WORLD TRADE IP/N/6/LUX/1
3October 1997
ORGANIZATION(97-4187)
Original: French Council forTrade-Related Aspects
ofIntellectual Property Rights
CHECKLIST OFISSUES ONENFORCEMENT1
Responses from Luxembourg
I. CIVIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND REMEDIES
Themain rulesofcivilprocedure arecontained intheLuxembourg Code ofCivil Procedure
andintheAdministration ofJustice Actof7March 19802,thelawof9August 1993 extending the
jurisdiction ofJustices ofthePeace3,theGrand-Ducal Regulation of29June1990 ontherules of
procedure oftheCourt ofAppeal andthedistrict courts Justices ofthePeace4,andthelawof
11August 1996 onpreparations fortrialincontentious civilproceedings.5
Therulesofadministrative procedure arelaiddown intheLawof1December 1978governing
non-contentiousadministrativeproceedings6,theGrand-DucalRegulationof8June1979ontheprocedure
tobefollowed byadministrations answerable totheState andthecommunes7,andthe1996 Lawon
theorganization oftheAdministrative Court andtheState Council (Conseil d'Etat).
A. Civil judicial procedures andremedies
1. Specify thecourts which have jurisdiction overIPRinfringement cases.
(a) General rules
Intheabsence ofspecific rulesconcerning material andlocaljurisdiction forcertain intellectual
property rights, theordinary lawshallapply, themainfeatures ofwhich maybesummarized asfollows:
IftheCode ofCivilProcedure oranother statutory provision doesnotassign express jurisdiction
toaparticular court, theJustice ofthePeace shalldealwithallclaims where theamount involved does
notexceed LuxF400,000 (Articles 1and2)andthedistrict court shallentertain claims exceeding
1Document IP/C/5.
2Mem. 1980, 143...lastamended in1993.
3Mem. 1993, 1410.
4Mem. 1990, 433.
5Mem. 1996, 1659.
6Mem. 1978, 2486.
7Mem. 1979, 1096.IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page2
thatamount (Article 17).Thedistrict courts areordinary courts which dealwithcivilandcommercial
cases. They alsohearapplications forauthority toenforce foreign judgements anddecisions referred
toforeign officials (Article 18)andappeals from judgments given atfirstinstance byJustices ofthe
Peace based inthedistrict concerned. District court rulings areappealable totheSuperior Court of
Justice (Article 19).
Articles 806to811-2 oftheCode ofCivil Procedure provide forurgent proceedings (référé ).
Inpersonal ormovable property proceedings (Article 24etseq.),andinallcases where no
specific territorial jurisdiction islaiddown bylaw,thecompetent court isthecourt attheplace where
thedefendant isdomiciled. Incontractual matters, theclaim mayalsobelodged withthecourt at
theplace where theobligation hasbeenoristobeperformed, orwiththecourt attheplace elected
asdomicile forperformance oftheact.
Itmaybenoted thattheLawof27November 1986 regulating certain commercial practices
andsanctioning unfair competition8,assigns jurisdiction tothe"judge presiding overthedistrict court
division dealing withcommercial matters", fortheenforcement ofArticles 21to24relating toactions
forsuspension andother penalties.
Book IIIoftheCode ofCivil Procedure contains asingle section onarbitration (Articles 1003
to1028-2). Iftheparties agree toresort toarbitration, thecivilcourts havenofurther jurisdiction.
(b) Specific rules
1. Copyright andneighbouring rights
Article 44oftheLaw of29March 1972, onCopyright, asamended bytheLaw of
24April 1995, provides asfollows:
"Without prejudice totheinjured party'srighttoenter acriminal action under theprovisions
general legislation, actions arising from thisLawshallbewithin theexclusive competence
ofthecivilcourts." Italsostipulates that"thecaseshallbeheard asamatter ofurgency",
i.e.following theprocedure setoutinArticles 806to811-2 oftheCode ofCivil Procedure.
2. Trademarks
Seegeneral rules (twocourts: Justice ofthePeace; district civilandcommercial court).
Theimportance oftheinterests atstake andthefactthattrademark owners areusually
businessmen mean thatmostdisputes aresubmitted tothedistrict court sitting asacommercial court.
Therulesonterritorial jurisdiction arecontained inArticle 37.A oftheUniform Benelux Law
onMarks of19March 1962.9Thebasic ruleisasfollows:
8Asamended bytheLawof14May 1992.
9TheUniform Benelux LawonMarks entered intoforce on1January 1971, inaccordance withArticle 13
oftheBenelux Convention Concerning Trademarks.IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page3
"Unless otherwise expressly stipulated bycontract, jurisdiction inrespect ofmark cases shall
bedetermined bythedomicile ofthedefendant orbytheplace where theundertaking giving
risetothelitigation originated orwasoristobeperformed. Theplace where amark was
filed orregistered canonnoaccount serve initself asabasis forthedetermination of
jurisdiction."
Intheabsence ofanexplicit assignment ofjurisdiction10,theplaintiff isfreetochoose one
ortheother oftheabove-mentioned criteria.
Ifthecriteria inquestion arenotsufficient forthedetermination ofjurisdiction, theplaintiff
hastheoption ofbringing thecasebefore thecourt ofhisdomicile orresidence or,ifhehasnodomicile
orresidence within theBenelux territory, before thecourt ofhischoice inBrussels, TheHague or
Luxembourg. Inpractice, thisoption relates tosituations ofconflict between tworegistrations, when
neither ofthetwoparties isbased intheBenelux.
Itshould benoted thatcourts dealing withtrademark disputes mayputpreliminary questions
concerning theinterpretation oftheUniform Benelux LawonMarks totheBenelux Court ofJustice,
composed ofDutch, Belgian andLuxembourg judges.
3. Patents
Article 80.1oftheLawof20July1992 amending thepatent regime, which willenter into
force on1January 1998, provides asfollows:
"Any action forinfringement ofapatent, oranyaction fordamages forinfringement, shall
come within theexclusive jurisdiction ofthedistrict court, regardless oftheamount involved
intheclaim".
Article 74.1ofthe1992 Lawreferred toabove provides that"anyaction fornullity orany
action tocontest ownership ofapatent, irrespective oftheamount involved intheclaim, shallbebrought
before thecourt attheelected domicile ofthepatent holder".
4. Industrial designs
Article 16oftheUniform Benelux Designs Lawof25October 1966 provides that"thecivil
courts shallhaveexclusive competence togivejudgement inproceedings based onthisLaw".
