WORLD TRADE IP/N/6/ROM/1
15October 1997
ORGANIZATION(97-4469)
Original: French Council forTrade-Related Aspects of
Intellectual Property Rights
CHECK-LIST OFISSUES ONENFORCEMENT1
Replies from Romania
Civil andadministrative procedures andremedies
(a) Civil judicial procedures andremedies
1. Specify thecourts which have jurisdiction overIPRinfringement cases
A. General rules
(i) Jurisdiction ratione materiae :
- Themagistrates 'courts hear, infirstinstance, allactions andpetitions other thanthose
given tothejurisdiction ofothercourts bythelaw.(Code ofCivilProcedure, Article 1,
firstparagraph).
Themagistrates 'courts hearactions andpetitions onallother subjects given totheir
jurisdiction bythelaw. (Code ofCivil Procedure, Article 1,thirdparagraph).
- Thecourts oflawhear, infirstinstance, actions andpetitions relating tointellectual
creation andindustrial property. (Code ofCivilProcedure, Article 2,firstparagraph,
subparagraph (d).
Assecond instances, thecourts oflawhearappeals against therulings infirstinstance
ofthemagistrates 'courts (Code ofCivil Procedure, Article 2,second paragraph).
- TheCourts ofAppeal hear, assecond instances, appeals against therulings inthefirst
instance ofthecourts oflaw.(Code ofCivilProcedure, Article 3,second paragraph).
TheCourts ofAppeal hear, asappeal instances, applications forreview oftherulings
given bythecourts oflawonappeal. (Code ofCivil Procedure, Article 3,third
paragraph).
- TheSupreme Court ofJustice hears applications forreview oftherulings oftheCourts
ofAppeal andother rulings, inthecases provided forbythelaw. (Code ofCivil
Procedure, Article 4,firstparagraph).
1Document IP/C/5.IP/N/6/ROM/1
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(ii) Jurisdiction ratione loci:
Thepetition issubmitted tothecourt having jurisdiction overthedefendant 'sdomicile. If
thedefendant isdomiciled abroad orhasnoknown domicile, thepetition issubmitted tothe
court having jurisdiction overtheareaofhisresidence and,ifhehasnoknown residence,
tothecourt having jurisdiction overtheplaintiff 'sdomicile orresidence. (Code ofCivil
Procedure, Article 5).
Apetition against several defendants canbesubmitted tothecourt having jurisdiction over
anyoneofthem. (Code ofCivil Procedure, Article 9).
B. Special rules
(i) Patents
Themagistrates 'courts hear, infirstinstance:
- Actions concerning thestatus ofinventor, ofpatent owner orother rights stemming
from thepatent aswellastheinventor 'spatrimonial rights from assignment and
licensing contracts;
- actions concerning theestablishment ofthecontract price incases oftransfer byan
employee-inventor oftherighttotheissueofapatent totheemployer withwhose help
theinvention inquestion wasmade. (Law No.64/1991, Article 5,sixthparagraph);
- actions concerning theaward ofdamages tothepatent owner, asaresult ofinjury caused
byathirdperson whohadviolated hispatent rights byinfringement oranyother act.
(Law No.64/1991, Article 59).
TheBucharest Municipal Court hasthejurisdiction ratione materiae tohear:
- Petitions submitted bytheinterested party against decisions bytheRe-Examination
Board oftheStateOffice forInventions andTrademarks (OSIM) rejecting applications
forpatents orrevoking decisions togrant patents. (Law No.64/1991, Article 57,first
paragraph);
- theissueor,asthecasemaybe,revocation ofacompulsory licence inthecircumstances
provided forinArticle 49ofLawNo.64/1991;
- theissueofanexofficio licence inthecircumstances provided forinLawNo.64/1991,
Article 50,firstparagraph;
- theestablishment ofthefeestowhich thepatent owner isentitled, intheevent ofthe
issue ofexofficio licences, when theparties concerned donotreach acontractual
agreement (Law No.64/1991, Article 54);
- applications todeclare patents nullandvoid(Law No.64/1991, Article 42).IP/N/6/ROM/1
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(ii) Industrial designs
Themagistrates 'courts hear, infirstinstance:
- Actions concerning thestatus ofcreator oftheindustrial design orofholder ofthe
registrationcertificateaswellasthoseconcerningthepatrimonialrightsfromassignment
orlicensing contracts (Law No.129/1992, Article 38);
- actions concerning theestablishment ofthecontract price incases oftransfer byan
employee-creatoroftherighttoregistertheindustrialdesigntotheemployerwithwhose
helpthedesign inquestion wasmade (Law No.129/1992, Article 5,firstparagraph,
subparagraph b);
- actions concerning theaward ofdamages totheowner ofaprotected industrial design,
inaccordance withLawNo.129/1992, Article 30.
TheBucharest Municipal Court hears:
- Petitions submitted bytheinterested party against decisions bytheRe-Examination
Board oftheState Office forInventions andTrademarks (OSIM) concerning the
registration ofindustrial designs (Law No.129/1992, Article 25,firstparagraph);
- applications todeclare nullandvoidregistration certificates forindustrial designs (Law
No.129/1992, Article 37).
(iii) Topographies ofintegrated circuits
Themagistrates 'courts hear, infirstinstance:
- Petitions fortheaward ofdamages asaresult ofinjuries thattheowner hassuffered
following aviolation ofhisrights, inaccordance withArticle 40ofLawNo.16/1995;
- actions concerning thestatus ofauthor orowner ofthetopography andthoseconcerning
rights stemming fromtheregistration oftopographies, including creators 'patrimonial
rights orthose arising from assignment andlicensing contracts. (Law No.16/1995,
Article 41).
