswer toquestion 14.
17. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial oradministrative officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinal
determinations adverse tothatparty. Please describe whatsanctions maybeimposed onaparty that
refused toprovide ordered information andunder what circumstances those sanctions areimposed,
citing thelegalauthority forthose sanctions.IP/C/W/83
Page115
18. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise
prevent infringing activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothe
channels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction. Please describe authority ofthejudges andadministrative
officials identified inquestion 1toorder parties tostopinfringements andtoprevent infringing goods
fromentering thechannels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction immediately afterclearance ofsuchgoods
through customs. Inaddition, please citethelegalauthorities authorizing suchactions.
19. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofPoland andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
20. Article 45.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoorder aninfringer to
paytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement. Please
describe theauthority ofthejudges andadministrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder aparty
found tobeinfringing topaytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused
bytheinfringement.Pleaseexplainthefactorsconsideredinestablishingtheamountofthecompensation
andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchcompensation orders.
21. Article 45.2requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder payment
ofaright holder 'sexpenses, including legal fees. Please describe theauthority ofthejudges and
administrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder payment ofright holders ’expenses, the
circumstances under which suchanorder willbegiven, thefactors considered inestablishing the
expenses, andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchpayments.
22. Article 46requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder, incertain
circumstances, other remedies, including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction
ofgoods anddestruction ofmaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich isthecreation
ofinfringing goods. Please describe theadditional remedies available under thelawsofPoland, the
circumstances inwhich suchauthority willbeexercised, thefactors considered indetermining thenature
oftheremedies provided, andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
23. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges andadministrative officials to
order infringers toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution
ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution. Please describe anyauthority judges
andadministrative officials haveunder thelawsofPoland toorder infringers toidentify forrightholders
thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels
ofdistribution anddescribe thecircumstances inwhich thisauthority would beexercised. Please cite
thelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
24. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw.Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.
Provisional Measures
25. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorderpromptandeffectiveprovisionalremediestopreventaninfringementofanyintellectualproperty
right. Withrespect toeachintellectual property rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement,IP/C/W/83
Page116
please identify theprovisional measures available toprotect intellectual property rights. Please cite
therelevant legalauthority establishing those provisional remedies.
26. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorder prompt andeffective provisional remedies topreserve relevant evidence inregard toanalleged
infringement. Please identify theprovisional measures available topreserve relevant evidence inregard
toanalleged infringement andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
27. Articles 50.2and50.8require Members toauthorize judicial andadministrative authorities
toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera parte.With respect toeachintellectual property right
identified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe briefly thecircumstances inwhich
thejudicial andadministrative authorities areempowered toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera
parte andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
28. Articles 50.2and50.8require thatjudicial authorities andadministrative bodies beauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
Please describe briefly what isrequired bytheauthorities identified inanswers toquestions 25,26
and27toestablish "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
29. Articles50.2and50.8alsorequirethatjudicialauthoritiesandadministrativebodiesbeauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed". Please
describe briefly whatfactors areconsidered bythecompetent authorities indetermining when there
isa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed".
30. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtorequire
anapplicant toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant
istherightholder andthatinfringement hasoccurred orisimminent. Withrespect toeachintellectual
property rightdefined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe theevidence required
byrightholders toestablish ownership.
31. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtoprovide
asecurity orequivalent assurance toprotect thedefendant. With respect toeachintellectual property
rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please citethelegalauthority establishing a
security orequivalent assurance.
32. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte.Please describe briefly theprocedures followed byeachauthority abletoadopt
suchmeasures fornotifying affected parties andstatethetimewithin which suchnotice musttakeplace.
33. Article 50.4alsorequires thatdefendants beafforded areview process todetermine whether
provisional measures should bemodified, confirmed, orrevoked. Please describe briefly theprocedures
adefendant must follow toinitiate review proceedings ineachoftheauthorities abletoadopt such
measures andidentify theperiod within which suchproceedings must beinitiated.
34. Article 50.5requires thatcompetent authorities beauthorized torequire applicants tosupply
other information necessary fortheidentification ofgoods concerned bytheauthority thatwillexecute
theprovisional measures. Please describe briefly what other information mayberequired bythe
authorities andcitethelegalauthority establishing thebasis forthissupplemental information.
35. Articles 50.6and50.8provide thatifproceedings leading toadecision onthemerits arenot
initiatedwithinareasonabletime,provisionalremediesgrantedbycompetentauthoritiesshallberevoked
orotherwise cease tohaveeffect, attherequest ofthedefendant. Please identify therelevant provisionsIP/C/W/83
Page117
inthelawofPolandauthorizingtherevocationorcessationofprovisionalmeasuresifreviewproceedings
arenotinitiated within areasonable timeandspecify whatconstitutes a"reasonable timeperiod" to
initiate proceedings.
36. Articles50.7and50.8providethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesshallhavetheauthority
toorder theapplicant toprovide thedefendant appropriate compensation foranyinjury caused bythe
adoption ofprovisional measures when saidmeasures arerevoked, havelapsed, orwhen ithasbeen
determined thatthere hasbeennoinfringement orthreat ofinfringement. Please describe howthe
competent authorities determine "appropriate compensation".
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
37. Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatcountries adopt procedures thatenable right
holderstorequestsuspensionoftheimportationofcounterfeittrademarkedgoodsandpiratedcopyrighted
works. Please identify thecompetent authority inPoland authorized toaccept applications forarequest
tosuspend release ofsuspected infringing goods andcitetherelevant laworregulation governing such
authority.
38. Please describe theprocedures arightholder mustfollow toobtain border protection bythe
competent authorities, e.g.,ifthere isaformal application thatmust besubmitted tothecompetent
authority, judicial oradministrative, andtheinformation required intherequest forsuspension and
citethelaworregulations providing suchprocedures.
39. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or trademarks.
40. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthere isprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement inPoland.
41. Article 52alsorequires thattherightholder provide a"sufficiently detailed description ofthe
goods" tobestopped. Please explain whatisrequired oftherightholder inPoland foradescription
tobe"sufficiently detailed".
42. Article 52requires thatthecompetent authorities notify therightholder thathisapplication
isaccepted within areasonable time. Please explain within whatperiod oftimethecompetent authority
responds toarequest forsuspension ofrelease ofgoods and,iftheapplication isaccepted, thelength
oftimeduring which enforcement action willbetaken.
43. Article53.1requiresthatthecompetentauthoritieshavetheauthoritytosecurefromanapplicant
asecurity orequivalent assurance sufficient toprotect adefendant andtoprevent abuse. Please verify
thatthecompetent authorities identified above areempowered torequire security orequivalent assurance
andprovide citations totheprovisions oflaworregulation thatgrant them thatauthority.
44. Article 53.2provides thattheowner, importer, orconsignee ofgoods involving industrial
designs, patents, layout-designs orundisclosed information thathave been suspended bycustoms
authorities should beable,incertain circumstances, tohavesuchgoods released onpayment ofsecurity
sufficient toprotect theright holder from infringement. Please identify what forms ofintellectual
property, ifany,aresubject toprovisions ofArticle 53.2andcitetotherelevant provisions oflaw
orregulations.IP/C/W/83
Page118
45. Article 54requires thattheimporter andtheapplicant benotified promptly ofthesuspension
orrelease ofgoods. Please specify theperiod within which thecompetent authority toissue anotice
thattherelease ofgoods hasbeensuspended.
46. Article 55makes itclearthattherightholder applying forsuspension ofinfringing goods must
initiate aproceeding onthemerits inanappropriate forum within areasonable period oftimeorthe
goods willbereleased. Please identify theforainwhich anapplicant/party mayinitiate proceedings
onthemerits thatwillallow customs authorities toholdthegoods beyond tenworking days.
47. Article 55provides thatareview istotakeplace within areasonable timeattherequest of
thedefending party todetermine ifthesuspension measures should bemodified, revoked orconfirmed
pending theoutcome oftheproceeding onthemerits. Please identify theforum thatisauthorized to
conduct suchareview anddescribe theprocedure andcitetheapplicable laworregulations.
