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Uimhir 48 de 1931.
ACHT MARCANNA EARRAÍ CEANNAÍOCHTA, 1931.
CUID I.
Roimhraiteach.
Mínithe agus léiriú.
1.—(1) San Acht so—
cialluíonn an abairt “an Príomh-Acht” an Merchandise Marks Act, 1887;
tá an bhrí chéanna leis an bhfocal “earraí” atá leis an bhfocal “goods” sa Phríomh-Acht;
nuair a húsáidtear an abairt “comhartha tionnscnaimh” i dtaobh earraí iomportálta cialluíonn sí focal no focail a thaisbeánann nách i Saorstát Éireann do saothruíodh ná do rinneadh na hearraí sin;
nuair a húsáidtear an focal “fuirm” i dtaobh comhartha tionnscnaimh foluíonn sé an focal no na focail a húsáidfear sa chomhartha tionnscnaimh sin.
(2) San Acht so ní fholuíonn an abairt “cumasc no meascán” aon chumasc ná meascán do rinneadh, tré oibriú, as abhair de shaghasanna deifriúla.
(3) I gCuid III den Acht so—
ní fholuíonn an abairt “earraí iomportálta”—
(a) earraí do saothruíodh no do rinneadh i Saorstát Éireann agus do tugadh isteach i Saorstát Éireann tar éis iad d'easportáil as, agus ortha san aon earraí den tsórt san do cuireadh, lasmuich de Shaorstát Éireann, fé aon oibriú ná dearna atharú substainteach ar na hearraí,
(b) toradh feirme dhéanfaidh feirmeoir no a sheirbhísigh d'iompar no do thiomáint o Thuaisceart Éireann isteach i Saorstát Éireann i gcúrsaí a ghnótha mar fheirmeoir;
ní fholuíonn an focal “díol”—
(a) carraí do dhíol a chonsighneoidh an díoltóir chun duine atá lasmuich de Shaorstát Éireann, ná
(b) earraí bhí in úsáid cheana do dhíol, ná
(c) aon abhair bhídh do dhíol in aon tigh ósta no in aon tigh bídh no in aon áitreabh eile chun a gcaithte ann,
agus is dá réir sin a léireofar focail atá gaolmhar do.
(4) I gCuid IV den Acht so—
ní fholuíonn an abairt “carraí iomportálta”—
(a) earraí do cuireadh, o dháta a n-iomportálta, fé aon oibriú i Saorstát Éireann a rinne atharú substainteach ar na hearraí;
(b) earraí do saothruíodh no do rinneadh i Saorstát Éireann agus do tugadh isteach i Saorstát Éireann tar éis iad d'easportáil as, agus ortha san aon earraí den tsórt san do cuireadh, lasmuich de Shaorstát Éireann, fé aon oibriú ná dearna atharú substainteach ar na hearraí;
(c) toradh feirme dhéanfaidh feirmeoir no a sheirbhísigh d'iompar no do thiomáint o Thuaisceart Éireann isteach i Saorstát Éireann i gcúrsaí a ghnótha mar fheirmeoir;
ní fholuíonn an focal “díol”—
(a) earraí do dhíol a chonsighneoidh an díoltóir chun duine atá lasmuich de Shaorstát Éireann, ná
(b) earraí bhí in úsáid cheana do dhíol, ná
(c) aon abhair bhídh ar a ndearnadh cócaireacht no leasú i Saorstát Éireann do dhíol,
agus is dá réir sin a léireofar focail atá gaolmhar do.
(5) Chun crícheanna an Achta so tuigfear gurb í tír ina ndearnadh earraí iomportálta ná an tír is déanaí ina ndearnadh, sarar hiomportáladh iad, atharú substainteach ar na hearraí sin de bharr oibrithe ar bith.
CUID II.
Coimisiun Marcanna Earrai Ceannaiochta.
Coimisiún Marcanna Earraí Ceannaíochta do bhunú.