TheBucharest Municipal Court hears:
- Appeals against decisions bytheStateOffice forInventions andTrademarks (OSIM)
refusing registration ofatopography. (Law No.16/1995, Article 16);
- applications fortheissue or,asthecasemaybe,revocation ofacompulsory licence.
(Law No.16/1995, Articles 33and34);
- applications forthecancellation oftheregistration ofatopography. (Law No.16/1995,
Article 38).
2. Which persons havestanding toassert IPRs? How maytheyberepresented? Arethere
requirements formandatory personal appearances before thecourt bytheright holder?IP/N/6/ROM/1
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A. General rules
Anyperson enjoying civilrights maytakelegalaction (Code ofCivil Procedure, Articles 41,
42and111).
Theparties canexercise theirprocedural rights personally orthrough arepresentative (Code
ofCivil Procedure, Article 67,paragraph 1).Tosubmit pleadings tothecourts, therepresentative
must beanattorney. (Code ofCivil Procedure, Article 68,fourth paragraph).
There arenorequirements formandatory personal appearances, provided apartyisrepresented.
B. Special rules
Copyright andrelated rights
LawNo.8/1996 favours therightholder asregards theevidence required toprove hisquality
asauthor. According toArticle 4,firstparagraph, "theperson under whose name thework firstbecame
known ispresumed tobeitsauthor, unless anduntilitisproved otherwise". Inthecaseofsound
recordings, Article 104provides that"theproducer hastherighttoinscribe ontheircarriers, including
covers, boxes andother packing materials, inaddition toreferences totheauthor andperformer, the
titlesoftheworks andthedateofmanufacture, together withtheproducer 'sname andregistered title".
Organizations forthecollective administration ofcopyright or/and related rights, established
exclusivelyforthepurposeofmanagingandprotectingpatrimonialrights(LawNo.8/1996,Articles123-
129), arealsoentitled totakelegal orextralegal action either ontheirownbehalf or,asagents, on
behalf oftheirmembers, withwhom theyhavesigned anagency contract toenable suchorganizations
toexercise allthelegalrights conferred upon them.
UnderRomanianlaw,acollectiveadministrationorganizationisanon-profit-makingassociation
considered tobecompetent tomanage andprotect thecopyright andrelated rights ofallrightholders,
forwhich purpose anagency contract hasbeenconcluded, withthecollective administration organization
asagent andtherightholders asprincipals.
(i) Patents
- Under Articles 34and59ofLawNo.64/1991, theperson entitled tobring an
infringement action andanaction forthegranting ofcivildamages istheowner of
theviolated right;
- intheevent ofthegrant ofacompulsory licence, when thelicensee doesnotexploit
theinvention ontheterms laiddown, theperson entitled torequest thecourt torevoke
thelicence istheowner ofthepatent. (Law No.64/1991, Article 49,fifthparagraph);
- intheinterests ofpublic health, theBucharest Municipal Court canissue, onthe
conditions laiddown inLawNo.64/1991, Article 50,firstparagraph, anexofficio
licence, butonlyattheexpress request oftheMinistry ofHealth;
- anapplication tothecourts fortheannulment ofapatent canbemade, under Law
No.64/1991, Article 42,firstparagraph, byanyinterested party.IP/N/6/ROM/1
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(ii) Industrial designs
- Under Articles 29and30ofLawNo.129/1992, theperson entitled tobring an
infringement action andanaction forthegranting ofcivildamages istheowner of
theviolated right;
- anapplication forannulment ofaregistration certificate foranindustrial design may
besubmitted tothecourt byanyinterested party.
(iii) Topographies ofintegrated circuits
- Under Article 40ofLawNo.16/1995, theowner oftheviolated rightisentitled to
bring aninfringement action and,atthesame time, request thattheinjury caused be
remedied;
- theowner ofaregistered topography istheperson entitled torequest theBucharest
Municipal Court, under Article 34ofLawNo.16/1995, torevoke anon-voluntary
licence;
- anapplication forthecancellation oftheregistration ofatopography canbesubmitted
tothecourt, under Article 38ofLawNo.38/1995, byanyinterested party.
3. What authority dothejudicial authorities have toorder, attherequest ofanopposing
party, aparty toaproceeding toproduce evidence which lieswithin itscontrol?
Articles 172-174 oftheCode ofCivil Procedure govern situations inwhich theplaintiff isnot
inpossession ofthedocumentary evidence. Consequently, ifoneoftheparties maintains thatthe
opposing party hasadocument relevant tothecase,thecourt mayorder thatthisdocument beproduced
inthecourse oftheproceedings.
Thecourt isobliged toorder theproduction ofthedocumentary evidence inthefollowing
situations:
- Thedocument iscommon totheparties;
- theopposing party hasreferred tothedocument inquestion during theproceedings;
- theopposing party isobliged bylawtoproduce thedocument.
Thecourt must reject therequest byaparty fortheproduction ofcertain documents bythe
opposing party inthefollowing situations:
- Thedocument concerns strictly personal problems;
- production ofthedocument would mean aviolation oftheobligation tomaintain its
confidentiality;
- productionofthedocumentwouldresultinacriminalchargeagainstthepartypresenting
thedocument oragainst another person, ortheperson inquestion would beheldup
topublic contempt ifthedocument inquestion were produced.IP/N/6/ROM/1
Page6
4. What means exist toidentify andprotect confidential information brought forward as
evidence?
Theconfidentiality ofinformation provided totheproceedings asevidence isguaranteed by
civilandcriminal law.
Under Article 121oftheCode ofCivil Procedure, thecourt candecide thattheproceedings
shalltakeplace inchambers ifpublic hearings could impair public order andmorality ordamage the
parties.
Article 93,paragraph (e),ofLawNo.92/1992, ontheOrganization oftheJudiciary, prescribes
thatjudges andmagistrates areobliged, under penalty oflaw,topreserve theconfidentiality oftheir
work.