48. Article 56requires thattheauthorities beabletorequire theapplicant tocompensate the
defending party foranyinjury caused ifthedetention ofgoods wasunfounded. Please identify the
authorities thatcanorder theapplicant topaytheimporter, consignee orowner compensation forinjury
caused bywrongful detention orthrough thedetention ofgoods released pursuant toArticle 55and
citetotheapplicable laworregulations.
49. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
50. Article 57alsorequires that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding the
importer, consignee orconsignor. Ifcompetent authorities inPoland canprovide information regarding
theimporter, consignee orconsignor totherightholder, please explain howinformation regarding
names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods areprovided
totheapplicantafterapositivedecisionofinfringementismade,e.g.,authoritiesautomaticallyproviding
information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.Please citetothelaw
orregulations providing suchauthority.
51. Article 58specifies procedures tobefollowed where thecompetent authorities canactexofficio.
Please explain whether thecompetent authorities inPoland areempowered toactexofficio and,if
so,please identify theintellectual property areas subject toexofficio action.
52. Article 59identifies theremedies thataretobeavailable, including destruction ordisposal
ofinfringing goods outside thestream ofcommerce. Please explain whatthelawinPoland permits
regarding thedisposition ofinfringing goods, i.e.,doesthelawallow fordestruction, disposal orboth.
Please citetothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.
53. Please identify:
(a) thecompetent authority thatdecides thedisposition ofthegoods, i.e.,whether thegoods
willbedestroyed ordisposed ofoutside thestream ofcommerce; and
(b) thecompetent authority thatcarries outthedestruction ordisposal ofthegoods.
54. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.IP/C/W/83
Page119
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofPoland.
Criminal Procedures
55. Article 61oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatMembers have criminal procedures and
penalties, including imprisonment and/or monetary finessufficient toactasadeterrent, atleastfor
cases ofwilful trademark counterfeiting andcopyright infringement onacommercial scale. Please
describe theprovisions inthelawofPoland thatfulfill thatobligation andprovide legalcitations.
56. Article 61alsorequires thatremedies inappropriate cases include theseizure, forfeiture and
destruction ofinfringing goods andanymaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich has
beenthecommission oftheoffense. Please explain theprovisions inthelawofPoland thatprovide
forsuchremedies, describe thecircumstances inwhich those remedies would beimposed andprovide
legalcitations.
57. Article 61alsoindicates thatMembers mayprovide forcriminal procedures andpenalties in
cases ofwilful infringement ofother forms ofintellectual property. Please describe anyprovisions
inthelawofPoland thatprovide forsuchprocedures andremedies andprovide legalcitations.
58. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofPoland comply withthatobligation.IP/C/W/83
Page120
SLOVAK REPUBLIC
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. Please describe
thestructure ofthejudicial andadministrative13procedures intheSlovak Republic inwhich parties
canenforce theirintellectual property rights, atlocal, provincial andnational levels, indicating the
jurisdiction ofeachtypeofcourt oradministrative body andexplaining theinterrelationships, ifany,
ofthevarious types ofcourts andadministrative bodies. Citethelawsorother authorities establishing
thestructure, including eachtypeofcourt andadministrative body.
2. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcementprocedureineachofthecourtsandadministrativebodiesidentifiedinresponsetoquestion1
andcitethelegalauthorities establishing those procedures.
3. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies identified inanswer toquestion 1thatisnotrequired ofanational
orresident oftheSlovak Republic andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
4. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofjudicial andadministrative enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation
forinjury suffered because ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawofthe
SlovakRepublictopreventabuseofjudicialandadministrativeproceduresortoremedydamagessuffered
asaresult ofsuchabuse andcitethelegalauthorities forthose means.
5. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please describe anyfeescharged byjudicial oradministrative officials forfiling legal
actionsinvolvingintellectualpropertyorforpursuingsuchactionsonceinitiated,citethelegalauthorities
forsuchfees,andprovide copies ofthedocuments usedtoinform thepublic ofsuchfees.
6. Article41.2alsoaddressesthetimelinessofjudicialandadministrativeenforcementproceedings.
Please citetothelegalauthorities establishing anytimelimits forjudicial andadministrative proceedings
and,ifithasnotalready beendone, provide copies ofthelawsorregulations inquestion.
7. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system intheSlovak Republic thatensure
expeditious remedies. Inaddition, please explain whatprovisions areavailable toprevent deliberate
delays bytheparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbe
applied.
8. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,whether judges or
administrative officials mustrender theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegalauthorities requiring
suchwritten opinions.
9. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please state, withregard toeachtypeofcourt
13These questionsapplytobothjudicialandadministrativeenforcement ofintellectualpropertyrightsbecause ofArticle49
oftheTRIPS Agreement.IP/C/W/83
Page121
andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,what factors maybeconsidered byajudge or
administrative official inrendering adecision andcitethelegalauthorities establishing thebasis on
which judges andadministrative officials mayreach decisions.
10. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegal
limitations, ifany,areplaced upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement
proceeding tohavebothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority,
andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
11. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed byeachtype
ofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
12. Article 42alsorequires thatparties tointellectual property enforcement proceedings mustbe
abletoberepresented bycounsel andmustnotbesubject tooverly burdensome requirements toappear
personally. Please describe anylimitations under theSlovak Republic ’slawsontheability ofaparty
insuchaproceeding toberepresented byindependent legalcounsel andanyrequirements imposed
ontheparty toappear personally inaproceeding. Please citethelegal authorities providing such
limitations andimposing suchrequirements.
13. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawoftheSlovak Republic onaparty’sability tosubstantiate
aclaim ortopresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
14. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
Please describe themeans provided under thelawoftheSlovak Republic forparties toidentify and
haveprotected confidential information required tobepresented inorder toprove theirclaims and
citethelegalauthorities providing forsuchidentification andprotection.
15. Article 43.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beable
toorder aparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding toproduce relevant evidence in
thatparty’scontrol identified bytheopposing party when thelatter party haspresented reasonably
available evidence insupport ofitsclaims. Please describe howandinwhat circumstances judges
andadministrativeofficialsmayorderproductionofrelevantevidenceinintellectualpropertyenforcement
proceedings andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchorders.
16. Information ordered tobeproduced, referred toinquestion 15,must beprotected ifitis
confidential. Please describe themeans provided under thelawoftheSlovak Republic forprotecting
suchinformation andcitethelegalauthority providing forsuchprotection, ifthose means differ from
those described inanswer toquestion 14.
17. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial oradministrative officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinal
determinations adverse tothatparty. Please describe whatsanctions maybeimposed onaparty that
refused toprovide ordered information andunder what circumstances those sanctions areimposed,
citing thelegalauthority forthose sanctions.IP/C/W/83
Page122
18. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise
prevent infringing activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothe
channels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction. Please describe authority ofthejudges andadministrative
officials identified inquestion 1toorder parties tostopinfringements andtoprevent infringing goods
fromentering thechannels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction immediately afterclearance ofsuchgoods
through customs. Inaddition, please citethelegalauthorities authorizing suchactions.
19. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsoftheSlovak Republic andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
20. Article 45.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoorder aninfringer to
paytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement. Please
describe theauthority ofthejudges andadministrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder aparty
found tobeinfringing topaytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused
bytheinfringement.Pleaseexplainthefactorsconsideredinestablishingtheamountofthecompensation
andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchcompensation orders.
21. Article 45.2requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder payment
ofaright holder 'sexpenses, including legal fees. Please describe theauthority ofthejudges and
administrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder payment ofright holders ’expenses, the
circumstances under which suchanorder willbegiven, thefactors considered inestablishing the
expenses, andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchpayments.
22. Article 46requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder, incertain
circumstances, other remedies, including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction
ofgoods anddestruction ofmaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich isthecreation
ofinfringing goods. Please describe theadditional remedies available under thelawsoftheSlovak
Republic, thecircumstances inwhich suchauthority willbeexercised, thefactors considered in
determining thenature oftheremedies provided, andcitethelegal authorities providing forsuch
remedies.
23. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges andadministrative officials to
order infringers toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution
ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution. Please describe anyauthority judges
andadministrative officials haveunder thelawsoftheSlovak Republic toorder infringers toidentify
forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution ofinfringing goods orservices
andtheirchannels ofdistribution anddescribe thecircumstances inwhich thisauthority would be
exercised. Please citethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
24. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw. Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.IP/C/W/83
Page123
Provisional Measures
25. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorderpromptandeffectiveprovisionalremediestopreventaninfringementofanyintellectualproperty
right. Withrespect toeachintellectual property rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement,
please identify theprovisional measures available toprotect intellectual property rights. Please cite
therelevant legalauthority establishing those provisional remedies.
26. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorder prompt andeffective provisional remedies topreserve relevant evidence inregard toanalleged
infringement. Please identify theprovisional measures available topreserve relevant evidence inregard
toanalleged infringement andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
27. Articles 50.2and50.8require Members toauthorize judicial andadministrative authorities
toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera parte.With respect toeachintellectual property right
identified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe briefly thecircumstances inwhich
thejudicial andadministrative authorities areempowered toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera
parte andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
28. Articles 50.2and50.8require thatjudicial authorities andadministrative bodies beauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
Please describe briefly what isrequired bytheauthorities identified inanswers toquestions 25,26
and27toestablish "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
29. Articles50.2and50.8alsorequirethatjudicialauthoritiesandadministrativebodiesbeauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed". Please
describe briefly whatfactors areconsidered bythecompetent authorities indetermining when there
isa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed".
30. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtorequire
anapplicant toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant
istherightholder andthatinfringement hasoccurred orisimminent. Withrespect toeachintellectual
property rightdefined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe theevidence required
byrightholders toestablish ownership.
31. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtoprovide
asecurity orequivalent assurance toprotect thedefendant. With respect toeachintellectual property
rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please citethelegalauthority establishing a
security orequivalent assurance.
32. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte.Please describe briefly theprocedures followed byeachauthority abletoadopt
suchmeasures fornotifying affected parties andstatethetimewithin which suchnotice musttakeplace.
33. Article 50.4alsorequires thatdefendants beafforded areview process todetermine whether
provisional measures should bemodified, confirmed, orrevoked. Please describe briefly theprocedures
adefendant must follow toinitiate review proceedings ineachoftheauthorities abletoadopt such
measures andidentify theperiod within which suchproceedings must beinitiated.
34. Article 50.5requires thatcompetent authorities beauthorized torequire applicants tosupply
other information necessary fortheidentification ofgoods concerned bytheauthority thatwillexecuteIP/C/W/83
Page124
theprovisional measures. Please describe briefly what other information mayberequired bythe
authorities andcitethelegalauthority establishing thebasis forthissupplemental information.
35. Articles 50.6and50.8provide thatifproceedings leading toadecision onthemerits arenot
initiatedwithinareasonabletime,provisionalremediesgrantedbycompetentauthoritiesshallberevoked
orotherwise cease tohaveeffect, attherequest ofthedefendant. Please identify therelevant provisions
inthelawoftheSlovak Republic authorizing therevocation orcessation ofprovisional measures if
review proceedings arenotinitiated within areasonable timeandspecify whatconstitutes a"reasonable
timeperiod" toinitiate proceedings.
36. Articles50.7and50.8providethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesshallhavetheauthority
toorder theapplicant toprovide thedefendant appropriate compensation foranyinjury caused bythe
adoption ofprovisional measures when saidmeasures arerevoked, havelapsed, orwhen ithasbeen
determined thatthere hasbeennoinfringement orthreat ofinfringement. Please describe howthe
competent authorities determine "appropriate compensation".
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
37. Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatcountries adopt procedures thatenable right
holderstorequestsuspensionoftheimportationofcounterfeittrademarkedgoodsandpiratedcopyrighted
works. Please identify thecompetent authority intheSlovak Republic authorized toaccept applications
forarequest tosuspend release ofsuspected infringing goods andcitetherelevant laworregulation
governing suchauthority.
38. Please describe theprocedures arightholder mustfollow toobtain border protection bythe
competent authorities, e.g.,ifthere isaformal application thatmust besubmitted tothecompetent
authority, judicial oradministrative, andtheinformation required intherequest forsuspension and
citethelaworregulations providing suchprocedures.
39. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or trademarks.
40. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthereisprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement intheSlovak Republic.
41. Article 52alsorequires thattherightholder provide a"sufficiently detailed description ofthe
goods" tobestopped. Please explain whatisrequired oftherightholder intheSlovak Republic for
adescription tobe"sufficiently detailed".
42. Article 52requires thatthecompetent authorities notify therightholder thathisapplication
isaccepted within areasonable time. Please explain within whatperiod oftimethecompetent authority
responds toarequest forsuspension ofrelease ofgoods and,iftheapplication isaccepted, thelength
oftimeduring which enforcement action willbetaken.
43. Article53.1requiresthatthecompetentauthoritieshavetheauthoritytosecurefromanapplicant
asecurity orequivalent assurance sufficient toprotect adefendant andtoprevent abuse. Please verify
thatthecompetent authorities identified above areempowered torequire security orequivalent assurance
andprovide citations totheprovisions oflaworregulation thatgrant them thatauthority.IP/C/W/83
Page125
44. Article 53.2provides thattheowner, importer, orconsignee ofgoods involving industrial
designs, patents, layout-designs orundisclosed information thathave been suspended bycustoms
authorities should beable,incertain circumstances, tohavesuchgoods released onpayment ofsecurity
sufficient toprotect theright holder from infringement. Please identify what forms ofintellectual
property, ifany,aresubject toprovisions ofArticle 53.2andcitetotherelevant provisions oflaw
orregulations.
45. Article 54requires thattheimporter andtheapplicant benotified promptly ofthesuspension
orrelease ofgoods. Please specify theperiod within which thecompetent authority toissue anotice
thattherelease ofgoods hasbeensuspended.
46. Article 55makes itclearthattherightholder applying forsuspension ofinfringing goods must
initiate aproceeding onthemerits inanappropriate forum within areasonable period oftimeorthe
goods willbereleased. Please identify theforainwhich anapplicant/party mayinitiate proceedings
onthemerits thatwillallow customs authorities toholdthegoods beyond tenworking days.
47. Article 55provides thatareview istotakeplace within areasonable timeattherequest of
thedefending party todetermine ifthesuspension measures should bemodified, revoked orconfirmed
pending theoutcome oftheproceeding onthemerits. Please identify theforum thatisauthorized to
conduct suchareview anddescribe theprocedure andcitetheapplicable laworregulations.
48. Article 56requires thattheauthorities beabletorequire theapplicant tocompensate the
defending party foranyinjury caused ifthedetention ofgoods wasunfounded. Please identify the
authorities thatcanorder theapplicant topaytheimporter, consignee orowner compensation forinjury
caused bywrongful detention orthrough thedetention ofgoods released pursuant toArticle 55and
citetotheapplicable laworregulations.
49. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
50. Article 57alsorequires that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding the
importer, consignee orconsignor. Ifcompetent authorities intheSlovak Republic canprovide
information regarding theimporter, consignee orconsignor totherightholder, please explain how
information regarding names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities
ofgoods areprovided totheapplicant afterapositive decision ofinfringement ismade, e.g.,authorities
automatically providing information orbysubmission ofawritten request fromtherightholder, etc.
Please citetothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.
51. Article 58specifies procedures tobefollowed where thecompetent authorities canactexofficio.
Please explain whether thecompetent authorities intheSlovak Republic areempowered toactexofficio
and,ifso,please identify theintellectual property areas subject toexofficio action.
52. Article 59identifies theremedies thataretobeavailable, including destruction ordisposal
ofinfringing goods outside thestream ofcommerce. Please explain whatthelawintheSlovak Republic
permits regarding thedisposition ofinfringing goods, i.e.,doesthelawallow fordestruction, disposal
orboth. Please citetothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.IP/C/W/83
Page126
53. Please identify:
(a) thecompetent authority thatdecides thedisposition ofthegoods, i.e.,whether thegoods
willbedestroyed ordisposed ofoutside thestream ofcommerce; and
(b) thecompetent authority thatcarries outthedestruction ordisposal ofthegoods.
54. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawoftheSlovak Republic.
Criminal Procedures
55. Article 61oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatMembers have criminal procedures and
penalties, including imprisonment and/or monetary finessufficient toactasadeterrent, atleastfor
cases ofwilful trademark counterfeiting andcopyright infringement onacommercial scale. Please
describe theprovisions inthelawoftheSlovak Republic thatfulfill thatobligation andprovide legal
citations.
56. Article 61alsorequires thatremedies inappropriate cases include theseizure, forfeiture and
destruction ofinfringing goods andanymaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich has
beenthecommission oftheoffense. Please explain theprovisions inthelawoftheSlovak Republic
thatprovide forsuchremedies, describe thecircumstances inwhich those remedies would beimposed
andprovide legalcitations.
57. Article 61alsoindicates thatMembers mayprovide forcriminal procedures andpenalties in
cases ofwilful infringement ofother forms ofintellectual property. Please describe anyprovisions
inthelawoftheSlovak Republic thatprovide forsuchprocedures andremedies andprovide legal
citations.
58. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsoftheSlovak Republic comply withthatobligation.IP/C/W/83
Page127
SLOVENIA
General Obligations
1. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcement procedure inthecourts identified inresponse toquestion 1ofthe"Checklist ofIssues
onEnforcement".
2. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts thatisnotrequired ofanational orresident ofSlovenia.
3. Article 41.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires establishment ofsafeguards against abuse of
judicial andadministrative enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation
forinjury suffered because ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawofSlovenia
toprevent abuse ofjudicial procedures ortoremedy damages suffered asaresult ofsuchabuse and
citethelegalauthorities forthose means.
4. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inSlovenia thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
5. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial proceedings. Please describe
anyfeeschargedbyjudicialofficialsforfilinglegalactionsinvolvingintellectualpropertyorforpursuing
suchactions onceinitiated, citethelegalauthorities forsuchfees,andprovide copies ofthedocuments
usedtoinform thepublic ofsuchfees.
6. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please statewhether
judgesmustrendertheirdecisionsinwritingandcitethelegalauthoritiesrequiringsuchwrittenopinions.
7. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please identify thefactors thatmaybe
considered byajudge inrendering adecision.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
8. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed fornotifying
defending parties regarding proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation
provided regarding theproceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
9. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
InIP/N/6/SVN/1, theGovernment ofSlovenia explains thatcourts mayexclude thepublic fromcourt
hearings andwarn theparties torespect theconfidential nature ofinformation received athearings.
Please describe themanner inwhich aparty thatfailed torespect theconfidential nature ofinformation
received athearings.
10. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofSlovenia andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.IP/C/W/83
Page128
11. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges toorder infringers toidentify
forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution ofinfringing goods orservices
andtheirchannels ofdistribution. InIP/N/6/SVN/1, theGovernment ofSlovenia explains themanner
inwhich arightholder maydemand thatpersons involved incopyright infringement provide information
anddocuments. Please describe anyauthority judges haveunder thelawsofSlovenia toorder infringers
toidentify forrightholders those thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution ofinfringing
goodsorservicesandtheirchannelsofdistributionanddescribethecircumstancesinwhichthisauthority
would beexercised. Please describe anysimilar authority inconnection withotherforms orintellectual
property.
12. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw.Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.
Provisional Measures
13. Article 50.2requires Members toauthorize judicial authorities toadopt provisional measures
inaudita altera parte.IP/N/6/SVN/1 states thatsuchaction canbetaken inindustrial property cases
"inurgentcases".Pleasedescribebrieflythecircumstancesthatwouldbeconsidered"urgent,"providing
examples.
14. Article 50.3requires thatjudicial authorities beauthorized torequire anapplicant toprovide
evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant istherightholder andthat
infringement hasoccurred orisimminent. With respect toeachintellectual property right defined
inArticle1.2oftheTRIPSAgreement,pleasedescribetheevidencerequiredbyrightholderstoestablish
ownership.
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
15. Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatcountries adopt procedures thatenable right
holderstorequestsuspensionoftheimportationofcounterfeittrademarkedgoodsandpiratedcopyrighted
works. IP/N/6/SVN/1 describes procedures forpirated copyright goods andsaysthatotherwise the
TRIPS Agreement applies directly. Ifthismeans thatborder enforcement inconnection withcounterfeit
trademarked goods isnotaddressed directly innational law,please explain howthecompetent authorities
aredesignated inSlovenia, sincetheTRIPS Agreement doesnotspecify particular authorities. Please
describe anyplans toamend national legislation toimplement border measures inconnection with
counterfeit trademarked goods.
16. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofSlovenia.
Criminal Procedures
17. Article 61oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatMembers havecriminal procedures and
penalties, including imprisonment and/or monetary finessufficient toactasadeterrent, atleastfor
cases ofwilful trademark counterfeiting andcopyright infringement onacommercial scale.
IP/N/6/SVN/1describestheprovisionsandthepenalties.Inrelationtocopyright,thedocumentdescribes
anintent element, i.e.,thattheparty havetheintent "toobtain ...asubstantial unlawful material gain".IP/C/W/83
Page129
Please explain howthatelement isinterpreted andprovide examples ofwhatwould beconsidered a
"substantial unlawful material gain".
18. Article 61alsorequires thatremedies inappropriate cases include theseizure, forfeiture and
destruction ofinfringing goods andanymaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich has
beenthecommission oftheoffense. IP/N/6/SVN/1 doesnotindicate thatseizure, forfeiture, andthe
destruction ofinfringing goods andmaterials andimplements forcommission oftheoffense areavailable
inconnection withtrademark counterfeiting andconfiscation isreferred toinconnection withvarious
copyright violations. Please describe thecircumstances inwhich ajudge would order seizure, forfeiture
anddestruction ofinfringing goods andanymaterials andimplements.
19. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofSlovenia comply withthatobligation.IP/C/W/83
Page130
SOUTH AFRICA
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. Please describe
thestructure ofthejudicial andadministrative14procedures inSouth Africa inwhich parties canenforce
theirintellectual property rights, atlocal, provincial andnational levels, indicating thejurisdiction of
eachtypeofcourt oradministrative bodyandexplaining theinterrelationships, ifany,ofthevarious
types ofcourts andadministrative bodies. Citethelawsorother authorities establishing thestructure,
including eachtypeofcourt andadministrative body.
2. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcementprocedureineachofthecourtsandadministrativebodiesidentifiedinresponsetoquestion1
andcitethelegalauthorities establishing those procedures.
3. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies identified inanswer toquestion 1thatisnotrequired ofanational
orresident ofSouth Africa andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
4. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofjudicial andadministrative enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation
forinjury suffered because ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawofSouth
Africa toprevent abuse ofjudicial andadministrative procedures ortoremedy damages suffered as
aresult ofsuchabuse andcitethelegalauthorities forthose means.
5. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please describe anyfeescharged byjudicial oradministrative officials forfiling legal
actionsinvolvingintellectualpropertyorforpursuingsuchactionsonceinitiated,citethelegalauthorities
forsuchfees,andprovide copies ofthedocuments usedtoinform thepublic ofsuchfees.
6. Article41.2alsoaddressesthetimelinessofjudicialandadministrativeenforcementproceedings.
Please citetothelegalauthorities establishing anytimelimits forjudicial andadministrative proceedings
and,ifithasnotalready beendone, provide copies ofthelawsorregulations inquestion.
7. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inSouth Africa thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
8. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,whether judges or
administrative officials mustrender theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegalauthorities requiring
suchwritten opinions.
9. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please state, withregard toeachtypeofcourt
andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,what factors maybeconsidered byajudge or
14These questionsapplytobothjudicialandadministrativeenforcement ofintellectualpropertyrightsbecause ofArticle49
oftheTRIPS Agreement.IP/C/W/83
Page131
administrative official inrendering adecision andcitethelegalauthorities establishing thebasis on
which judges andadministrative officials mayreach decisions.
10. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegal
limitations, ifany,areplaced upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement
proceeding tohavebothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority,
andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
11. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed byeachtype
ofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
12. Article 42alsorequires thatparties tointellectual property enforcement proceedings mustbe
abletoberepresented bycounsel andmustnotbesubject tooverly burdensome requirements toappear
personally. Please describe anylimitations under South Africa ’slawsontheability ofaparty insuch
aproceeding toberepresented byindependent legalcounsel andanyrequirements imposed ontheparty
toappear personally inaproceeding. Please citethelegalauthorities providing suchlimitations and
imposing suchrequirements.
13. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawofSouth Africa onaparty’sability tosubstantiate aclaim
ortopresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
14. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
Please describe themeans provided under thelawofSouth Africa forparties toidentify andhave
protected confidential information required tobepresented inorder toprove theirclaims andcitethe
legalauthorities providing forsuchidentification andprotection.
15. Article 43.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beable
toorder aparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding toproduce relevant evidence in
thatparty’scontrol identified bytheopposing party when thelatter party haspresented reasonably
available evidence insupport ofitsclaims. Please describe howandinwhat circumstances judges
andadministrativeofficialsmayorderproductionofrelevantevidenceinintellectualpropertyenforcement
proceedings andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchorders.
16. Information ordered tobeproduced, referred toinquestion 15,must beprotected ifitis
confidential. Please describe themeans provided under thelawofSouth Africa forprotecting such
information andcitethelegalauthority providing forsuchprotection, ifthose means differ fromthose
described inanswer toquestion 14.
17. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial oradministrative officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinal
determinations adverse tothatparty. Please describe whatsanctions maybeimposed onaparty that
refused toprovide ordered information andunder what circumstances those sanctions areimposed,
citing thelegalauthority forthose sanctions.IP/C/W/83
Page132
18. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise
prevent infringing activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothe
channels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction. Please describe authority ofthejudges andadministrative
officials identified inquestion 1toorder parties tostopinfringements andtoprevent infringing goods
fromentering thechannels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction immediately afterclearance ofsuchgoods
through customs. Inaddition, please citethelegalauthorities authorizing suchactions.
19. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofSouth Africa andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
20. Article 45.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoorder aninfringer to
paytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement. Please
describe theauthority ofthejudges andadministrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder aparty
found tobeinfringing topaytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused
bytheinfringement.Pleaseexplainthefactorsconsideredinestablishingtheamountofthecompensation
andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchcompensation orders.
21. Article 45.2requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder payment
ofaright holder 'sexpenses, including legal fees. Please describe theauthority ofthejudges and
administrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder payment ofright holders ’expenses, the
circumstances under which suchanorder willbegiven, thefactors considered inestablishing the
expenses, andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchpayments.
22. Article 46requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder, incertain
circumstances, other remedies, including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction
ofgoods anddestruction ofmaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich isthecreation
ofinfringing goods. Please describe theadditional remedies available under thelawsofSouth Africa,
thecircumstances inwhich suchauthority willbeexercised, thefactors considered indetermining the
nature oftheremedies provided, andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
23. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges andadministrative officials to
order infringers toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution
ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution. Please describe anyauthority judges
andadministrative officials haveunder thelawsofSouth Africa toorder infringers toidentify forright
holders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution ofinfringing goods orservices and
theirchannels ofdistribution anddescribe thecircumstances inwhich thisauthority would beexercised.
Please citethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
24. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw.Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.
Provisional Measures
25. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorderpromptandeffectiveprovisionalremediestopreventaninfringementofanyintellectualproperty
right. Withrespect toeachintellectual property rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement,IP/C/W/83
Page133
please identify theprovisional measures available toprotect intellectual property rights. Please cite
therelevant legalauthority establishing those provisional remedies.
26. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorder prompt andeffective provisional remedies topreserve relevant evidence inregard toanalleged
infringement. Please identify theprovisional measures available topreserve relevant evidence inregard
toanalleged infringement andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
27. Articles 50.2and50.8require Members toauthorize judicial andadministrative authorities
toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera parte.With respect toeachintellectual property right
identified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe briefly thecircumstances inwhich
thejudicial andadministrative authorities areempowered toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera
parte andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
28. Articles 50.2and50.8require thatjudicial authorities andadministrative bodies beauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
Please describe briefly what isrequired bytheauthorities identified inanswers toquestions 25,26
and27toestablish "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
29. Articles50.2and50.8alsorequirethatjudicialauthoritiesandadministrativebodiesbeauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed". Please
describe briefly whatfactors areconsidered bythecompetent authorities indetermining when there
isa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed".
30. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtorequire
anapplicant toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant
istherightholder andthatinfringement hasoccurred orisimminent. Withrespect toeachintellectual
property rightdefined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe theevidence required
byrightholders toestablish ownership.
31. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtoprovide
asecurity orequivalent assurance toprotect thedefendant. With respect toeachintellectual property
rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please citethelegalauthority establishing a
security orequivalent assurance.
32. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte.Please describe briefly theprocedures followed byeachauthority abletoadopt
suchmeasures fornotifying affected parties andstatethetimewithin which suchnotice musttakeplace.
33. Article 50.4alsorequires thatdefendants beafforded areview process todetermine whether
provisional measures should bemodified, confirmed, orrevoked. Please describe briefly theprocedures
adefendant must follow toinitiate review proceedings ineachoftheauthorities abletoadopt such
measures andidentify theperiod within which suchproceedings must beinitiated.
34. Article 50.5requires thatcompetent authorities beauthorized torequire applicants tosupply
other information necessary fortheidentification ofgoods concerned bytheauthority thatwillexecute
theprovisional measures. Please describe briefly what other information mayberequired bythe
authorities andcitethelegalauthority establishing thebasis forthissupplemental information.
35. Articles 50.6and50.8provide thatifproceedings leading toadecision onthemerits arenot
initiatedwithinareasonabletime,provisionalremediesgrantedbycompetentauthoritiesshallberevoked
orotherwise cease tohaveeffect, attherequest ofthedefendant. Please identify therelevant provisionsIP/C/W/83
Page134
inthelawofSouth Africa authorizing therevocation orcessation ofprovisional measures ifreview
proceedings arenotinitiated within areasonable timeandspecify whatconstitutes a"reasonable time
period" toinitiate proceedings.
36. Articles50.7and50.8providethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesshallhavetheauthority
toorder theapplicant toprovide thedefendant appropriate compensation foranyinjury caused bythe
adoption ofprovisional measures when saidmeasures arerevoked, havelapsed, orwhen ithasbeen
determined thatthere hasbeennoinfringement orthreat ofinfringement. Please describe howthe
competent authorities determine "appropriate compensation".
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
37. Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatcountries adopt procedures thatenable right
holderstorequestsuspensionoftheimportationofcounterfeittrademarkedgoodsandpiratedcopyrighted
works. Please identify thecompetent authority inSouth Africa authorized toaccept applications for
arequest tosuspend release ofsuspected infringing goods andcitetherelevant laworregulation
governing suchauthority.
38. Please describe theprocedures arightholder mustfollow toobtain border protection bythe
competent authorities, e.g.,ifthere isaformal application thatmust besubmitted tothecompetent
authority, judicial oradministrative, andtheinformation required intherequest forsuspension and
citethelaworregulations providing suchprocedures.
39. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or trademarks.
40. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthere isprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement inSouth Africa.
41. Article 52alsorequires thattherightholder provide a"sufficiently detailed description ofthe
goods" tobestopped. Please explain what isrequired oftheright holder inSouth Africa fora
description tobe"sufficiently detailed".
42. Article 52requires thatthecompetent authorities notify therightholder thathisapplication
isaccepted within areasonable time. Please explain within whatperiod oftimethecompetent authority
responds toarequest forsuspension ofrelease ofgoods and,iftheapplication isaccepted, thelength
oftimeduring which enforcement action willbetaken.