Article 29ofthesameUniform Lawisidentical withArticle 37oftheabove-mentioned Uniform
LawonMarks. Unless jurisdiction isexpressly stipulated bycontract, theplaintiff maychoose between
thedefendant 'sdomicile andtheplace where thedisputed obligation originated orwasoristobe
performed. Itshould benoted that,inthiscasetoo,theplacewhere adesign wasdeposited orregistered
cannot serve initself asabasis forthedetermination ofjurisdiction.
Thesubsequent wording ofparagraph 2applies mutatis mutandis todesigns.
10Thiswillbethecasemore often thannot.Where infringement isconcerned, suchassignment ofjurisdiction
presupposes theexistence ofcontractual relations between theparties tothedispute.IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page4
5. Layout-designs (topographies) ofintegrated circuits
Article 11oftheLawof29December 1988 onthelegal protection oftopographies of
semi-conductor products provides thatproceedings forprotection oftheexclusive rights afforded by
thesaidLawandcompensation forinfringements ofthose rights shallbegoverned bytherelevant
provisions ofthelegislation onpatents, forinvention.
Reference istherefore made topoint 4above.
2. Which persons havestanding toassert IPRs? How maytheyberepresented? Arethere
requirements formandatory personal appearances before thecourt bytherightholder?
(a) General rules
Anyperson entitled tobring anaction, whohasaninterest insodoing, maylaythematter
before thecompetent authority, either foraruling onthemerits, orinorder torequest provisional
measures.11
Without going intodetail, itmayberecalled thattherighttotakepartincourt proceedings
isgoverned bypublic international law.12
Inproceedings before thedistrict court sitting incivilcases andbefore thehigher courts (Court
ofAppealandCourtofCassationtogetherconstitutingtheSuperiorCourtofJustice),partiesarerequired
toberepresented bycounsel (Article 61oftheCode ofCivilProcedure). Parties mayappear inperson
before theJustice ofthePeace andthedistrict court sitting asacommercial court (Article 9ofthe
Code ofCivil Procedure).
Inallcases, thecourt mayevenorder, exofficio, theappearance inperson oftheparties or
ofonethem(Article 269etseq.oftheCode ofCivil Procedure). Itmayrequire private orpublic-law
corporations toappear intheperson oftheirqualified representatives (Article 273-1 oftheCode of
Civil Procedure).
However, therightholder maynotappear asawitness ifheisaparty totheproceedings
(Article 274oftheCode ofCivil Procedure).
(b) Specific rules
1. Copyright andneighbouring rights
Theamended Lawof29March 1972 onCopyright provides thatanycopyright holder who
fulfils theconditions laiddown bythelawmayexercise hisrights inlegalproceedings. Inaccordance
withArticle 48,copyright mayofcourse beexercised byanorganization, provided thatithasbeen
granted thenecessary authorization bythecompetent Ministry.
11Adage: "Nointerest, noaction".
12Article 7oftheCivil Code: "The exercise ofcivilrights isnotdependent oncitizenship, which isacquired
andmaintained onlyinaccordance withtheconstitutional law".IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page5
2. Trademarks
Action forinfringement
Actionsforinfringementmayinprinciplebebroughtonlybytheproprietorofamark(Article13
oftheUniform Benelux LawonMarks).
Paragraph 5ofArticle 13.A oftheUniform Lawspecifies thattheproprietor mayinstitute
proceedings fordamages orforsurrender oftheprofits obtained onbehalf ofthelicensee.
Thelicensee, forhispart,alsohastheright tobring proceedings incertain cases. Forthe
purpose ofobtaining compensation fordamage suffered directly ortoobtain aproportional share of
theprofits obtained bythedefendant, alicensee shallbeentitled tointervene inproceedings fordamages
orforsurrender ofprofits instituted bytheproprietor ofthemark (Article 11.D oftheUniform Law).
Alicensee mayalsoinstitute suchproceedings independently ifhehasbeenauthorized todosoby
theproprietor ofthemark.
Inaddition,underArticle13bis,paragraph4,alicenseeshallbeentitled,subjecttoauthorization
bytheproprietor ofthemark, tointervene inproceedings toestablish ownership ofmovables thathave
infringed hisrights andofobjects thathaveserved toproduce suchmovables, aswellasinproceedings
tohavesuchmovables destroyed orrendered unusable.
Asregards collective marks, reference should bemade toArticle 26oftheUniform Benelux
LawonMarks, referred toabove, which provides that:
"Therighttoinstitute legalproceedings fortheprotection ofacollective mark shallexclusively
accrue totheproprietor ofsuchmark.
Theregulations foruseandcontrol may, however, confer onpersons towhom theuseofthe
mark hasbeengranted therighttobring aclaim jointly withtheproprietor ortobecome party
toanyaction ortointervene inanyproceedings instituted byoragainst thelatter.
Likewise, theregulations foruseorcontrol mayalsoprovide thattheproprietor, acting alone,
mayassert theindividual interests oftheusers ofthemark andmayincorporate inhisclaim
forindemnification thespecific damage sustained byoneormore ofthem."
Action fornullity
Adistinction should bemade according towhether theaction fornullity isbased ongrounds
ofincurable nullity orcurable nullity.
Iftheaction isbased ongrounds ofincurable nullity, anyinterested party maytakeaction
(Article 14.A oftheUniform Law).
Where theaction isbased ongrounds ofcurable nullity -existence ofapriorright-theaction
maybeinstituted bytheholder oftheprior rightorbyanyother interested party, provided thatthe
holder oftheprior rightisjoined totheproceedings (Article 14.B oftheUniform Law).
These rules arealsoapplicable tocollective trade marks.IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page6
Action forrevocation
Anyinterested partymaybring anaction forrevocation ofamarkongrounds oflapseofnormal
use(Article 14.C oftheUniform Law).
3. Patents
Article 77oftheLawof20July1992 provides that:
"1. Anyaction forinfringement shallbebrought bytheproprietor ofthepatent.
2. However, thebeneficiary ofanexclusive rightofexploitation may,unless thelicensing
contract provides otherwise, institute proceedings forinfringement if,afterbeing given
notice, theowner ofthepatent doesnotinstitute suchproceedings.
Thepatentee isentitled tointervene intheproceedings forinfringement instituted by
thelicensee under theprevious paragraph.
3. Theproprietor ofalicence ofright, acompulsory licence oranexofficio licence,
asdefined inArticles 56,62and63,mayinstitute proceedings forinfringement if,
afterbeing given notice, theproprietor ofthepatent doesnotinstitute suchproceedings.