Article 7ofLawNo.51/1995, ontheOrganization andExercise oftheProfession ofAttorney,
prescribes thattheattorney isobliged tomaintain professional secrecy regarding every aspect ofacase
which hasbeensubmitted tohim,withtheexceptions expressly provided forbythelaw.
Under Article 191oftheCode ofCivil Procedure, thefollowing persons areexempted from
being called aswitnesses: attorneys, public notaries, allother persons obliged bylawtorespect the
confidentiality offactsconfided tothemintheexercise oftheirprofession, andcivilservants andformer
civilservants inrespect ofconfidential matters which came totheirattention inthatcapacity.
TheCode ofPenal Lawpunishes theunlawful disclosure ofnon-public information byaperson
towhom ithasbeenconfided inthecourse ofhisprofession, ifsuchdisclosure islikely tocause injury.
(Code ofPenal Law, Articles 196and298).
5. Describetheremediesthatmaybeorderedbythejudicialauthoritiesandcriteria,legislative
orjurisprudential, fortheir use:
- Injunctions;
- damages, including recovery ofprofits, andexpenses, including attorney 'sfees;
- destruction orother disposal ofinfringing goods andmaterials/implements for
their production;
- anyother remedies.
(a) Injunctions
A. General rules
Anyone whoperpetrates adeedoraction contrary tohonest commercial orindustrial practices
shallbeenjoined, bythecourt, todesist orrefrain fromtheaction inquestion. (Law No.11/191 on
theRepression ofUnfair Competition, Articles 2and6.)IP/N/6/ROM/1
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B. Special rules
(i) Copyright andrelated rights
Under Article 139,paragraph 2,ofLawNo.8/1996, "theowners oftheviolated rights may
request thecourts orother competent organizations, asthecasemaybe,torecognize their
rights andestablish thattheyhavebeenviolated, andmayrequire thattheinjury beremedied".
Thecourt maydecide, forinstance, thataparty hasnoright tointroduce intothechannels
ofcommerce imported goods which imply aviolation ofcopyright orrelated rights.
(ii) Patents
Under Article 34ofLawNo.64/1991, theowner ofthepatent hastheright torequest the
court toprohibit anythirdparty from performing, without hisauthorization, actions which,
according tothelaw,areregarded asconstituting aninfringement ofthepatent.
(iii) Industrial designs
Under Article 29ofLawNo.129/1992, theowner oftheregistration ofanindustrial design
isentitled torequest thecourt toprohibit third parties from performing, without his
authorization, actions which, according tothelaw,areregarded asconstituting aninfringement.
(iv) Topographies ofintegrated circuits
According toArticle 20ofLawNo.16/1995, theowner ofaregistered topography hasthe
righttoforbid other persons toexploit thetopography and,consequently, thecourt mayrule
thatsuchexploitation isprohibited.
(b) Damages, including recovery ofprofits, andexpenses, including attorney 'sfees
A. General rules
Article 998oftheCivilCode provides thatanyhuman action thatcauses injury toothers obliges
theperson responsible toremedy theinjury.
Aperson isresponsible notonlyforinjury caused byhisaction butalsoforinjury caused by
hisnegligence orimprudence (Civil Code, Article 998).
Under Article 6ofLawNo.11/1991, aperson intrade whohascommitted anactofunfair
competition shallbeobliged bythecourt topaydamages fortheinjury caused.
Procedural expenses (stamp duty, procedural tax,attorney 'sfees, etc.)arepayable bythe
offender, attherequest oftheparty which haswonthecase(Code ofCivil Procedure, Article 274,
firstparagraph).
When theclaims ofeachparty havebeenapproved inpartonly, thecourt shallassess towhat
extent eachofthem maybeobliged topaythecostoftheproceedings, andmaystipulate their
compensation. (Code ofCivil Procedure, Article 276.)IP/N/6/ROM/1
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B. Special rules
(i) Copyright andrelated rights
Damages canbeawarded foraviolation ofcopyright orrelated rights inaccordance withLaw
No.8/1996, Article 139,fourth paragraph, subparagraph (a).
Under Article 139,thirdparagraph andfourth paragraph, subparagraph (a),ofLawNo.8/1996,
"inthecaseofviolation ofcertain rights recognized andprotected bythepresent law,their
owners mayrequest thecourt ...toorder immediately measures toprevent imminent injury
ortoremedy suchinjury, asthecasemaybe".
Theowners oftheviolated rights mayalsorequest thecourt toorder theapplication ofthe
following measures, inaccordance withtheprovisions ofArticle 139,fourth paragraph,
subparagraph (a),ofLawNo.8/1996: "toseize, withaviewtoremedying theinjury suffered,
thesums gained bytheunlawful action or,iftheinjury cannot beremedied inthisway, to
seize thegoods thathaveresulted from theunlawful action, withaviewtotheirsale,tothe
extent ofintegral remedy fortheinjury caused".
(ii) Patents
Incases ofinfringement, theowner isentitled todamages fortheinjury hehassuffered (Law
No.64/1991, Article 59).
(iii) Industrial designs
Incaseofaninfringement, theregistered owner ofanindustrial design isentitled todamages
fortheinjury hehassuffered (Law No.129/1992, Article 42).
(iv) Topographies ofintegrated circuits
Incaseofaviolation oftheowner 'srights bytheexploitation, without hisauthorization, of
aregistered topography, heisentitled todamages fortheinjury hehassuffered. (Law
No.16/1995, Article 40.)
(c) Destruction orotherdisposal ofinfringing goods andmaterials/implements fortheirproduction
A. General rules
Under Article 10ofLaw11/1991, thecourt mayprovide, inthecaseofanactofunfair
competition, bythesubstantive order, thatthegoods seized shallbesoldafterremoval ofthefalse
markings.