43. Article53.1requiresthatthecompetentauthoritieshavetheauthoritytosecurefromanapplicant
asecurity orequivalent assurance sufficient toprotect adefendant andtoprevent abuse. Please verify
thatthecompetent authorities identified above areempowered torequire security orequivalent assurance
andprovide citations totheprovisions oflaworregulation thatgrant them thatauthority.
44. Article 53.2provides thattheowner, importer, orconsignee ofgoods involving industrial
designs, patents, layout-designs orundisclosed information thathave been suspended bycustoms
authorities should beable,incertain circumstances, tohavesuchgoods released onpayment ofsecurity
sufficient toprotect theright holder from infringement. Please identify what forms ofintellectual
property, ifany,aresubject toprovisions ofArticle 53.2andcitetotherelevant provisions oflaw
orregulations.IP/C/W/83
Page135
45. Article 54requires thattheimporter andtheapplicant benotified promptly ofthesuspension
orrelease ofgoods. Please specify theperiod within which thecompetent authority toissue anotice
thattherelease ofgoods hasbeensuspended.
46. Article 55makes itclearthattherightholder applying forsuspension ofinfringing goods must
initiate aproceeding onthemerits inanappropriate forum within areasonable period oftimeorthe
goods willbereleased. Please identify theforainwhich anapplicant/party mayinitiate proceedings
onthemerits thatwillallow customs authorities toholdthegoods beyond tenworking days.
47. Article 55provides thatareview istotakeplace within areasonable timeattherequest of
thedefending party todetermine ifthesuspension measures should bemodified, revoked orconfirmed
pending theoutcome oftheproceeding onthemerits. Please identify theforum thatisauthorized to
conduct suchareview anddescribe theprocedure andcitetheapplicable laworregulations.
48. Article 56requires thattheauthorities beabletorequire theapplicant tocompensate the
defending party foranyinjury caused ifthedetention ofgoods wasunfounded. Please identify the
authorities thatcanorder theapplicant topaytheimporter, consignee orowner compensation forinjury
caused bywrongful detention orthrough thedetention ofgoods released pursuant toArticle 55and
citetotheapplicable laworregulations.
49. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
50. Article 57alsorequires that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding the
importer, consignee orconsignor. Ifcompetent authorities inSouth Africa canprovide information
regarding theimporter, consignee orconsignor totherightholder, please explain howinformation
regarding names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods are
provided totheapplicant afterapositive decision ofinfringement ismade, e.g.,authorities automatically
providing information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.Please cite
tothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.
51. Article 58specifies procedures tobefollowed where thecompetent authorities canactexofficio.
Please explain whether thecompetent authorities inSouth Africa areempowered toactexofficio and,
ifso,please identify theintellectual property areas subject toexofficio action.
52. Article 59identifies theremedies thataretobeavailable, including destruction ordisposal
ofinfringing goods outside thestream ofcommerce. Please explain whatthelawinSouth Africa permits
regarding thedisposition ofinfringing goods, i.e.,doesthelawallow fordestruction, disposal orboth.
Please citetothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.
53. Please identify:
(a) thecompetent authority thatdecides thedisposition ofthegoods, i.e.,whether thegoods
willbedestroyed ordisposed ofoutside thestream ofcommerce; and
(b) thecompetent authority thatcarries outthedestruction ordisposal ofthegoods.
54. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.IP/C/W/83
Page136
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofSouth Africa.
Criminal Procedures
55. Article 61oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatMembers have criminal procedures and
penalties, including imprisonment and/or monetary finessufficient toactasadeterrent, atleastfor
cases ofwilful trademark counterfeiting andcopyright infringement onacommercial scale. Please
describe theprovisions inthelawofSouth Africa thatfulfill thatobligation andprovide legalcitations.
56. Article 61alsorequires thatremedies inappropriate cases include theseizure, forfeiture and
destruction ofinfringing goods andanymaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich has
beenthecommission oftheoffense. Please explain theprovisions inthelawofSouth Africa thatprovide
forsuchremedies, describe thecircumstances inwhich those remedies would beimposed andprovide
legalcitations.
57. Article 61alsoindicates thatMembers mayprovide forcriminal procedures andpenalties in
cases ofwilful infringement ofother forms ofintellectual property. Please describe anyprovisions
inthelawofSouth Africa thatprovide forsuchprocedures andremedies andprovide legalcitations.
58. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofSouth Africa comply withthatobligation.IP/C/W/83
Page137
SWITZERLAND
General Obligations
1. Articles 41.1and42oftheTRIPS Agreement require thatprocedures beavailable forthe
effective enforcement oftheintellectual property rights covered bytheAgreement. Please describe
thestructure ofthejudicial andadministrative15procedures inSwitzerland inwhich parties canenforce
theirintellectual property rights, atlocal, provincial andnational levels, indicating thejurisdiction of
eachtypeofcourt oradministrative bodyandexplaining theinterrelationships, ifany,ofthevarious
types ofcourts andadministrative bodies. Citethelawsorother authorities establishing thestructure,
including eachtypeofcourt andadministrative body.
2. Please describe briefly theprocedure thatmust befollowed byaforeign party toinitiate an
enforcementprocedureineachofthecourtsandadministrativebodiesidentifiedinresponsetoquestion1
andcitethelegalauthorities establishing those procedures.
3. Please identify anyrequirement thataforeign party mustmeettoinitiate aproceeding inthe
courts andadministrative bodies identified inanswer toquestion 1thatisnotrequired ofanational
orresident ofSwitzerland andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose differences.
4. Articles 41.1and48oftheTRIPS Agreement require establishment ofsafeguards against abuse
ofjudicial andadministrative enforcement procedures, including provision foradequate compensation
forinjury suffered because ofsuchabuse. Please describe themeans available under thelawof
Switzerland toprevent abuse ofjudicial andadministrative procedures ortoremedy damages suffered
asaresult ofsuchabuse andcitethelegalauthorities forthose means.
5. Article 41.2addresses, among other things, thecostofjudicial andadministrative enforcement
proceedings. Please describe anyfeescharged byjudicial oradministrative officials forfiling legal
actionsinvolvingintellectualpropertyorforpursuingsuchactionsonceinitiated,citethelegalauthorities
forsuchfees,andprovide copies ofthedocuments usedtoinform thepublic ofsuchfees.
6. Article41.2alsoaddressesthetimelinessofjudicialandadministrativeenforcementproceedings.
Please citetothelegalauthorities establishing anytimelimits forjudicial andadministrative proceedings
and,ifithasnotalready beendone, provide copies ofthelawsorregulations inquestion.
7. Please explain anyprovisions intheenforcement system inSwitzerland thatensure expeditious
remedies. Inaddition, please explain what provisions areavailable toprevent deliberate delays by
theparties toaproceeding andindicate thecircumstances inwhich suchprovisions willbeapplied.
8. Article 41.3oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasepreferably
beinwriting, thebetter todetermine thereasoning onwhich thedecision isbased. Please state, with
regard toeachtypeofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,whether judges or
administrative officials mustrender theirdecisions inwriting andcitethelegalauthorities requiring
suchwritten opinions.
9. Article 41.3alsorequires thatdecisions onthemerits ofacasebebased onlyonevidence in
respect ofwhich parties hadanopportunity tobeheard. Please state, withregard toeachtypeofcourt
andadministrative body identified inquestion 1,what factors maybeconsidered byajudge or
15These questionsapplytobothjudicialandadministrativeenforcement ofintellectualpropertyrightsbecause ofArticle49
oftheTRIPS Agreement.IP/C/W/83
Page138
administrative official inrendering adecision andcitethelegalauthorities establishing thebasis on
which judges andadministrative officials mayreach decisions.
10. Article 41.4obligates WTO Members toprovide forjudicial review ofcertain judicial and
administrative decisions inintellectual property enforcement proceedings. Please describe whatlegal
limitations, ifany,areplaced upon theability ofaparty toanintellectual property enforcement
proceeding tohavebothprocedural rulings andfinaldecisions reviewed byaseparate judicial authority,
andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchreviews.