2.—(1) Chó luath tar éis an Achta so do rith agus a bheidh san caothúil bunófar Coimisiún (dá ngairmtear an Coimisiún san Acht so), ar a dtabharfar an Coimisiún Marcanna Earraí Ceannaíochta, chun na bhfeidhmeanna ceaptar do leis an Acht so do chólíonadh.
(2) Triúr ball a bheidh ar an gCoimisiún, eadhon, duine bheidh mar chathaoirleach agus a ainmneoidh an tAire Tionnscail agus Tráchtála, duine ainmneoidh an tAire Airgid, agus duine ainmneoidh an tAire Talmhaíochta.
(3) Beidh gach ball den Choimisiún i seilbh oifige faid is toil leis an Aire ainmneoidh é.
Rialacháin i gcóir imeachta i láthair an Choimisiúin.
3.—Déanfaidh an Coimisiún rialacháin chun a n-imeachta do rialú agus leis na rialacháin sin féadfaidh socrú i dtaobh gach ní no éinní acu so leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) amanta agus áiteanna suidheanna an Choimisiúin;
(b) na daoine dá dtabharfar fógra i dtaobh suidheanna an Choimisiúin;
(c) an fhuirm agus an tslí ina leagfar nithe fé bhráid an Choimisiúin agus ina dtabharfar fianaise dhóibh agus go sonnrách ce'ca viva voce no i scríbhinn a bheidh na nithe agus an fhianaise sin;
(d) daoine a chuir nithe fé bhráid an Choimisiúin no a thug fianaise dhóibh i scríbhinn do theacht i láthair chun a gceistnithe no a gcros-cheistnithe viva voce;
(e) éinne do leigint isteach chun suidheanna an Choimisiúin no do dhúnadh amach uatha;
(f) pé nithe is dóich leis an gCoimisiún is gá no is oiriúnach chun a ngnótha do dhéanamh sa cheart.
Comhachta an Choimisiúin.
4.—(1) Chun a chur fhiachaint ar fhínnithe teacht i láthair agus chun a gceistnithe fé mhionn (agus údaruítear leis seo d'aon bhall den Choimisiún fínnithe do chur fén mionn san) no ar aon tslí eile agus chun a chur fhiachaint ar dhaoine scríbhinní do thabhairt i láthair beidh ag an gCoimisiún gach comhacht, ceart, agus príbhléid atá dílsithe san Ard-Chúirt no i mBreitheamh den Ard-Chúirt maidir le triail aicsin, agus beidh gairm a bheidh sighnithe ag duine no níos mó de bhaill an Choimisiúin ar aon dul agus ar aon éifeacht le próiseas fuirmeálta a thabharfadh an Ard-Chúirt amach chun a chur fhiachaint ar fhínnithe teacht i láthair agus chun a chur fhiachaint ar dhaoine scríbhinní do thabhairt i láthair.
(2) Má dheineann éinne—
(a) faillí ar theacht i láthair an Choimisiúin agus é gairmthe go cuibhe chun teacht ina láthair mar fhínné, no
(b) ar bheith i láthair do mar fhínné, diúltú do mhionn do thabhairt a cheanglóidh an Coimisiún air go dlíthiúil a thabhairt no d'aon scríbhinn fé n-a chomhacht agus fé n-a chúram do thabhairt i láthair a cheanglóidh an Coimisiún air go dlíthiúil a thabhairt i láthair no d'aon cheist d'fhreagairt 'na bhféadfaidh an Coimisiún a cheangal air do réir dlí í d'fhreagairt, no
(c) éinní eile ba dhísbeagadh cúirte dá mba chúirt bhreithiúnais an Coimisiún agus comhacht aige chun daoine do chur i bpríosún mar gheall ar dhísbeagadh cúirte,
féadfaidh an Coimisiún cionta an duine sin do dheimhniú fé n-a lámhaibh don Ard-Chúirt agus féadfaidh an Chúirt sin, tar éis pé fiosrú is oiriúnach léi do dhéanamh, an duine sin do phionósú no pé ní do dhéanamh is gá chun é do phionósú díreach fé is dá mbeadh sé ciontach sa chúirt sin do dhísbeagadh.