TheCode ofPenal Lawprovides, among theprovisional measure thatthecourt canadopt,
for"special confiscation" mentioning, initsArticle 118,paragraph (b),thatgoods which haveserved
orhadbeenintended toserve forthecommission ofanoffence, iftheybelong totheoffender, are
subject tospecial confiscation.IP/N/6/ROM/1
Page9
B. Special rules
(i) Copyright andrelated rights
Provisions concerning thedestruction orotherdisposal ofgoods infringing copyright orrelated
rights arecontained inLawNo.8/1996, Article 139,fourth paragraph, subparagraphs (b)and
(c),according towhich thecourt canorder "thedestruction oftheequipment andmedia
belonging tothedefendants, whose soleormain purpose hasbeentoproduce theunlawful
action", orto"withdraw, byconfiscation anddestruction, unlawful copies fromthechannels
ofcommerce".
(ii) Patents
LawNo.64/1991, Article 59,thirdparagraph, provides that,incaseofaninfringement, the
infringing products maybeconfiscated inaccordance withthecriminal law.
(iii) Topographies ofintegrated circuits
LawNo.16/1995, Article 40,second paragraph, provides that,incaseofaninfringement,
thecounterfeit products maybeconfiscated inaccordance withthecriminal law.
(d) Anyother remedies
Publication
- Under Article 11ofLawNo.11/1991, incaseofanactofunfair competition, the
court mayorder thatthejudgement bepublished inthepress attheoffender 'sexpense.
- Under Article 139,paragraph (d),ofLawNo.8/1996, thecourt mayalsoorder that
"thecourt'sdecision shallappear inthepress, attheexpense ofthedefendant".
6. Inwhat circumstances, ifany, dojudicial authorities have theauthority toorder the
infringer toinform theright holder oftheidentity ofthird persons involved intheproduction
anddistribution ofthegoods orservices found tobeinfringing andoftheirchannels ofdistribution?
General rules
Under theprinciple ofthejudge'sactive role,judges arerequired tomake every endeavour,
byalllegalmeans, todiscover thetruthandobtain anaccurate knowledge ofthefacts.
Thejudge hastheright toputquestions totheparties andtopresent tothehearings all
circumstances infactorinlawwhich leadtoasolution ofthecase,eveniftheyhavenotbeenincluded
inthepetition orthedefence.
Thejudge maycallforallevidence thathedeems fit,eveniftheparties areopposed thereto.
(Code ofCivil Procedure, Article 129).
7. Describe provisions relating totheindemnification ofdefendants wrongfully enjoined.
Towhat extent arepublic authorities and/or officials liable insuchasituation andwhat "remedial
measures" areapplicable tothem?IP/N/6/ROM/1
Page10
Procedural rights mustbeexercised ingoodfaithandinaccordance withthepurpose forwhich
theyhavebeenrecognized bythelaw.
Theparty which abuses suchrights must beresponsible fortheinjury caused.
(Code ofCivil Procedure, Article 723).
8. Describe provisions governing thelength andcostofproceedings. Provide anyavailable
dataontheactual duration ofproceedings andtheir cost.
A. Length ofproceedings
(i) Judicial time-limits, fixed bythecourt during theproceedings:
- Time-limit fortheappearance incourt ofwitnesses;
- time-limit forthefiling oftheexpert report; and
- time-limit forcarrying outaninsituinquiry, etc.
(ii) Legal time-limits, expressly established bythelaw,namely, thefollowing provisions ofthe
Code ofCivil Procedure:
- Thebodycompetent tosettle aconflict ofjurisdiction between twomagistrates 'courts
shalldecide, inchambers andwithout summoning theparties, witharightofappeal
within fivedaysofthedecision. (Code ofCivilProcedure, Article 22,firstparagraph);
- theparty shallbesummoned, onpainofnullity, atleastfivedaysbefore thedateset
fortheproceedings. (Code ofCivil Procedure, Article 89,firstparagraph);
- ifalocalinquiry, expert examination orcalling ofwitnesses hasbeenapproved, the
party which proposed thismust, within fivedaysoftheapproval, lodge thesumfixed
bythecourt forthecostoftheinquiry, thetravel andcompensation ofthewitnesses
ortheexpert 'sfees. (Code ofCivil Procedure, Article 170,firstparagraph);
- theexpert appointed mustfilehisreport atleastfivedaysbefore thedatesetforthe
proceedings. (Code ofCivil Procedure, Article 209,firstparagraph);
- anapplication forreview mustbelodged within 15daysoftheannouncement ofthe
judgement (Code ofCivil Procedure, Article 301), etc.
Theduration oftheseprocedures willvaryaccording tothecomplexity ofthecaseandaccording
towhether theinterested party applies ordoesnotapply foraprolongation oftheprocedural
time-limits, where thelawprovides forthispossibility.
Inthecaseofprovisional measures, Article 582oftheCode ofCivil Procedure specifies some
veryrapid proceedings. Thus, thecourt mayorder provisional measures without summoning
theparties. Thetime-limit forsubmitting anappeal isfivedaysfrom theissue oftheorder
andthetime-limit foranapplication forreview isfivedaysafterthecorresponding decision.
Boththeappeal andthereview areregarded asurgent.IP/N/6/ROM/1
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B. Costofproceedings
Under Article 274oftheCode ofCivilProcedure, thepartywhich losesthecasewillbeobliged,
ifsorequested, topaythecostoftheproceedings.
Thecostoftheproceedings maycomprise:
- Judicial stamp duty(Law No.146/1997, Article 5,paragraphs (a)and(b));
- attorney 'sfees; and
- thecostofprocuring evidence (witnesses 'travel costs, expert examinations, etc.).