4. Anylicensee isentitled totakepartinproceedings forinfringement instituted bythe
patentee, inorder toobtain redress fordamage personally sustained."
4. Industrial designs
Theproprietor ofadesign maybring anaction forinfringement (Article 14oftheUniform
Designs Law).
Alicensee may, jointly withtheproprietor, claim compensation foranydamage sustained by
himasaresult oftheinfringement ofexclusive title(Article 13.4oftheUniform Law).
Anyinterested party mayinvoke thenullity ofadesign deposit (Article 15oftheUniform
Law).
There isnocompulsory requirement fortherightholder toappear inperson before thecourt
(cf.general rules).
3. What authority dothejudicial authorities have toorder, attherequest ofanopposing
party, aparty toaproceeding toproduce evidence which lieswithin itscontrol?
Article 188oftheCode ofCivil Procedure provides thatdocuments putforward byaparty
must beproduced spontaneously. Ifthedocuments arenotproduced, thecourt mayberequested
informally toorder thattheybemade available andtoimpose acoercive fineontheparty indefault.
Thecourt mayeven(Article 189)refuse togiveconsideration todocuments which havenotbeenmade
available attheproper time.
If,inthecourse oftheproceedings, aparty intends toputforward anauthentic actoraprivate
document towhich itisnotaparty oradocument inthepossession ofathirdparty, itmayrequest
thejudge dealing withthecasetoorder thatacopybeissued orthattheactordocument beproduced.IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page7
4. What means exist toidentify andprotect confidential information brought forward as
evidence?
Luxembourg lawcontains nospecific provisions guaranteeing protection ofconfidential
information.ThejudicialauthoritiesmustthereforehaveregardtoArticle43.1oftheTRIPSAgreement.
Article 191oftheCode ofCivil Procedure andtherelevant caselaw13make itclear thatit
lieswithin thecourt'sdiscretion todecide astotheconfidentiality ofinformation tobeincluded in
theruling. Consequently, itmayorder anextract ofadocument tobeissued orproduced.
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.
1. INJUNCTIONS
(a) General rules
Article 21oftheLawregulating certain commercial practices andsanctioning unfair competition
of27November 1986, asamended bytheLawof14May1992, provides that:
"The President oftheDistrict Court Division dealing withacommercial caseattherequest
ofanyindividual, aprofessional group oraconsumer organization represented ontheprice
board shallorder thecessation ofactscontrary totheprovisions ofArticles 1to20ofthis
Law."
Suchproceedings onthemerits, alsoknown asaction forsuspension, areinstituted andtried
inthesame wayasurgent proceedings, butwithnorightofopposition.
(b) Specific rules
1. Trademarks
Theaction forsuspension referred tounder (a)isnotapplicable toinfringements oftrademarks.
However, thisexclusion doesnotextend tocases ofunlawful useofatrademark falling short
ofinfringement (i.e.cases covered byArticle 13A.1(c) and(d)oftheUniform Law).
13Tblux14July1987, case158/87.IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page8
2. Patents
Article 79.3oftheLawof20July1992 provides thatthePresident oftheCourt may, atthe
request ofanyperson authorized tobring anaction forinfringement under thesaidLaw, issueaninterim
order requiring anyperson against whom strong evidence ofinfringement exists provisionally tocease
theactivity considered asconstituting infringement.
Moreover, Article 80.4(a) provides that"iftheaction forinfringement isrecognized aswell
founded, theDistrict Court shallorder theinfringer or,ifneedbe,more thanoneinfringer jointly
andseverally: (a)tocease theinfringement;".
3. Industrial designs
Article14.5oftheUniformBeneluxDesignsLawprovidesthat"actswhichwouldonlyconstitute
infringement ofadesign maynotbethesubject ofanaction under thelegislation onunfair competition".
2. DAMAGES, INCLUDING RECOVERY OFPROFITS, AND EXPENSES, INCLUDING
ATTORNEY 'SFEES
(a) General rules
Pursuant toArticles 1382and1383oftheCivil Code, thecourt mayorder anyone whocauses
damage toanother toprovide compensation (damages), irrespective ofwhether thedamage wascaused
byfaultorbynegligence.
Thisfundamental principle obviously applies alsoinIPRinfringement cases.
Asregards costs andexpenses, Article 130oftheCode ofCivil Procedure provides thatthe
losing party willbeordered topaythecosts, unless aspecific andreasoned courtdecision leaves another
party tobearallorpartofthecosts. There arefivecategories ofcosts: bailiff 'sfees,registry fees,
taxes andduties, lawyer 'sfeesandconsultant expert fees.
Article 133-1 oftheCode provides that"where itappears inequitable toleave oneparty to
bearexpenditure ithasincurred thatisnotincluded inthecosts, thecourt mayorder theother party
topayanassessed sum". Thisprovision covers attorney 'sfeesinparticular.
(b) Specific rules
1. Copyright andneighbouring rights
Theprocedure andmethod ofcompensation arethose oftheordinary lawrelating toliability
fornegligence. Thecourt maytherefore order theinfringer topaydamages totheholder oftheright
bywayofcompensation forthedamage caused.
Moreover, Article 46oftheamended Lawof29March 1972 onCopyright stipulates that,
intheevent ofanyviolation oftheprovisions ontheresale royalty right, "theacquirer andthelaw
officials maybeheldjointly liable fordamages which shallinure tothebenefit ofthepersons entitled
totheresale royalties".
Thelastparagraph ofArticle 37oftheamended 1972 Lawprovides that"inthecaseofacts
thatgiverisetomonetary receipts, thePresident mayorder thesequestration ofthemonies byabailiff
appointed byhim".IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page9
2. Patents
Article 80.4(b) oftheLawof20July1992 provides that,ifanaction forinfringement is
recognized aswell-founded, anyinfringer shallbeordered topaydamages tocompensate forthedamage
caused totheplaintiff.
3. Trademarks
Article 13.A.3 oftheUniform Lawprovides that,without prejudice totheapplication ofthe
ordinary lawoncivilliability, theproprietor ofamark may, byvirtue ofhisexclusive right, claim
indemnification foranydamage sustained byhimasaresult ofunlawful useofthemark.
ItshouldbenotedthatArticle12.Ainfinestipulatesthat"damagescanonnoaccountbeawarded
forfactswhich occurred prior tofiling".
Moreover, Article 13.A.4 oftheUniform Lawgives theproprietor ofamark theoption of
instituting proceedings forsurrender oftheprofits derived bytheinfringer fromunlawful useofthe
mark together withsubmission oftherelevant accounts. TheLawprovides that"thecourt shallrefuse
thepetition ifitholds thattheusewasnotmade inbadfaithorthatthecircumstances ofthecasedo
notcallforsuchsentence".
