Commercial Agreements We Assist With

We advise foreign companies on a wide range of commercial agreements connected with the Italian market, including:

• Distribution and dealership agreements
• Commercial agency agreements
• Supply and manufacturing agreements
• International sale of goods contracts
• General terms and conditions
• Joint ventures and strategic cooperation agreements

We also advise on franchising, construction and industrial contracts, consignment stock arrangements and international payment guarantees.

Our assistance may include contract drafting, legal review, negotiation of key clauses and assessment of risks under Italian law.

Contract Review, Negotiation and Termination

We assist foreign companies throughout the entire lifecycle of a commercial agreement, from the initial review of draft terms to negotiation, performance and termination.

Our work may include:

• reviewing contracts proposed by Italian counterparties;
• drafting agreements tailored to the commercial relationship;
• negotiating liability, payment, exclusivity and termination clauses;
• assessing contractual risks under Italian law;
• advising on renewal, withdrawal and early termination;
• supporting the transition to a new distributor, agent or supplier.

Particular attention is given to clauses concerning governing law, jurisdiction, payment terms, warranties, limitation of liability, confidentiality and post-termination obligations.

Breach of Contract and Commercial Disputes

We advise foreign companies when a commercial relationship with an Italian business has become problematic.

Assistance may cover:

• breach of contract;
• unpaid invoices and delayed payments;
• defective or non-conforming goods;
• failure to meet delivery obligations;
• wrongful termination;
• exclusivity and territorial disputes;
• disputes with distributors, agents, suppliers or customers;
• enforcement of contractual guarantees;
• pre-litigation negotiations and settlement discussions.

Where an amicable solution is not possible, we can assist with court proceedings in Italy and coordinate the dispute strategy with the client’s management and external advisers.

Who We Assist

We work with foreign companies operating in Italy or entering into commercial relationships with Italian counterparties.

Our clients include:

• manufacturers and industrial companies;
• exporters and importers;
• distributors and commercial agents;
• suppliers and purchasers;
• franchisors and franchisees;
• investors and joint-venture partners;
• in-house legal departments;
• small and medium-sized enterprises with cross-border operations.

Our services are intended for business and corporate matters. We do not provide immigration, visa or personal relocation assistance.

Why Work With an Italian Commercial Lawyer

Commercial contracts involving an Italian counterparty may raise issues that are not immediately apparent from the written agreement alone.

Italian mandatory rules, sector-specific legislation and local court practice may affect the validity, interpretation or enforcement of contractual clauses.

We provide direct assistance on:

• the application of Italian law;
• mandatory rules affecting agency and distribution relationships;
• contract enforceability;
• jurisdiction and dispute resolution clauses;
• interim protection and debt recovery;
• negotiation with Italian counterparties;
• coordination with foreign counsel and corporate legal teams.

Our objective is to provide practical legal advice that supports the client’s commercial strategy and reduces avoidable contractual risk.

How We Work

Our assistance is organised around the needs of the specific transaction or dispute.

The process normally includes:

1. an initial review of the contract and relevant documents;
2. identification of the main legal and commercial issues;
3. definition of the required scope of work;
4. clear information on fees and next steps;
5. direct communication with the client in English;
6. drafting, negotiation or dispute management as required.

Where useful, we can work together with the client’s internal legal department, management, accountants, technical advisers or foreign counsel.