Freelegal aid,byanattorney appointed bytheBarAssociation, canbegranted during the
proceedings,withdueregardforthematerialcircumstancesoftheparty,inaccordancewithArticle75-77
oftheCode ofCivil Procedure.
Theattorneys, known asexofficio defendants, areentitled torequest thecourt thattheirfees
bedefrayed bytheopposing party, ifitloses thecase. (Code ofCivil Procedure, Article 81,second
paragraph).
(b) Administrative procedures andremedies
9. Reply totheabove questions inrelation toanyadministrative procedures onthemerits
andremedies thatmayresult from these procedures.
There arenoprovisions foradministrative procedures thatmaybetaken onthemerits ofthe
casewithregard totheviolation ofintellectual property rights.
Provisional measures
(a) Judicial measures
10. Describe thetypes ofprovisional measures thatjudicial authorities mayorder, andthe
legal basis forsuchauthority.
11. Inwhat circumstances maysuchmeasures beordered inaudita altera parte?
12. Describe themain procedures fortheinitiation, ordering andmaintenance inforce of
provisional measures, inparticular relevant time-limits andsafeguards toprotect thelegitimate
interests ofthedefendant.
A. Provisional seizure
Theapplication forprovisional seizure issubmitted tothecourt having jurisdiction overthe
debtor 'sdomicile, andthecreditor mayberequired tolodge asecurity. (Code ofCivil Procedure,
Article 595).
UnderArticle331oftheCodeofCivilProcedure,theinstitutionofaseizureisanon-contentious
procedure and,consequently, thedecision istaken without hearing theparties.IP/N/6/ROM/1
Page12
Theseizure renders thedebtor 'sgoods unavailable throughout theperiod oftheproceedings,
butthedebtor maybefreed from theseizure ifheoffers asecurity tobefixed bythecourt. (Code
ofCivil Procedure, Article 598).
B. Judicial seizure
Under Article 596,firstparagraph, oftheCode ofCivilProcedure, whenever thereisanaction
concerning theownership orpossession ofanitemofmovable orimmovable property, orconcerning
theadministration oruseofajointitemofproperty, thecourt, attherequest oftheperson concerned
andhaving heard theparties, canapprove theseizure oftheitemforming thesubject ofthedispute.
Asageneral rule,seizure endsonceafinaljudgement hasbeengiven onthemerits ofthe
case, theitemofproperty being delivered totheparty which haswonthecase.
Thecircumstances inwhich provisional measures maybeordered bythecourt areregulated
byArticle 581oftheCode ofCivil Procedure:
- Topreserve arightwhich would bedamaged bydelay;
- toprevent animminent danger ofirreparable harm; and
- toremove theobstacles encountered during execution ofadistraint.
Thecourt orders provisional measures byanorder which issubject toappeal andreview under
Article 582oftheCode ofCivil Procedure.
13. Describe provisions governing thelength andcostofproceedings. Provide anyavailable
dataontheactual duration ofproceedings andtheir cost.
A. Duration
Articles 581and582oftheCode ofCivil Procedure govern rapid procedures incases where
thecourt orders provisional measures (theorder maybegiven without summoning theparties; the
court maydecide thattheorder shallbeexecuted without notice being served orwithout theexpiration
ofatime-limit; thetime-limits forchallenging theorder arefivedaysfromtheissue oftheorder in
thecaseofbothappeal andapplication forreview; boththeappeal andthereview areregarded as
urgent).
B. Cost
Seethereply toquestion No.8concerning thecostofproceedings.
(b) Administrative measures
14. Reply totheabove questions inrelation toanyadministrative provisional measures.
There arenoadministrative provisional measures toensure thattherights ofintellectual property
arerespected.IP/N/6/ROM/1
Page13
Special requirements related toborder measures
15. Indicate forwhich goods itispossible toapply forthesuspension bythecustoms authorities
oftherelease intofreecirculation, inparticular whether these procedures areavailable alsoin
respect ofgoods which involve infringements ofintellectual property rights other thancounterfeit
trademark orpirated copyright goods asdefined intheTRIPS Agreement (footnote toArticle 51).
Specify, together with relevant criteria, anyimports excluded from theapplication ofsuch
procedures (such asgoods from another member ofacustoms union, goods intransit ordeminimis
imports). Dotheprocedures apply toimports ofgoods putonthemarket inanother country
byorwiththeconsent oftheright holder andtogoods designed forexportation?
16. Provide adescription ofthemain elements oftheprocedures relating tothesuspension
oftherelease ofgoods bycustoms authorities, inparticular thecompetent authorities (Article 51),
therequirements foranapplication (Article 52)andvarious requirements related totheduration
ofsuspension (Article 55). How have Article 53(security orequivalent assurance), 56
(indemnification oftheimporter andoftheowner ofthegoods) and57(right ofinspection and
information) been implemented?
17. Describe provisions governing thelength andcostofproceedings. Provide anyavailable
dataontheactual duration ofproceedings andtheir cost. How longisthevalidity ofdecisions
bythecompetent authorities forthesuspension oftherelease ofgoods intofreecirculation?
18. Arecompetent authorities required toactupon their owninitiative and, ifso,inwhat
circumstances? Arethere anyspecial provisions applicable toexofficio action?
19. Describe theremedies thatthecompetent authorities havetheauthority toorder andany
criteria regulating their use.
Thefollowing reply relates toquestions No.15to19.
Abillregarding areas ofcompetence related toborder measures isinthefinalstages of
completion. This billcontains provisions thatareinkeeping with theTRIPS Agreement and
Regulation 3295/1994 oftheCouncil oftheEuropean Communities.
Criminal procedures
20. Specify thecourts which have jurisdiction overcriminal actsofinfringement ofIPRs.
Thecourts withjurisdiction overactsofinfringement ofinternational property rights areas
follows:
- Themagistrates 'courts, infirstinstance; and
- thecourts oflaw,asinstances ofappeal andreview. (Code ofCriminal Procedure,
Article 25andArticle 27,second andthirdparagraphs).
