Devoted to Corporate Attorneys, Corporate Lawyers, and Corporate Counsel

The following is for educational purposes, and not meant to be legal advice.

In Italy, comparative advertising is based on unfair competition laws, case law, and standards set by the European Economic Area countries in general.

Under unfair competition laws, it is unlawful to create confusion with the products and activities of a competitor, compare goods or services not intended for the same purposes, or spread news and comments that discredit the products and activities of a competitor.

Example:  Comparative advertising is forbidden when its goal is to defame the products of a competitor or to deceive consumers.  Comparative advertising is permitted when its goal is to show only that the advertised product has certain unique qualities, and there is support for the comparison from a neutral source.