This service is intended for companies, entrepreneurs, creditors and professional investors requiring legal assistance in Italy.

Commercial Disputes in Italy

Mattioli Law Firm assists foreign companies, investors and international businesses in disputes arising from commercial relationships with Italian companies. We provide direct legal assistance in English, from the preliminary assessment of the claim and pre-action correspondence to court proceedings, enforcement and settlement negotiations. 

We also assist foreign companies in disputes concerning defective machinery, industrial equipment and products supplied by Italian manufacturers or sellers, including claims for repair, replacement, price reduction and damages.

Debt Recovery against Italian Companies

We assist foreign companies, international businesses and professional creditors in recovering unpaid invoices and commercial debts from Italian companies and business counterparties. If an Italian customer, distributor, supplier or other business counterparty has failed to pay an invoice or comply with a contractual obligation, we can assess the most appropriate legal action in Italy.

Our services include:

• preliminary assessment of the claim and supporting documents;
• formal payment demands and settlement negotiations;
• applications for Italian payment orders;
• ordinary court proceedings where the debt is disputed;
• attachment of bank accounts, receivables and other assets;
• enforcement of Italian and foreign judgments in Italy;
• insolvency checks and creditor claims in Italian insolvency proceedings.

Commercial Litigation before Italian Courts

We represent foreign businesses both in bringing claims against Italian counterparties and in defending claims brought before Italian courts in disputes concerning:

• breach and termination of commercial contracts;
• non-payment and defective performance;
• supply of machinery, industrial plants, components and products;
• distribution, agency, franchising and import agreements;
• joint ventures and corporate transactions;
• claims for damages;
• unfair competition and related commercial disputes;
• disputes with shareholders, directors and business partners;
• disputes arising from international commercial contracts;
• defence of foreign companies in proceedings brought in Italy.

We also advise foreign buyers in disputes arising from machinery, equipment, components and industrial products supplied by Italian companies. Issues may include defects, non-conformity, failure of essential components, warranty claims, repair or replacement proposals, loss of value, business interruption and claims for damages.

For trademark and patent infringement proceedings, see our Intellectual Property Litigation services.

Pre-action Assessment and Settlement

Before commencing proceedings, we assess the contractual documents, evidence, jurisdiction, applicable law, recoverability of the claim and estimated costs. We also assess available contractual remedies, warranty provisions, limitation clauses, technical evidence and the commercial impact of the proposed solution before recommending litigation or settlement.

Where appropriate, we send formal payment demands, conduct settlement negotiations and seek an efficient resolution without court proceedings. 

Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Italy

We assist foreign creditors with the recognition and enforcement in Italy of judgments, court orders and arbitral awards issued abroad. We also advise on the recognition and enforcement in Italy of judgments issued by courts in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Our assistance may include:

• preliminary assessment of enforceability;
• recognition proceedings where required;
• service and enforcement formalities;
• asset searches;
• attachment of bank accounts, receivables and other assets;
• enforcement against companies and individuals in Italy;
• participation in Italian insolvency proceedings.

The applicable procedure depends on the country of origin of the judgment, the date of the proceedings and the relevant European or international instruments.

Direct Assistance in English

Foreign clients can receive legal assistance entirely in English and normally do not need to be physically present in Italy. We provide direct communication, clear information on professional fees and procedural costs, and regular updates throughout the matter.

Why Foreign Companies Choose Our Firm 

• More than 20 years of legal experience
• Direct assistance from an Italian litigation lawyer
• Legal services provided in English
• Representation before Italian courts
• Experience in cross-border commercial disputes
• Assistance from pre-action assessment through enforcement