4. Industrial designs
Article 14.2oftheUniform Lawprovides thattheproprietor ofadesign deposit mayclaim
compensation foranydamage caused tohimbyunlawful useofhisdesign, ifsuchuseoccurred after
publication ofthedeposit, sufficiently disclosing thecharacteristics ofthedesign, unless theinfringer
wasaware ofthedeposit 'sexistence.
3. DESTRUCTION OROTHER DISPOSAL OFINFRINGING GOODS AND MATERIALS/
IMPLEMENTS FOR THEIR PRODUCTION
1. Copyright andneighbouring rights
Articles 37etseq.oftheamended Lawof29March 1972 onCopyright provide fortheseizure
ofinfringing works, alsocalled seizure-description.
Under thisprocedure, copyright owners may, afterobtaining authorization, uponapplication,
fromthePresident oftheCourt ofFirstInstance attheplace where theinfringement occurred, arrange
foroneormore court-appointed experts tomake asurprise visittothepremises oftheinfringer in
order todraw upadescription oftheallegedly infringing objects oroftheactsofinfringement and
theimplements thatserved directly fortheperformance ofthose acts.
ThePresident mayusethesame order toforbid theholders ofinfringing objects topartwith
them, assign acustodian tothepremises where thesaidobjects arestored, orevenplace theobjects
under seal.14
2. Patents
Points 1and2ofArticle 79oftheLawof20July1992 provide that:
14Seethereply toquestion No.12.IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page10
"1. Persons authorized toinstitute proceedings forinfringement pursuant toArticle 7715
may, onrequest, beauthorized bythePresident oftheDistrict Court toarrange for
oneormore sworn experts appointed bythePresident todrawupadetailed description
ofallegedly infringing objects andoftheinstruments usedtocommit thealleged
infringement, irrespective oftheidentity oftheowner ofthesaidobjects and
instruments.
2. Thepersons inquestion may, byvirtue ofthesame order ofthePresident ora
subsequent order, beauthorized toarrange forabailiff, assisted byoneormore
previously appointed experts, toattach theobjects andinstruments referred toin
paragraph 1(...).
Custody oftheaforesaid objects andinstruments maybeentrusted toacustodian
appointed bythePresident."
Article 81oftheLawof20July1992 laysdown theconfiscation procedure, asfollows:
"1. Attherequest oftheinjured party, andprovided thatthemeasure proves necessary
touphold thebanoncontinued infringement, thecourt mayorder theconfiscation,
onbehalf oftheplaintiff, ofmanifestly infringing objects inthepossession ofthe
infringer onthedateofentry intoforce oftheban,and,where appropriate, ofthe
facilities ormeans specifically intended tocommit theinfringement.
Account shallbetaken ofthevalue oftheinfringing objects inthecalculation ofthe
compensation awarded tothebeneficiary ofthejudgement.
2. Confiscation forthebenefit oftheplaintiff maybeordered eveniftheobjects inquestion
havebeenattached onthestrength ofawritofexecution, orifthedefendant isbound
bybankruptcy procedure orother collective liquidation arrangements.
3. Attherequest oftheinjured party, andprovided thatthemeasure proves necessary,
thecourtmayorder thedestruction, atthecostoftheinfringer, ofmanifestly infringing
objects andoftheinstruments, facilities ormeans specifically intended tocommit the
infringement.
4. Theconfiscation forthebenefit oftheplaintiff provided forinparagraph 1mayrelate
wholly orinparttoimmovable property, despite non-registration oftheclaim atthe
mortgage registry."
3. Trademarks
Article 13bis.1oftheUniform Lawprovides that"theproprietor ofamark shallbeentitled
toclaim ownership ofanymovable assets thathaveinfringed hisrightorofgoods thathaveserved
toproduce suchassets, ortodemand thattheybedestroyed orrendered unusable. Such claim may
alsobeasserted withregard totheamounts ofmoney presumed tohavebeenobtained asaresult of
theinfringement oftherightinthemark. Thepetition shallberejected iftheinfringement wasnot
made outinbadfaith".
15Seeabove, thereply toquestion No.2,point (b),3.IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page11
Paragraph 2ofthesame Article stipulates thattheprovisions ofdomestic lawrelating to
withholding measures andenforcement ofcourt decisions shallbeapplicable.
4. OTHER REMEDIES
Publication ofrulings
Pursuant toArticle 1036 oftheCode ofCivil Procedure, thecourts mayorder publication
oftheirrulings. Thefulltextorextracts ofsuchrulings shallbepublished innewspapers designated
bythecourt, attheexpense oftheinfringer.
There isonlyonespecific provision concerning thepublication ofrulings, anditrelates to
patents. Article 80.5ofthe1992 Lawprovides that"(...) thecourt mayauthorize thepublication of
theruling orofanextract therefrom inoneormore newspapers, attheexpense oftheinfringer or
infringers".
AsfarasotherIPRsareconcerned,Article1036oftheabove-mentionedCodeofCivilProcedure
willbeapplied.
Return ofinfringing goods
Once infringing goods havebeensold,theybelong tothepurchaser andthecourt cannot order
theinfringer totakethem back. Ontheother hand, itcanorder himtowrite tohisclients toinform
them oftheexistence ofacourt ruling.
Penalty payments
Under theterms ofArticle 2059 oftheCivil Code16,"attherequest ofoneparty, thejudge
maysentence theother party, ifthemainsentence hasnotbeensatisfied, topayasumofmoney known
asapenalty payment, though without prejudice toanydamages thatmaybeadjudged. However, a
penalty payment maynotbeimposed intheevent ofaprevious sentence topayasumofmoney".
Withregard topatents, Article 80.5ofthe1992 Lawexpressly provides that"thesuspension
order maybeaccompanied byapecuniary penalty".
Communication ofcommercial data
Withregard totrademarks, Article 13bis.5oftheUniform Benelux Lawprovides that"atthe
request oftheproprietor ofamark, thecourt mayorder theperson whohasinfringed hisrighttosupply
totheproprietor allinformation athisdisposal withrespect totheorigin oftheobjects thathaveinfringed
themark andtocommunicate tohimallrelevant data".
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?
Seeanswers toquestions 3and5.
16Article introduced inthewake oftheBenelux Convention of26November 1973 onauniform lawonpenalty
payments.IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page12
7. Describe provisions relating totheindemnification ofdefendants wrongfully enjoined.
Towhat extent arepublic authorities and/or officials liable insuchasituation andwhat "remedial
measures" areapplicable tothem?
