The Italian Trademark Law has been amended by Decree No. 447 and an opposition procedure has been introduced. Under the amendment, the owner of an Italian registration or prior application may file an opposition against a third party's application covering identical or similar marks for identical or similar goods or services. If the opposition is rejected, the opposer may appeal to the Board of Appeals.

Although the Decree is in force, the opposition procedure will not become effective, until the Decree is implemented by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Craftsmanship.