Our Legal Department is at the forefront in defending the uniqueness of leather — a “living,” natural material, unmatched in its structure and distinctive characteristics. This defense takes shape through the protection of certification and collective trademarks and the promotion of correct industry terminology, aimed at countering the misleading use of definitions such as “eco-leather”, which are detrimental to both tanneries and consumers.
“Vera Pelle” / “Vero Cuoio” Certification Marks and the International Collective Figurative Mark “Stylized Animal Hide,” owned by UNIC
- Granting and renewal of trademark license agreements
- Updating of license contracts and related documents; revision of trademark usage regulations
- Customs intervention requests filed with the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency, enabling the seizure of goods suspected of trademark counterfeiting during import/export operations
- Customs intervention requests in Germany for trademark protection
- Expert reports on trademark counterfeiting requested by national Customs Offices and the Italian Finance Police (Guardia di Finanza)
- Testimonies in court hearings related to criminal proceedings for trademark counterfeiting
- Cease-and-desist letters for the counterfeiting of the “Vera Pelle” / “Vero Cuoio” marks used on products, brochures, magazines, or websites
- Consultations in response to trademark information requests
- Training sessions on trademark protection and correct usage
Protection of Correct Terminology in the Leather Sector
Given the increasing spread of incorrect and misleading expressions for consumers, such as “eco-leather,” “imitation leather,” “synthetic leather,” “vegan leather,” and “reconstituted leather,” the Department ensures:
- Identification of improper use of such terms on websites, magazines, and catalogs
- Preparation of cease-and-desist letters addressed to entities improperly using the above-mentioned terms (companies, media outlets, websites)
- Training sessions on the protection of the terms “leather” and “hide” and on the correct labeling/marking of leather products (Italian Legislative Decree No. 68/2020)
- Collaboration with competent authorities providing technical opinions on the use of the terms “leather” and “hide” and/or on the labeling and marking of products (Italian Legislative Decree No. 68/2020)
Management of UNIC Group Trademarks – National, EU, and International
- Filings
- Renewals
- Transfers of ownership
- Oppositions against applications for similar trademarks, both at national and international levels
- Responses to oppositions filed by Italian or foreign companies against our trademark applications
- Preparation and revision of the regulations for the use of the Group’s certification and collective trademarks
- Global trademark monitoring service
Support to Companies on Contracts and Sales Conditions
- National and international commercial contracting for sales agreements with clients, providing companies with the following templates:
- International Contract for the Purchase of Raw and Semi-Finished Hides ICT/ICHSLTA No. 6
- UNIC–ICT Guidelines for the Purchase of Raw and Semi-Finished Hides (Amendments to Contract No. 6)
- International Contract for the Sale of Finished Leather ICT/ICHSLTA No. 7
- UNIC General Conditions of Sale
- Preparation of comments and recommendations aimed at mitigating particularly burdensome clauses in contracts and purchase conditions
- Analysis of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Codes of Ethics, and Codes of Conduct submitted to tanneries for signature by brands, along with the drafting of related comments and suggestions
- Preparation of confidentiality agreements
Other Activities
- Responses to companies’ legal inquiries (privacy regulations, labeling, Made in Italy)
- Activities related to the National and International Arbitration Chamber for the Leather Trade
- Collaboration with the relevant Ministries in drafting legislative measures concerning the sector