Civil andAdministrative Procedures andRemedies
11. Article 42requires thatdefendants benotified ofjudicial andadministrative intellectual property
enforcement proceedings brought against them. Please describe theprocedures followed byeachtype
ofcourt andadministrative body identified inquestion 1fornotifying defending parties regarding
proceedings thathavebeeninitiated against them, indicate theinformation provided regarding the
proceeding andcitethelegalauthorities establishing these procedures.
12. Article 42alsorequires thatparties tointellectual property enforcement proceedings mustbe
abletoberepresented bycounsel andmustnotbesubject tooverly burdensome requirements toappear
personally. Please describe anylimitations under Switzerland ’slawsontheability ofaparty insuch
aproceeding toberepresented byindependent legalcounsel andanyrequirements imposed ontheparty
toappear personally inaproceeding. Please citethelegalauthorities providing suchlimitations and
imposing suchrequirements.
13. Under Article 42,parties aretobeentitled tosubstantiate claims andpresent relevant evidence.
Please describe anylimitations under thelawofSwitzerland onaparty’sability tosubstantiate aclaim
ortopresent relevant evidence andcitethelegalauthority providing suchlimitations.
14. Article 42requires, withonenarrow exception, thatthere beameans toidentify andprotect
confidentialinformationduringjudicialandadministrativeintellectualpropertyenforcementproceedings.
PleasedescribethemeansprovidedunderthelawofSwitzerlandforpartiestoidentifyandhaveprotected
confidential information required tobepresented inorder toprove theirclaims andcitethelegal
authorities providing forsuchidentification andprotection.
15. Article 43.1oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beable
toorder aparty toanintellectual property enforcement proceeding toproduce relevant evidence in
thatparty’scontrol identified bytheopposing party when thelatter party haspresented reasonably
available evidence insupport ofitsclaims. Please describe howandinwhat circumstances judges
andadministrativeofficialsmayorderproductionofrelevantevidenceinintellectualpropertyenforcement
proceedings andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchorders.
16. Information ordered tobeproduced, referred toinquestion 15,must beprotected ifitis
confidential. Please describe themeans provided under thelawofSwitzerland forprotecting such
information andcitethelegalauthority providing forsuchprotection, ifthose means differ fromthose
described inanswer toquestion 14.
17. Article 43.2provides that,intheevent aparty refuses toprovide information ordered bythe
judicial oradministrative officials, those officials maybeauthorized tomake preliminary andfinal
determinations adverse tothatparty. Please describe whatsanctions maybeimposed onaparty that
refused toprovide ordered information andunder what circumstances those sanctions areimposed,
citing thelegalauthority forthose sanctions.IP/C/W/83
Page139
18. Article 44.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoenjoin orotherwise
prevent infringing activity byaparty, including bypreventing theentry ofinfringing goods intothe
channels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction. Please describe authority ofthejudges andadministrative
officials identified inquestion 1toorder parties tostopinfringements andtoprevent infringing goods
fromentering thechannels ofcommerce intheirjurisdiction immediately afterclearance ofsuchgoods
through customs. Inaddition, please citethelegalauthorities authorizing suchactions.
19. Article 44.2provides anexception totherequirement inparagraph 1forgovernment useor
usebythirdparties authorized bythegovernment, limiting theremedy forinfringement topayment
ofadequate remuneration asprovided inArticle 31(h). Please describe anysuchlimitations onremedies
inthelawsofSwitzerland andcitethelegalauthorities providing forthose limitations.
20. Article 45.1requires thatjudicial andadministrative officials beabletoorder aninfringer to
paytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused bytheinfringement. Please
describe theauthority ofthejudges andadministrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder aparty
found tobeinfringing topaytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate fortheinjury caused
bytheinfringement.Pleaseexplainthefactorsconsideredinestablishingtheamountofthecompensation
andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchcompensation orders.
21. Article 45.2requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder payment
ofaright holder 'sexpenses, including legal fees. Please describe theauthority ofthejudges and
administrative officials identified inquestion 1toorder payment ofright holders ’expenses, the
circumstances under which suchanorder willbegiven, thefactors considered inestablishing the
expenses, andcitethelegalauthorities authorizing suchpayments.
22. Article 46requires thatjudges andadministrative officials beauthorized toorder, incertain
circumstances, other remedies, including disposal ofgoods outside commercial channels ordestruction
ofgoods anddestruction ofmaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich isthecreation
ofinfringing goods. Please describe theadditional remedies available under thelawsofSwitzerland,
thecircumstances inwhich suchauthority willbeexercised, thefactors considered indetermining the
nature oftheremedies provided, andcitethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
23. Article 47provides thatWTO Members mayauthorize judges andadministrative officials to
order infringers toidentify forrightholders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution
ofinfringing goods orservices andtheirchannels ofdistribution. Please describe anyauthority judges
andadministrative officials haveunder thelawsofSwitzerland toorder infringers toidentify forright
holders thirdparties involved intheproduction anddistribution ofinfringing goods orservices and
theirchannels ofdistribution anddescribe thecircumstances inwhich thisauthority would beexercised.
Please citethelegalauthorities providing forsuchremedies.
24. Article 48.2permits WTO Members toexempt public authorities andofficials from liability
from remedies onlywhere theiractions were taken orintended ingood faithincarrying outtheir
responsibilities under thelaw.Please explain anyexemption provided public authorities andofficials
fromliability forabuse ofenforcement procedures, describe thecircumstances inwhich suchlimitations
would notapply, andcitethelegalauthorities granting suchexemptions.
Provisional Measures
25. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorderpromptandeffectiveprovisionalremediestopreventaninfringementofanyintellectualproperty
right. Withrespect toeachintellectual property rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement,IP/C/W/83
Page140
please identify theprovisional measures available toprotect intellectual property rights. Please cite
therelevant legalauthority establishing those provisional remedies.
26. Articles 50.1and50.8require thatjudicial andadministrative authorities havetheauthority
toorder prompt andeffective provisional remedies topreserve relevant evidence inregard toanalleged
infringement. Please identify theprovisional measures available topreserve relevant evidence inregard
toanalleged infringement andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
27. Articles 50.2and50.8require Members toauthorize judicial andadministrative authorities
toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera parte.With respect toeachintellectual property right
identified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe briefly thecircumstances inwhich
thejudicial andadministrative authorities areempowered toadopt provisional measures inaudita altera
parte andcitetherelevant legalauthority.
28. Articles 50.2and50.8require thatjudicial authorities andadministrative bodies beauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when adelay islikely tocause "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
Please describe briefly what isrequired bytheauthorities identified inanswers toquestions 25,26
and27toestablish "irreparable harm" totherightholder.
29. Articles50.2and50.8alsorequirethatjudicialauthoritiesandadministrativebodiesbeauthorized
togrant provisional remedies when thereisa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed". Please
describe briefly whatfactors areconsidered bythecompetent authorities indetermining when there
isa"demonstrable riskofevidence being destroyed".
30. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtorequire
anapplicant toprovide evidence toestablish withasufficient degree ofcertainty thattheapplicant
istherightholder andthatinfringement hasoccurred orisimminent. Withrespect toeachintellectual
property rightdefined inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please describe theevidence required
byrightholders toestablish ownership.
31. Articles50.3and50.8requirethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesbeauthorizedtoprovide
asecurity orequivalent assurance toprotect thedefendant. With respect toeachintellectual property
rightidentified inArticle 1.2oftheTRIPS Agreement, please citethelegalauthority establishing a
security orequivalent assurance.
32. Article 50.4requires thatparties benotified when provisional measures havebeenadopted
inaudita altera parte.Please describe briefly theprocedures followed byeachauthority abletoadopt
suchmeasures fornotifying affected parties andstatethetimewithin which suchnotice musttakeplace.
33. Article 50.4alsorequires thatdefendants beafforded areview process todetermine whether
provisional measures should bemodified, confirmed, orrevoked. Please describe briefly theprocedures
adefendant must follow toinitiate review proceedings ineachoftheauthorities abletoadopt such
measures andidentify theperiod within which suchproceedings must beinitiated.
34. Article 50.5requires thatcompetent authorities beauthorized torequire applicants tosupply
other information necessary fortheidentification ofgoods concerned bytheauthority thatwillexecute
theprovisional measures. Please describe briefly what other information mayberequired bythe
authorities andcitethelegalauthority establishing thebasis forthissupplemental information.