Ifthecomplainant cannot substantiate hisallegations, hewillasaruleberequired topaythe
costs oftheproceedings.
Pursuant toArticle 6-1oftheCivilCode, "anyactoranyfactwhich, byvirtue oftheintention
oftheauthor, itspurpose orthecircumstances inwhich ittookplace, manifestly exceeds thenormal
exercise ofaright, shallnotbeprotected bylaw,shallinvolve theresponsibility17ofitsauthor and
maygiverisetoanaction forsuspension inorder toprevent continuation oftheabuse."
TheState, asright holder, istreated inthesame wayasaprivate individual inthecontext
ofcivilproceedings. Article 1oftheLawof1September 1988 onthecivilliability oftheState and
ofpublic authorities goessofarastostatethat"theStateandother public lawentities shallbeliable,
eachwithin theframework ofitspublic service functions, foranydamage caused bythedefective
functioning oftheirservices, bothadministrative andjudicial, subject totheforce ofresjudicata .
However, when itisinequitable, having regard tothenature andpurpose oftheactgiving risetothe
damage, toleavethecitizen tobearthedamage sustained, compensation shallbedueevenintheabsence
ofproof ofdefective functioning oftheservice, provided thatthedamage isspecific andexceptional
andthatitcannot beattributed toafaultofthepartoftheinjured party".
8. Describe provisions governing thelength andcostofproceedings. Provide anyavailable
dataontheactual duration ofproceedings andtheir cost.
Article 130oftheCode ofCivil Procedure provides that: "thelosing party shallinallcases
beliable forcosts". Thecourt is,however, empowered toorder whatever partofthecosts itdeems
appropriate against oneortheother party, provided thatvarious claims havebeenasserted inthecourse
ofproceedings, inthelightofwhich thecourt hasnotfound entirely foroneortheother party.
Under Article 131-1, thecourt mayevengrant acase-preparation allowance tooneparty for
expenditure notincluded incourt costs.
Itistherefore notpossible toidentify rulesortoprovide precise information onthecostand
duration ofproceedings, since theydepend entirely ontheapproach selected bytheparties, thenature
andthecomplexity ofthecase, thepersons involved, etc.
B. Administrative procedures andremedies
Bywayofintroduction, itshould benoted thattherulesofadministrative procedure mustensure
respect forthecitizen 'srighttoafairhearing, byfacilitating citizen participation inadministrative
decision-making tothefullest extent possible.
9. Reply totheabove questions inrelation toanyadministrative procedures onthemerits
andremedies thatmayresult from these procedures.
Pursuant toArticles 93-95 oftheConstitution, disputes concerning civilrights, andintellectual
property rights inparticular, fallwithin theexclusive competence ofthecourts.18
17Article 1382 etseq.oftheCivil Code.
18cf.Article 15oftheUniform Designs LawandArticle 14oftheUniform Benelux LawonMarks.IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page13
However, theremaybecases where theAdministrative Court (atfirstinstance) ortheCouncil
ofState(atsecond instance) iscalled upontomake aruling onanappeal tosetaside anadministrative
decision concerning anintellectual property right. Theadministrative courts shallnevertheless have
nojurisdiction toruleonaclaim where theirexamination ofthematter would entail apronouncement
astotheexistence orthescope ofanintellectual property right.
Indeed, asinthematter ofcopyright theMinister oftheEconomy iscompetent togrant
authorization tobodies exercising copyright onbehalf ofmore thanoneauthor oronesuccessor in
title,theAdministrative Court willhavejurisdiction, onthebasisoftheordinary law,tomonitor the
lawfulness ofthegranting orrefusal ofauthorization.
Article 2oftheLawof7November 1996 provides that"theAdministrative Court shallrule
onappeals based onlackofjurisdiction, abuse orimproper exercise ofauthority andviolations ofthe
laworofformal requirements designed toprotect private interests against alladministrative decisions
concerning which noother remedy isadmissible under thelawsandregulations."
Suchappeals areappeals forannulment, which arenotadministrative-law actions andcanonly
aimatsetting asidethedisputed administrative decision. Inotherwords, iftheappeal isdeemed formally
admissible andfound tobejustified onthemerits, thedecision issetaside andthecaseisreferred
foranewdecision totheauthority withoriginal jurisdiction, which mustcomply withthejudgement
given.
Incontrast, asfaraspatents forinvention areconcerned, Article 91oftheActof20July1992
provides thatrefusal toissue suchpatents entitles theplaintiff toenter anappeal forvariation ofthe
decision before theAdministrative Court. Insuchcases, theAdministrative Court substitutes itself
fortheadministration inorder totakeadecision intheplaceofthecompetent administrative authority.19
Itfollows implicitly from theabove that,intheareas under consideration, Luxembourg law
makes noprovision foradministrative fines.
Thisoverview would beincomplete ifitdidnotmake clearthat,before instituting proceedings
intheAdministrative Court, acitizen mayalways bring anappeal before theadministration itself, with
therequest toreconsider itsdecision. Such appeals areknown asapplications forreview (recours
gracieux )when thecitizen approaches thesame authority which handed down theoriginal decision,
andasappealstohigherbodies(recourshiérarchiques)whenthecitizensubmitstheappealtoanauthority
ofhigher rankthantheonewhich handed down thedecision. Thisruleismoreover reproduced explicitly
inArticle 91oftheLawonpatents forinvention.
II. PROVISIONAL MEASURES
A. Judicial measures
10. Describe thetypes ofprovisional measures thattraditional authorities mayorder, and
thelegal basis forsuchauthority.
19Article 3oftheLawof7November 1996 ontheorganization ofadministrative courts provides thatthe
Administrative Court shallhavesubstantive jurisdiction tohearappeals forvariation ofdecisions incases where
such jurisdiction isassigned byspecific laws.IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page14
Itistheurgent applications judge whoiscompetent toorder provisional measures. Such
measures aredesigned toremedy astateofconflict without however settling thesubstance ofthedispute
orestablishing therights oftheparties.20
ThePresident oftheDistrict Court isnaturally competent toentertain urgent applications
concerning disputes which aresubstantively within thecompetence ofhiscourt incivilorcommercial
cases. Indeed, emergency interim rulings bythePresident areanatural extension ofthework ofthe
court, andhisjurisdiction islogically determined bythatofthecourt sitting asabench.
Alawof9August 1993 introduced urgent proceedings before theJustice ofthePeace
(Article 14-1oftheCode ofCivil Procedure).
