Business & Contracts

When a foreign company enters into a contract with an Italian counterparty, two fundamental questions arise immediately: which law governs the contract, and which court has jurisdiction to decide any disputes? The applicable law determines the rules governing the contract’s validity, interpretation, and breach; jurisdiction determines where and how any litigation will take place. In…

Foreign companies seeking to access the Italian market through a local agent or distributor encounter a legal framework that affords the Italian intermediary significant protections — often greater than those available under the laws of the company’s home country. Underestimating these protections can expose the foreign company to unexpected and substantial costs at the end…

When an Italian counterpart fails to perform its contractual obligations correctly — failing to deliver goods, withholding payment, performing defectively — a foreign company needs to know exactly which tools Italian law makes available in response. The Italian Civil Code governs breach of contract through a precise system of remedies, partly alternative and partly cumulative,…

A dispute with an Italian counterpart — a supplier that fails to deliver goods, a client that does not pay invoices, a distributor that breaches the contract — is a situation that many foreign companies will encounter at some point. The geographical distance, the language barrier, and the unfamiliarity with the Italian judicial system make…

When a foreign company decides to operate in Italy — whether by entering into a partnership, appointing a distributor, purchasing goods from an Italian supplier, or licensing its intellectual property — it will almost inevitably have to negotiate and sign a contract governed, in whole or in part, by Italian law. The Italian Codice Civile…

Italy, the third largest economy in the Eurozone, offers significant opportunities for foreign companies seeking access to the European market. However, the Italian legal and tax framework may appear complex, making careful planning of legal and administrative aspects essential before commencing operations. This guide provides a detailed overview of the key elements that a foreign…