21. Inrespect ofwhich infringements ofwhich intellectual property rights arecriminal
procedures andpenalties available?
Anyone whohascommitted oneofthefollowing offences isliable toimprisonment ortoa
monetary fine:IP/N/6/ROM/1
Page14
A. Copyright andrelated rights
Theoffences provided forinArticles 140,141,142and143ofLawNo.8/1996:
"Article 140. Thefollowing actsbyaperson without theauthorization or,asthecasemay
be,theconsent oftheowner oftherights recognized bythepresent lawshallconstitute anoffence
and,unless amore serious offence isinvolved, shallbepunished byatermofimprisonment offrom
onemonth totwoyears orbyafineoffrom lei200,000 tolei3million:
- Disclosure ofawork;
- representation ofawork onthestage, oritsrecitation, performance ordirect
presentation inanyother public way;
- facilitating public access tocomputer databases containing orconstituting protected
works;
- translation, publication inanthologies, adaptation ortransformation ofawork, soas
toobtain aderived work;
- fixation ofaperformer 'swork;
- broadcasting ofaperformance, whether fixed orunfixed, byradio ortelevision or
itsrebroadcasting bywireless orwired means, bycable, orbyanyothersimilar process
orbyanyother means ofcommunication tothepublic;
- presentation inapublic place ofaproducer 'ssound recordings;
- broadcasting ofaproducer 'ssound recordings byradio ortelevision ortheir
rebroadcasting bywireless orwired means, bycable, bysatellite orbyanyothersimilar
process orbyanyother means ofcommunication tothepublic;
- fixation ofradio ortelevision programmes ortheirrebroadcasting bywireless orwired
means, bycable, bysatellite orbyanyother similar process orbyanyother means
ofcommunication tothepublic; or
- communication ofradio ortelevision programmes inaplace accessible tothepublic
against payment ofanentrance fee.
Article 141.Thefactofappropriating, without having theright, thestatus ofauthor ofawork
orthefactofbringing awork topublic attention under aname other thanthatdecided upon bythe
author shallconstitute anoffence and,unless itconstitutes amore serious offence, shallbepunished
byatermofimprisonment offrom three months tofiveyears orbyafineoffrom lei500,000 to
lei10million.
Article 142. Thefollowing actsshallconstitute anoffence and,intheabsence ofconsent by
theowner oftherights recognized bythepresent lawandunless theyconstitute amore serious offence,
shallbepunished byatermofimprisonment offromthree months tothree years orbyafineoffrom
lei700,000 tolei7million:IP/N/6/ROM/1
Page15
- Fullorpartial reproduction ofawork;
- distribution ofawork;
- importation ofcopies ofawork withaviewtotheirsaleonRomanian territory;
- public exhibition ofaplastic, photographic orarchitectural work ofartorofawork
ofapplied art;
- public projection ofacinematographic work orother audiovisual work;
- broadcasting awork tothepublic byanymeans serving forthewireless propagation
ofsigns, sounds andimages, including bysatellite;
- broadcasting awork tothepublic bywire, cable, optical fibreoranyother similar
process;
- rebroadcasting awork byanymeans serving forthewireless propagation ofsigns,
soundsorimages,includingbysatellite,orrebroadcastingaworkbywire,cable,optical
fibreoranyother similar process;
- transmitting aradio ortelevision work inaplace accessible tothepublic;
- reproducing aperforming artist'sperformance;
- distributing aperforming artist'sperformance;
- reproducing aproducer 'ssound recordings;
- distributing, including byrental, aproducer 'ssound recordings;
- importing aproducer 'ssound recordings, withaviewtotheirsaleinRomania;
- reproducing radio ortelevision programmes, however fixed;
- distributing, including byrental, fixed radio ortelevision programmes;
- importing radio ortelevision programmes, however fixed, withaviewtotheirsale
inRomania.
Article 143. Thefollowing actsshallconstitute anoffence punishable byatermoffromthree
months totwoyears imprisonment orbyafineoffromlei500,000 tolei5million, unless theyconstitute
amore serious offence:
- Making available tothepublic bysaleorbyanyother means oftransmission, with
orwithout charge, technical means intended fortheunauthorized removal or
neutralization ofthetechnical devices protecting software;
- refusal todeclare tothecompetent authorities theorigin ofcopies ofawork orthat
ofthecarriers onwhich isrecorded aperformance oraradio ortelevision programme,
protected bythepresent law,inthepossession ofaperson forpurposes ofdistribution."IP/N/6/ROM/1
Page16
B. Patents
- Unlawful assumption, inany way whatsoever, ofthestatus ofinventor
(ActNo.64/1991, Article 58).
Penalty: termofimprisonment offrom sixmonths totwoyears ormonetary fine.
- Theoffence ofinfringement (Law No.64/1991, Article 59).
Penalty: termofimprisonment offromthree months totwoyears ormonetary fine.
- Circulation ofcounterfeit products (Article 300ofthePenal Code).
Penalty: termofimprisonment offrom three months tothree years.
- Disclosure, byOSIM personnel andother persons doing work inconnection with
inventions, ofinformation contained inpatent applications prior totheirpublication
(Law No.64/1991, Article 60).
Penalty: termofimprisonment offromthree months totwoyears ormonetary fine.
- Unfair competition (Law No.11/1991, Article 5,paragraph (b),andCode ofPenal
Law, Article 301).
Penalty: termofimprisonment offrom onemonth totwoyears ormonetary fine.
C. Industrial designs
- Unlawful assumption, inanywaywhatsoever, ofthestatus ofcreator oftheindustrial
design (Law No.129/1992, Article 41).