Emergency interim orders arecharacterized bytheirprovisional effect, bytheabsence offinality
(resjudicata )withregard tothemerits, andbythefactthattheyareimmediately enforceable, unless
thejudge hasordered asecurity tobepaid.
Intervention bytheurgent applications judge depends ontwopreconditions:
- Urgency, thatistosaythatimmediate stepsmustbetaken toprevent significant damage
orevenserious inconvenience. Theplaintiff mustactappropriately andshow byhis
attitude thatthematter isurgent;
- alackofserious objections; aserious objection isonewhich thejudge cannot
unhesitatingly reject inafewwords.
Mention should bemade oftheexistence ofevidentiary orpreventive urgent proceedings
(Article 254oftheCode ofCivil Procedure), which donotrequire these twopreconditions tobemet.
Such urgent proceedings cannot beinstituted afteracasehasbeenreferred tothetrialjudge.
Asfarastheprocedure isconcerned, Article 808oftheCode ofCivil Procedure provides
that"theapplication shallbereferred bywrittoahearing heldforthatpurpose onthedayandatthe
timecustomarily appointed forurgent proceedings. However, ifthecaserequires prompt action, the
urgent applications judge mayhaveawritofsummons issued either foracourt hearing orforan
open-door hearing inhisownhome, attheappointed time,evenonholidays ortraditionally non-working
days(...)".
Nominimum time-limit forentering anappearance isfixedinurgent proceedings. Itlieswith
thejudge toensure thatthetime-limit issufficient toenable thedefendant orrespondent toenter an
appearance, toconsult alawyer ifnecessary andtoprepare hisdefence inanappropriate manner.
Theparties mayappear inperson andwithout representation bycounsel. However, ifthey
wishtoberepresented orassisted, onlyalawyer mayfulfil thatfunction.
Asregards theprovisional measures thatmaybeordered bytheurgent applications judge,
theyinclude anymeasure thatisnotfinal, suchas:
- Orders forbidding use;
20SeeArticles 806etseq.oftheCode ofCivil Procedure.IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page15
- orders forthesubmission ofaccounts21;
- penalty payments22;
- expert reports;
- anadvance onthesurrender ofprofits23;
- publication ofthedecision.
Thus, withregard topatents, Article 79.3oftheLawof20July1992provides thatthePresident
oftheCourt may, attherequest ofanyperson authorized tobring proceedings forinfringement under
thesaidLaw,issueaninterimorderforanypersonagainstwhomthereisstrongevidenceofinfringement
tocease provisionally theactivity considered asconstituting theinfringement.
Reference isalsomade tothereply toquestion No.5.3,withregard totheprocedure ofseizure
intheevent ofinfringement inthesphere ofcopyright andpatents.
Lastly, reference should bemade heretoArticle 13bis.2oftheUniform Benelux LawonMarks,
which stipulates thattheprovisions ofdomestic lawrelating towithholding measures andenforcement
ofcourt decisions andauthentic actsshallbeapplicable. Thisprovision should bereadinconjunction
withpoint 1ofthesame Article 13bis,which provides fortheclaiming ofownership orthedestruction
ofinfringing goods. Thelatter measures arefinalandmaynottherefore bethesubject ofsummary
applications. However, inorder toprevent thedisappearance ofgoods thatmaybethesubject ofa
deprival-of-possession measure forthepurpose oftheirdestruction following substantive proceedings,
itisnecessary toorder theirpreventive attachment. Thatisthepurport ofArticle 13bis,2.
11. Inwhat circumstances maysuchmeasures beordered inaudita altera parte?
Under theevidentiary urgent procedure, thecasemaybereferred tothejudge bymeans of
anapplication, andthisusually rules outanyadversarial hearing before themeasure isordered.
Provisional measures mayalsobeordered eveniftherespondent party hasnotbeenheard,
ifthelatter failed toappear despite receipt ofduenotice todoso.
12. Describe themain procedures fortheinitiation, ordering andmaintenance inforce of
provisional measures, inparticular relevant time-limits andsafeguards toprotect thelegitimate
interests ofthedefendant.
1. Theseizure-description procedure inrespect ofcopyright andpatents
Inorder toprevent unfair seizures, thejudge mayrequire theplaintiff todeposit asecurity24,
inwhich casetherelevant order isissued onlyupon receipt ofproof ofdeposit ofthesecurity.
21Seeabove thereply toquestion No.5.2,point (b),3.
22Article 811-2 oftheCode ofCivil Procedure expressly provides thattheurgent applications judge may
issue orders forthepayment ofpecuniary penalties.
23Seeabove, thereply toquestion No.5.2,point (b),3.
24Article 39ofthe1972 Lawoncopyright; Article 79.4 ofthe1992 Lawonpatents forinvention.IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page16
With regard tocopyright, Article 42ofthe1972 Lawstipulates that"acopyoftherecord of
thedescription shallbesentbytheexperts byregistered mailandwiththeleastpossible delay tothe
person onwhom, andtheperson onwhose behalf, theorder wasserved".
Thefollowing Article, Article 43,provides that"if,within eight daysfollowing thedateof
theaforementioned mailing asevidenced bythepostmark, orfollowing thedateofthesequestration
ofreceipts, therehasbeennosummons before thecourt within thejurisdiction ofwhich thedescription
wasdrawn up,theorder shalllapse automatically andtheholder oftheobjects described orofthe
monies sequestered mayapply forthedelivery tohimoftheoriginal description record, together with
aninjunction prohibiting theplaintiff from using orpublishing thedescription, without prejudice to
anyclaims fordamages".
With regard topatents, Article 79.5provides that"thePresident shallfixtheduration ofthe
effects ofmeasures taken under paragraphs 1,2and3,which maynotexceed aperiod ofthreemonths
from personal service oftheorder orservice atthehome address oftheperson concerned. Failing
initiation ofanappeal tothecourt bytheplaintiff within theprescribed time-limit, thedescription or
seizure shall beautomatically void, without prejudice tothedamages thatmaybeclaimed where
appropriate. Iftheplaintiff hasentered anappeal before thecourt within theprescribed time-limit,
thePresident mayextend theduration oftheeffects oftheseizure andprovisional suspension orders
forsuccessive periods thatmaynotexceed three months ineachcase".
13. Describe provisions governing thelength andcostofproceedings. Provide anyavailable
dataontheactual duration ofproceedings andtheir cost.
Theproceedings areusually conducted expeditiously. They maylastafewweeks, oreven
afewdays.
With regard totheircost,cf.thereply toquestion 8.
