3V Sigma and Trevisan & Cuonzo expand suncream dispute in Milan

Although winter persists in Europe, summer is not far off and, with climate change, sun protection grows ever more vital. The UPC’s Milan local division is perhaps the most fitting venue for a complaint about novel UV filters. The Italian division has been handling such a case since April 2025 (case ID: UPC_CFI_342/2025).

3V Sigma, a speciality chemicals manufacturer founded in Bergamo in the 1950s, initially filed a generic order to preserve evidence against A.G.A. S.r.l. and ACEF Srl. The two companies market a competing ingredient that works as UV filters in sunscreens. A Chinese company manufactures the ingredient.

The local division granted the order, and an application to review by ACEF and AGA proved unsuccessful. With no appeal filed, the court closed this case in December.

Novel UV filters

Shortly afterwards, 3V Sigma expanded the dispute by filing an infringement action against both competitors at the Milan local division (case ID: UPC_CFI_0002052/2025). The company alleges that A.G.A. and ACEF infringe its EP 3 275 872 and EP 3 275 426 with their product. Both patents protect novel triazine compounds that work as UV filters.

As in the evidence proceedings, presiding judge Pierluigi Perrotti, Alima Zana, and Belgian judge Samuel Granata will hear the case.

Chinese UV absorbers manufacturer MFCI Co, Ltd is now also a co-defendant. 3V Sigma demands all three companies cease and desist in countries where the patents are valid. This includes Italy, France, and Germany, as well as non-UPC countries such as Spain.

Trevisan for 3V Sigma

Trevisan & Cuonzo filed the lawsuit for 3V Sigma. Partner Luca Pellicciari and counsel Lorenzo Battarino are leading the case. Patent attorney Fabrizio Minoja from TCBM is also involved. The prosecution firm filed the patents on behalf of 3V Sigma.

For the UPC launch, Trevisan & Cuonzo took an unusual step for the Italian market by joining forces with patent attorney firm TCBM. Rather than merging into a single integrated firm, they cooperate as sister firms. TCBM primarily serves Italian companies. Trevisan & Cuonzo continues to work with other firms.

In the evidence preservation case, A.G.A. and ACEF relied on of counsel Raffaello De Marco and associates Federico Paesan and Giorgia Segaliari from independent Italian full-service firm Gianni & Origoni.

It is not yet known whether A.G.A. and ACEF will retain the same team for the main proceedings. JUVE Patent also does not yet know who represents MFCI.