Penalty: termofimprisonment offrom sixmonths totwoyears ormonetary fine.
- Unlawful reproduction oftheindustrial design withaview tothemanufacture of
products ofidentical appearance orthemanufacture, offerforsale,sale,importation,
useorstorage ofsuchproducts forthepurpose oftheir saleoruse,without the
authorization oftheowner (Law No.129/1992, Article 42).
Penalty: termofimprisonment offrom sixmonths totwoyears ormonetary fine.
- Disclosure, byOSIM personnel andother persons doing work inconnection with
industrial designs, ofinformation contained inapplications forregistration prior to
theirpublication (Law No.129/1992, Article 43).
Penalty: termofimprisonment offromthreemonths totwoyears oramonetary fine.
D. Topographies ofintegrated circuits
- Theoffence ofinfringement (Law No.16/1995, Article 40).
Penalty: termofimprisonment offromthreemonths tothreeyears ormonetary fine.IP/N/6/ROM/1
Page17
E. Geographical indications
- Themanufacture orcirculation ofproducts bearing falsedesignations orindications
oforigin (Code ofPenal Law, Article 301).
Penalty: termofimprisonment offrom onemonth totwoyears ormonetary fine.
- Unfair competition (Law No.11/1991, Article 5,paragraph (b)).
Penalty: termofimprisonment offrom onemonth totwoyears ormonetary fine.
F. Protection ofunrestricted information
- Theunlawful disclosure ofinformation byaperson towhom ithadbeenconfided or
whohadbecome aware ofitinthecourse ofhisprofession orduties, iftheactislikely
tocause injury toaperson (Code ofPenal Law, Article 196).
Penalty: termofimprisonment offromthree months totwoyears ormonetary fine.
- Thedisclosure ofinformation notintended forpublicity byaperson whopossesses
suchinformation because ofhisemployment, iftheactislikely tocause injury (Penal
Code, Article 298).
Penalty: termofimprisonment offrom twotoseven years.
22. Which public authorities areresponsible forinitiating criminal proceedings? Arethey
required todothisontheir owninitiative and/or inresponse tocomplaints?
Criminal investigation iscarried outbythepolice investigating bodies; thecourse ofthe
investigation issupervised bytheGovernment procurator. Intheareasofhissupervision, theprocurator
cancarry outanyactofcriminal investigation (Code ofPenal Procedure, Articles 207and209,first
andsecond paragraphs).
Thecriminal investigation bodyactsoncomplaints oraccusations, orittakesaction onitsown
initiative ifitdiscovers, byanyother means, thatanoffence hasbeencommitted.
When, according tothelaw,criminal proceedings canbeinitiated onlyonaprior complaint,
theinvestigation cannot begin initsabsence (Code ofPenal Procedure, Article 221,firstandsecond
paragraphs andArticle 279,firstparagraph).
Inthefollowing cases, criminal proceedings canbeinitiated onlyinresponse toacomplaint
bytheinjured party:
A. Copyright andrelated rights
- Theoffences provided forinArticles 140,141,142,paragraphs (a),(c),(j),(l),(n)
and(o)ofLawNo.8/1996 (thecontents ofwhich havebeenreproduced inthereply
toquestion No.21).
B. Patents
- Theoffence ofinfringement (Law No.64/1991, Article 59).IP/N/6/ROM/1
Page18
C. Industrial designs
- Unlawful reproduction oftheindustrial design withaview tothemanufacture of
products ofidentical appearance orthemanufacture, offerforsale,sale,importation,
useorstorage ofsuchproducts forthepurposes oftheirsaleoruse,without the
authorization oftheowner (Law No.129/1992, Article 42).
D. Topographies ofintegrated circuits
- Theoffence ofinfringement (Law No.16/1995, Article 40).
E. Protection ofundisclosed information
- Theunlawful disclosure ofinformation byaperson towhom ithadbeenconfided or
whohadbecome aware ofitinthecourse ofhisprofession orduties, iftheactislikely
tocause injury toaperson (Code ofPenal Law, Article 196).
23. Doprivate persons have standing toinitiate criminal proceedings and,ifso,who?
Anyone maylodge acomplaint against criminal proceedings, ifhislegitimate interests have
beeninjured thereby (Code ofCriminal Procedure, Article 275,firstparagraph).
24. Specify, bycategory ofIPRandtypeofinfringement where necessary, thepenalties and
other remedies thatmaybeimposed:
- Imprisonment;
- monetary fines;
- seizure,forfeitureanddestructionofinfringinggoodsandmaterialsandimplements
fortheir production;
- other.
A. Copyright andrelated rights
Afineoffromlei200,000 tolei10million oratermofimprisonment thatcanrunfromone
month tofiveyears maybeimposed onanyperson found guilty ofviolating therights ofanother person
under "Law No.8/1996 onCopyright andRelated Rights" (Articles 140to143,thecontents ofwhich
havebeenreproduced above inthereply toquestion No.21).
Fortherulesconcerning theseizure, forfeiture anddestruction ofinfringing goods andmaterials
andimplements fortheirproduction, seethereply toquestion No.5oncopyright.
B. Patents
Penalties:
- Imprisonment ormonetary finefortheoffences provided forinArticles 58,59and
60ofLawNo.64/1991;
- confiscationoftheinfringingproducts(Article59,thirdparagraphofLawNo.64/1991).IP/N/6/ROM/1
Page19
C. Industrial designs
Penalties:
- Imprisonment ormonetary finefortheoffences provided forinArticles 41,42and
43ofLawNo.129/1992.
D. Topographies ofintegrated circuits
Penalties:
- Imprisonment ormonetary finefortheoffences provided forinArticle 40ofLaw
No.16/1995;
- confiscation ofthecounterfeit products (Article 40,second paragraph, ofLaw
No.16/1995).