B. Administrative measures
14. Reply totheabove questions inrelation toanyadministrative provisional measures.
Seethereply toquestion 9.
III. 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 destined 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 Articles 53(security orequivalent assurance), 56
(indemnification oftheimporter andoftheowner ofthegoods) and57(right ofinspection and
information) been implemented?IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page17
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.
Theprovisions ofECCouncil Regulation 3295/94 onborder measures aredirectly applicable
totheGrand-Duchy ofLuxembourg, astheyaretoallmember States oftheEuropean Union.
IV. CRIMINAL PROCEDURES
20. Specify thecourts which have jurisdiction overcriminal actsofinfringement ofIPRs.
Article 1oftheCriminal Code defines three types ofpunishable act:crime, offence (délit)
andminor offence (contravention). Thesecond typeinparticular isrelevant tointellectual property
matters. Violations ofthespecific lawsgoverning intellectual property rights areusually "délits", which
aredealtwithbytheDistrict Court, criminal section (Article 179oftheCode ofCriminal Procedure).
Thepolice courts havejurisdiction overoffences thathavebeenremoved from theambit of
thelawrelating tomisdemeanours (Article 137).
21. Inrespect ofwhich infringements ofwhich intellectual property rights arecriminal
procedures andpenalties available?
1. Copyright andneighbouring rights
Article 29oftheLawof29March 1972, asamended, clearly establishes that"anywilful or
fraudulent violation ofcopyright shallconstitute theoffence ofinfringement". Itgoesontostipulate
that"anyonewhoknowingly sellsinfringing articles ordisplays them forsale,stocks them forthe
purpose ofsale,imports them orcirculates them ontheterritory ofLuxembourg forcommercial
purposes, shallbeguilty ofthesame offence".
Article 32ofthesame Lawdefines asasimilar offence "anywilful orfraudulent affixation
onaliterary orartistic work ofthename oftheauthor, orofanydistinctive signadopted byhimto
identify hiswork (...)".
Article 35further provides that"theprovisions ofTitleIoftheCriminal Code (...),entrusting
thecourts andtribunals withtheevaluation ofextenuating circumstances shallapply totheoffences
provided forinthisLaw".
2. Patents
The1992 Lawonpatents provides fornocriminal procedures orpenalties.25
25This isinaccordance withArticle 61oftheTRIPS Agreement, which provides formandatory criminal
procedures andpenalties tobeapplied onlyincases oftrademark counterfeiting orcopyright piracy.IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page18
3. Trademarks
Thecriminal provisions onmarks arecontained intheLawof28March 1883ontrademarks
(Article 14etseq.).26
Article 3oftheLawof7December 1966 approving theBenelux Convention Concerning
Trademarks,signedatBrusselson19March1962,andintroducingintodomesticlegislationtheUniform
Benelux LawonMarks annexed totheConvention, provides thattheprovisions oftheaforementioned
Lawof28March 1883, aswellasallother domestic statutes orregulations onthesubject, which are
atvariance withtheUniform Lawandtheimplementing regulations enacted pursuant toArticle 2of
theConvention, shallberepealed atthetimeofentry intoforce oftheaforesaid Lawandregulations.
Thecriminal provisions oftheLawof28March 1883 arenotatvariance withtheUniform
Lawandtheimplementing regulations thereunder andareconsequently stillinforce.27
4. Industrial designs
There arenospecific criminal provisions onthissubject.
22. Which public authorities areresponsible forinitiating criminal proceedings? Arethey
required todothisontheir owninitiative and/or inresponse tocomplaints?
Article 16oftheCode ofCriminal Procedure provides thatthepublic prosecutor 'soffice "shall
conduct criminal proceedings andrequire enforcement ofthelaw".
Thepublic prosecutor 'soffice actseither onitsowninitiative orinresponse tocomplaints
byinjured parties.
Theprosecution department applies theprinciple ofdiscretionary prosecution. According to
thisprinciple, itisnotobliged toinstitute criminal proceedings andmaydecide todiscontinue acase
forreasons ofpublic interest. Asarule,however, proceedings areinstituted.
Thepublic prosecutor 'soffice mayproceed byissuing adirect summons toahearing (this
being theruleforminor offences) orbyreferring thecasetotheinvestigating judge. Such referral
ismandatory forcrimes.
Asregards copyright, Article 34oftheLawof29March 1972 provides that"violations of
thisLawother thanthose referred toinArticle 32mayonlybeprosecuted onacomplaint bytheperson
alleging injury".
With regard totrademarks, Article 19oftheLawof28March 1883 provides that"criminal
proceedings forenforcement ofthepenalties laiddown inthisLawmaybetaken onlyonacomplaint
bytheinjured party (...)".
23. Doprivate persons have standing toinitiate criminal proceedings and,ifso,who?
Article 1oftheCode ofCriminal Procedure provides thattheinjured party mayalsoinitiate
apublic prosecution.
26TheUniform Benelux Lawcontains nocriminal provisions.
27Seethenotebytheprosecution department oftheLuxembourg District Court, of6June 1996.IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page19
There areseveral ways inwhich thiscanbedone.
Firstly, pursuant toArticle 56oftheCode ofCriminal Procedure, "anyperson alleging injury
caused byacrime oranoffence maymake acomplaint andbring anaction fordamages before the
competent investigating judge". Thecomplaint merely serves toreport thefactstotheprosecuting
authority, andthelatterisalways freetoexercise discretion withregard totheexpediency ofprosecution.
Secondly, theinjured party mayusethedirect summons procedure, inwhich caseitactsin
lieuoftheprosecuting authority anditselfdirectly summons thealleged offender toappear before the
trialcourt. Thisprocedure cannot beusedincriminal cases.
Inthematter ofcopyright, anyone protected bythelawmaytakeproceedings: theauthor or
owner ofthecopyright, aswellasagents orassignees ofrights, including collective management
companies andanyone exercising allorsome oftherights concerned (publisher, etc.).
24. Specify, bycategory ofIPRandtypeofinfringement where necessary, thepenalties and
other remedies thatmaybeimposed:
- Imprisonment;
- monetary fines;
- seizure,forfeitureanddestructionofinfringinggoodsandmaterialsandimplements
fortheir production;
- other.
Preliminary observation
Theratessetforthefinesdiscussedbelowmustbemultipliedbyaninflation-adjustedcoefficient,
which varies according tothedateofthelegislation (ortheamended Article oftheCriminal Code)
which stipulates thefine.
Accordingly, theamount ofthefines provided forbytheamended Lawof28March 1972
oncopyright andbytheLawof23September 1975onneighbouring rights should bemultiplied by20.
