UPC_CFI_382/2025

Decision on costs from the Milan Central Division dated 31 July 2025 in proceedings where Novartis AG sought reimbursement of costs from Zentiva K.S. and Zentiva Portugal Lda following the dismissal of Zentiva's revocation action against EP 2 501 384. The court dismissed Novartis' costs application because Novartis failed to comply with the court's request under R. 156.1 RoP to provide substantiated evidence of costs (itemised hourly rates and hours), instead providing only a sworn general statement. The court held that: (1) once a R. 156.1 request is issued, costs can no longer be assessed equitably but only on proof; (2) confidentiality cannot be invoked to withhold cost information from the court; (3) costs for legal representation are not per se confidential under R. 262A RoP.