25. Describeprovisionsgoverningthelengthandanycostofproceedings.Provideanyavailable
dataontheactual duration ofproceedings andtheir cost, ifany.
Thecostofthepreparation ofprocedural documents, examination ofevidence, preservation
ofmaterial pieces ofevidence, attorney 'sfees,andallother costsarising during criminal proceedings
arecovered bysums advanced bytheState orpaidbytheparties (Code ofCriminal Procedure,
Article 189).
Intheevent ofaconviction, theaccused inresponsible forpaying thejudicial costsadvanced
bytheState orbytheinjured party (Code ofCriminal Procedure, Article 191andArticle 193,first
paragraph).
Theactual duration andcostoftheproceedings willdepend onthecomplexity ofthecase,
theattitude oftheparties during theinvestigation andthecriminal proceedings.IP/N/6/ROM/1
Page20
ANNEX
ListofLaws andRegulations Referred tointheReplies of
Romania totheCheck-List ofIssues onEnforcement
1. LawNo.8of14March 1996onCopyright andRelated Rights, published intheOfficial Gazette
ofRomania (Monitorul Oficial alRomâniei ),No.60,of26March 1996.2
2. Patent LawNo.64of11October 1991, published intheOfficial Gazette ofRomania (Monitorul
Oficial alRomâniei ),No.212,of21October 1991, entered intoforce on21January 1992.3
3. Industrial Designs Law, published intheOfficial Gazette ofRomania (Monitorul Oficial al
României ),No.1,of8January 1993.4
4. LawNo.16of6March1995ontheProtectionofTopographiesofIntegratedCircuits,published
intheOfficial Gazette ofRomania (Monitorul Oficial alRomâniei ),No.45,of9March 1995.5
5. Civil Code (Article 998).6
6. Code ofCivil Procedure7-thefollowing Articles:
- Article 1,firstandthirdparagraphs;
- Article 2,firstparagraph, subparagraph (d),andsecond paragraph;
- Article 3,second andthirdparagraphs;
- Article 4,firstparagraph;
- Article 5;
- Article 9;
- Article 22,firstparagraph;
- Article 41;
- Article 42;
2Thetextofthislawwillbecirculated indocument IP/N/1/ROM/C/1. Thetexthasalsobeen notified to
theWorld Intellectual Property Organization andcanbefound initscollection oflaws.
3ThetextofthisLawhasbeen circulated indocument IP/N/1/ROM/P/1.
4ThetextofthisLawhasbeen circulated indocument IP/N/1/ROM/D/1.
5ThetextofthisLawhasbeen circulated indocument IP/N/1/ROM/L/1.
6Theintegral textofthisLaw, intheRomanian language, andthetexts oftheArticles mentioned canbe
consulted intheWTO Secretariat.
7Seefootnote 6.IP/N/6/ROM/1
Page21
- Article 67,firstparagraph;
- Article 68,fourth paragraph;
- Article 75,firstparagraph, subparagraph 2,andsecond paragraph;
- Article 76;
- Article 77;
- Article 81,second paragraph;
- Article 89,firstparagraph;
- Article 111;
- Article 121;
- Article 129;
- Article 170,firstparagraph;
- Article 172;
- Article 173;
- Article 174;
- Article 209,firstparagraph;
- Article 274,firstparagraph;
- Article 276;
- Article 301
- Article 331;
- Article 581;
- Article 582,firsttofourth paragraphs;
- Article 598;
- Article 595;
- Article 596,firstparagraph;
- Article 723.IP/N/6/ROM/1
Page22
7. TheCode ofPenal Law, republished intheOfficial Gazette ofRomania (Monitorul Oficial
alRomâniei ),No.65,of16April 1997 -thefollowing Articles:8
- Article 118;
- Article 196;
- Article 298;
- Article 299;
- Article 300;
- Article 301.
8. Code ofCriminal Procedure, republished intheOfficial Gazette ofRomania (Monitorul Oficial
alRomâniei ),No.78,of30April 1997 -thefollowing Articles:9
- Article 25;
- Article 27,second andthirdparagraphs;
- Article 189;
- Article 191;
- Article 193,firstparagraph;
- Article 207;
- Article 209,firstandsecond paragraphs;
- Article 221,firstandsecond paragraphs;
- Article 275,firstparagraph;
- Article 279,firstparagraph.
9. LawNo.11ontheRepression ofUnfair Competition, published intheOfficial Gazette of
Romania (Monitorul Oficial alRomâniei ),No.24,of30January 1991 -thefollowing Articles:10
- Article 2;
- Article 5,firstparagraph, subparagraph (b),second paragraph andthirdparagraph;
8Theintegral textofthisLaw, intheRomanian language, andthetexts oftheArticles mentioned, withan
unofficial translation intoFrench, canbeconsulted intheWTO Secretariat.
9Seefootnote 6.
10Seefootnote 6.IP/N/6/ROM/1
Page23
- Article 6;
- Article 10;
- Article 11.
10. ActNo.51of7June1995 ontheOrganization andExercise oftheProfession ofAttorney,
published intheOfficial Gazette ofRomania (Monitorul Oficial alRomâniei ),No.116,of9June1995:11
- Article 7.
11. LawNo.92of4August 1992 ontheOrganization oftheJudiciary, published intheOfficial
Gazette ofRomania (Monitorul Oficial alRomâniei ),No.197,of13August 1992:12
- Article 93.
12. LawNo.146of24July1997 onJudicial Stamp Duty, published intheOfficial Gazette of
Romania (Monitorul Oficial alRomâniei ),No.173,of29July1997:13
- Article 1;
- Article 5;
- Article 30,second paragraph.
11Seefootnote 6.
12Seefootnote 6.
13Seefootnote 6.