35. Articles 50.6and50.8provide thatifproceedings leading toadecision onthemerits arenot
initiatedwithinareasonabletime,provisionalremediesgrantedbycompetentauthoritiesshallberevoked
orotherwise cease tohaveeffect, attherequest ofthedefendant. Please identify therelevant provisionsIP/C/W/83
Page141
inthelawofSwitzerland authorizing therevocation orcessation ofprovisional measures ifreview
proceedings arenotinitiated within areasonable timeandspecify whatconstitutes a"reasonable time
period" toinitiate proceedings.
36. Articles50.7and50.8providethatjudicialandadministrativeauthoritiesshallhavetheauthority
toorder theapplicant toprovide thedefendant appropriate compensation foranyinjury caused bythe
adoption ofprovisional measures when saidmeasures arerevoked, havelapsed, orwhen ithasbeen
determined thatthere hasbeennoinfringement orthreat ofinfringement. Please describe howthe
competent authorities determine "appropriate compensation".
Special Requirements Related toBorder Measures
37. Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatcountries adopt procedures thatenable right
holderstorequestsuspensionoftheimportationofcounterfeittrademarkedgoodsandpiratedcopyrighted
works. Please identify thecompetent authority inSwitzerland authorized toaccept applications for
arequest tosuspend release ofsuspected infringing goods andcitetherelevant laworregulation
governing suchauthority.
38. Please describe theprocedures arightholder mustfollow toobtain border protection bythe
competent authorities, e.g.,ifthere isaformal application thatmust besubmitted tothecompetent
authority, judicial oradministrative, andtheinformation required intherequest forsuspension and
citethelaworregulations providing suchprocedures.
39. Please explain whether procedures, permissible under Article 51oftheTRIPS Agreement,
areavailable tostoptheexport ofgoods suspected ofinfringing copyrights and/or trademarks.
40. Article 52oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatrights holders wishing tostopimportation
ofcounterfeit trademarked goods orpirated copyrighted works present evidence tothecompetent
authorities thatthere isprima facieinfringement oftheirtrademark orcopyright. Please explain what
evidence willconstitute prima facieinfringement inSwitzerland.
41. Article 52alsorequires thattherightholder provide a"sufficiently detailed description ofthe
goods" tobestopped. Please explain whatisrequired oftherightholder inSwitzerland foradescription
tobe"sufficiently detailed".
42. Article 52requires thatthecompetent authorities notify therightholder thathisapplication
isaccepted within areasonable time. Please explain within whatperiod oftimethecompetent authority
responds toarequest forsuspension ofrelease ofgoods and,iftheapplication isaccepted, thelength
oftimeduring which enforcement action willbetaken.
43. Article53.1requiresthatthecompetentauthoritieshavetheauthoritytosecurefromanapplicant
asecurity orequivalent assurance sufficient toprotect adefendant andtoprevent abuse. Please verify
thatthecompetent authorities identified above areempowered torequire security orequivalent assurance
andprovide citations totheprovisions oflaworregulation thatgrant them thatauthority.
44. Article 53.2provides thattheowner, importer, orconsignee ofgoods involving industrial
designs, patents, layout-designs orundisclosed information thathave been suspended bycustoms
authorities should beable,incertain circumstances, tohavesuchgoods released onpayment ofsecurity
sufficient toprotect theright holder from infringement. Please identify what forms ofintellectual
property, ifany,aresubject toprovisions ofArticle 53.2andcitetotherelevant provisions oflaw
orregulations.IP/C/W/83
Page142
45. Article 54requires thattheimporter andtheapplicant benotified promptly ofthesuspension
orrelease ofgoods. Please specify theperiod within which thecompetent authority toissue anotice
thattherelease ofgoods hasbeensuspended.
46. Article 55makes itclearthattherightholder applying forsuspension ofinfringing goods must
initiate aproceeding onthemerits inanappropriate forum within areasonable period oftimeorthe
goods willbereleased. Please identify theforainwhich anapplicant/party mayinitiate proceedings
onthemerits thatwillallow customs authorities toholdthegoods beyond tenworking days.
47. Article 55provides thatareview istotakeplace within areasonable timeattherequest of
thedefending party todetermine ifthesuspension measures should bemodified, revoked orconfirmed
pending theoutcome oftheproceeding onthemerits. Please identify theforum thatisauthorized to
conduct suchareview anddescribe theprocedure andcitetheapplicable laworregulations.
48. Article 56requires thattheauthorities beabletorequire theapplicant tocompensate the
defending party foranyinjury caused ifthedetention ofgoods wasunfounded. Please identify the
authorities thatcanorder theapplicant topaytheimporter, consignee orowner compensation forinjury
caused bywrongful detention orthrough thedetention ofgoods released pursuant toArticle 55and
citetotheapplicable laworregulations.
49. Article 57requires thatthecompetent authorities beabletoauthorize therightholder toinspect
thedetained goods inorder tosubstantiate theclaims. Please explain howrightholders areprovided
anopportunity toinspect suspect goods thathavebeendetained bycustoms authorities.
50. Article 57alsorequires that,where thedecision onthemerits favors theright holder, the
competent authorities alsomaybegiven authority togivetherightholder information regarding the
importer, consignee orconsignor. Ifcompetent authorities inSwitzerland canprovide information
regarding theimporter, consignee orconsignor totherightholder, please explain howinformation
regarding names andaddresses ofconsignors, importers andconsignees andquantities ofgoods are
provided totheapplicant afterapositive decision ofinfringement ismade, e.g.,authorities automatically
providing information orbysubmission ofawritten request from therightholder, etc.Please cite
tothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.
51. Article 58specifies procedures tobefollowed where thecompetent authorities canactexofficio.
Please explain whether thecompetent authorities inSwitzerland areempowered toactexofficio and,
ifso,please identify theintellectual property areas subject toexofficio action.
52. Article 59identifies theremedies thataretobeavailable, including destruction ordisposal
ofinfringing goods outside thestream ofcommerce. Please explain whatthelawinSwitzerland permits
regarding thedisposition ofinfringing goods, i.e.,doesthelawallow fordestruction, disposal orboth.
Please citetothelaworregulations providing suchauthority.
53. Please identify:
(a) thecompetent authority thatdecides thedisposition ofthegoods, i.e.,whether thegoods
willbedestroyed ordisposed ofoutside thestream ofcommerce; and
(b) thecompetent authority thatcarries outthedestruction ordisposal ofthegoods.
54. Article 60permits Members toexclude from theprovisions forborder enforcement small
quantities ofgoods ofanon-commercial nature carried bypassengers orsentinsmall consignments.IP/C/W/83
Page143
Please describe whatconstitutes ademinimis import thatisexcluded fromtheborder measures under
thelawofSwitzerland.
Criminal Procedures
55. Article 61oftheTRIPS Agreement requires thatMembers have criminal procedures and
penalties, including imprisonment and/or monetary finessufficient toactasadeterrent, atleastfor
cases ofwilful trademark counterfeiting andcopyright infringement onacommercial scale. Please
describe theprovisions inthelawofSwitzerland thatfulfill thatobligation andprovide legalcitations.
56. Article 61alsorequires thatremedies inappropriate cases include theseizure, forfeiture and
destruction ofinfringing goods andanymaterials andimplements thepredominant useofwhich has
beenthecommission oftheoffense. Please explain theprovisions inthelawofSwitzerland thatprovide
forsuchremedies, describe thecircumstances inwhich those remedies would beimposed andprovide
legalcitations.
57. Article 61alsoindicates thatMembers mayprovide forcriminal procedures andpenalties in
cases ofwilful infringement ofother forms ofintellectual property. Please describe anyprovisions
inthelawofSwitzerland thatprovide forsuchprocedures andremedies andprovide legalcitations.
58. Article 61requires thatcriminal penalties besufficient toprovide adeterrent atleastforwilful
trademark counterfeiting andcopyright piracy. Please explain howthepenalties provided under the
lawsofSwitzerland comply withthatobligation.