Amultiplier of400should beused inthecaseoffines provided forbytheLaw of
28March 1883 ontrademarks.
1. Copyright andneighbouring rights
Copyright
SeeSection VIIoftheamended Lawof29March 1972 oncopyright.28
Article 30:
"Theoffences referred tointhepreceding Article29shallbepunished withafineof2,501 francs
to100,000 francs.
28Seealsothereply toquestion No.21.
29Seereply toquestion 21forthetextofArticle 29.IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page20
Theconvicted party shallbesentenced toconfiscation ofinfringing works orobjects andof
plates, moulds ormatrices andother implements thathavedirectly served tocommit such
offences."
Article 31:
"Inthecaseofaperformance orrecitation given inbreach ofcopyright, theproceeds may
beseized bythejudicial police asbeing objects derived fromtheoffence andshallbeawarded
totheplaintiff asconstituting partofthedamages duetohim,butsolely inproportion tothe
share thathiswork represented inthesaidperformance orrecitation."
Article 32:
"Any wilful orfraudulent affixation onaliterary orartistic work ofthename oftheauthor,
orofanydistinctive signadopted byhimtoidentify hiswork, shall bepunished with
imprisonment foraterm ofthree months totwoyears andafineof2,501 francs to
20,000 francs, orwithoneofthose penalties only.
Confiscation oftheinfringing objects shallbeordered inallcases.
Those whoknowingly selltheobjects designated inthefirstparagraph ordisplay them for
sale,stock them forthepurpose ofsale,import them orcirculate them ontheterritory of
Luxembourg forcommercial purposes shallbeliable tothesame penalties."
Article 33:
"Article 191oftheCriminal Code isreplaced bythefollowing provisions:
Anyperson whoeither affixes orcauses tobeaffixed, byaddition, excision oranyalteration
whatsoever, onmanufactured articles thename ofamanufacturer other thantheonewhois
theauthor thereof, orthebusiness styleofafactory other thanthatofthemanufacturer, shall
bepunished withimprisonment foratermofonemonth tosixmonths andafineof2,501
to50,000 francs orwithoneofthose penalties only.
Thesame penalty shallbeimposed onanymerchant, factor orretailer whohasknowingly
displayed objects marked withfictitious oraltered names forsaleorimported orcirculated
suchobjects. '"
Neighbouring rights
Article 15oftheLawof23September 1975:
"Wilful orfraudulent infringements oftherights referred tointhisLawshallbepunished with
afineof5to100,000 francs andatermofimprisonment ofonetosixmonths, orwithone
ofthose penalties only. Intheevent ofafurther conviction within fiveyears, thepenalties
shallbedoubled.
Those whoknowingly import copies ofphonograms made without theconsent oftheirproducer,
ordistribute themtothepublic, holdthemintheirpossession ordisplay them forsaleonthe
territory ofLuxembourg, shallbeliable tothesame penalties.IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page21
Confiscation ofcounterfeit discsandofarticles thatwereusedorintended tocommit theoffence,
evenwhen theyarenotconsidered tobetheproperty oftheconvicted person, shallbeordered
against thelatter. (...)"
2. Trademarks
Article 14oftheLawof28March 1883 ontrademarks:
"Asentence toatermofimprisonment ofeight daystosixmonths andtoafineof26francs
to2,000 francs, ortooneofthese penalties only, shallbeimposed on:
(a) Anyone whohasinfringed atrademark andanyone whohasmade fraudulent
useofacounterfeit trademark;
(b) anyone whohasfraudulently affixed toormade toappear onproducts they
haveproducedorinwhichtheytradeatrademarkbelongingtoanother,whether
byaddition, excision oranyalteration whatsoever;
(c) anyone whohasknowingly sold,placed onsaleorcirculated products bearing
acounterfeit trademark oratrademark fraudulently affixed tothem."
Intheevent ofafurther conviction within fiveyears, thesentence shallbeoneofoneyear's
imprisonment andafineofLuxF4,000 francs, oroneofthese penalties only. (Article 16)
Article 17ofthesame Law:
"Allorsome oftheproducts bearing acounterfeit orfraudulently affixed trademark, together
withtheinstruments andimplements usedspecifically tocommit theoffence, maybeconfiscated
iftheyaretheproperty oftheconvicted person." (Article 17)
Unfair competition
Article 23oftheLawof27November 1986 regulating certain commercial practices and
sanctioning unfair competition provides that"anyfailure tocomply withtheinjunctions orprohibitions
setoutinadecision notsubject toappeal orchallenge under Article 2130shallbepunished withafine
of10,000 to2million francs.31"
Thesame Article makes thesame penalty applicable to"anyone who, intheexercise ofhis
activities afterhaving incurred asuspension orprohibition order, commits forasecond timewithin
aperiod offiveyears from thelastjudicial decision notamenable toappeal orchallenge: (1)anact
ofunfair competition ofthesame typeor(2)asimilar breach oftheprovisions ofArticles 1to15."
Article 24oftheabove-mentioned Lawstates thattheprovisions ofBook 1oftheCriminal
Code andthose relating toextenuating circumstances shallbeapplicable tooffences covered bythe
saidLaw. Itaddsthat"confiscation ofassets involved intheoffence shallbeoptional."
25. Describeprovisionsgoverningthelengthandanycostofproceedings.Provideanyavailable
dataontheactual duration ofproceedings andtheir cost, ifany.
30Seethereply toquestion No.5.1(a).
31These amounts should bemultiplied byfour.IP/N/6/LUX/1
Page22
With regard tothecostofcriminal proceedings, itisnotpossible toprovide ageneral reply.
Asregards thelength ofproceedings, theright toinitiate criminal proceeding isusually
extinguished byprescription. Theprescription period depends ontheseriousness oftheoffence: five
years foroffences (délits) (Article 92oftheCriminal Code) andtwoyears forminor offences
(contraventions) (Article 93oftheCriminal Code).
Aprescription period maybeinterrupted onlybymeasures ofinvestigation orstepsincriminal
proceedings. Anewperiod starts torunfollowing interruption.
Itshould benoted thattheactual duration oftheproceedings willdepend (asincivilcases)
onthecomplexity ofthecase,theattitude oftheparties andthecourt'scase-load. Pursuant toArticle 6
oftheHuman Rights Convention, theproceedings mustbecompleted within areasonable time/without
undue delay. Iftherefore aparticular caseisconsidered tohaveexceeded areasonable duration, the
court maydeclare thecaseclosed.