(3) Beidh teideal ag fínné i láthair an Choimisiúin chun na saoirsí agus na bpríbhléidí céanna chun a mbeadh teideal aige dá mb'fhínné i láthair na hArd-Chúirte é.
Luach saothair agus fuireann an Choimisiúin.
5.—(1) Má orduíonn an tAire Airgid amhlaidh féadfar pé luach saothair a shocróidh an tAire sin d'íoc le haon bhall den Choimisiún.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire Airgid pé daoine agus pé méid acu is dóich leis is gá do cheapadh chun bheith ina n-oifigigh don Choimisiún agus beidh na daoine sin i seilbh oifige ar pé téarmaí agus tabharfar luach saothair dóibh do réir pé rátaí agus ar pé slí ordóidh an tAire sin.
CUID III.
Orduithe um Dhiol do Shrianadh agus Orduithe um Iomportail do Shrianadh.
Iarrataisí do chur fé bhráid an Choimisiúin agus táillí ar iarrataisí.
6.—(1) Pé uair a dhéanfaidh éinne, chítear d'Aire den Ard-Chomhairle do bheith ina ionadaí do roinnt mhaith daoine bhíonn ag saothrú no ag déanamh no ag díol earraí d'aicme no de shaghas áirithe, a iarraidh ar an Aire sin—
(a) ordú do dhéanamh fén gCuid seo den Acht so ag toirmeasc earraí iomportálta den aicme no den tsaghas san do dhíol ná do thaisbeáint chun a ndíolta mara mbeidh comhartha tionnscnaimh ar na hearraí sin le linn an díolta no an taisbeánta san, no
(b) ordú do dhéanamh fén gCuid seo den Acht so ag toirmeasc earraí iomportálta den aicme no den tsaghas san d'iomportáil mara mbeidh comhartha tionnscnaimh ar na hearraí sin le linn a n-iomportála, no
(c) an dá ordú san do dhéanamh,
féadfaidh an tAire sin den Ard-Chomhairle an t-iarratas san do chur fé bhráid an Choimisiúin chun a dtuarasgabhála air d'fháil.
(2) Féadfaidh an Ard-Chomhairle, más oiriúnach agus pé uair is oiriúnach leo é, an cheist seo do chur fé bhráid an Choimisiúin, eadhon, ar mhaith. an rud é—
(a) ordú den tsórt atá luaidhte i mír (a) den bhfo-alt san roimhe seo den alt so; no
(b) ordú den tsórt atá luaidhte i mír (b) den bhfo-alt san roimhe seo den alt so; no
(c) an dá ordú san;
do dhéanamh maidir le hearraí d'aicme no de shaghas áirithe.
(3) Pé uair a dhéanfaidh Aire den Ard-Chomhairle iarratas a rinneadh chuige do chur fé bhráid an Choimisiúin fén alt so beidh ar lucht déanta an iarratais sin, mar choinníoll nách foláir a chólíonadh sara mbreithneoidh an Coimisiún an t-iarratas, táille d'íoc leis an gCoimisiún do réir rialacha dhéanfaidh an tAire Airgid, pé táille shocróidh an Coimisiún, le cead an Aire sin, ag féachaint dóibh chun an fhaid a thógfa sé agus chun an mhéid a chosnóidh sé, dar leis an gCoimisiún, an t-iarratas do bhreithniú.
(4) Déanfaidh an Coimisiún gach táille a híocfar leis an gCoimisiún fén alt so d'íoc isteach sa Stát-Chiste no do chur chun tairbhe dho ar pé slí ordóidh an tAire Airgid.
Iarrataisí agus ceisteanna cuirfear fé bhráid an Choimisiúin do bhreithniú agus tuairisciú do dhéanamh ina dtaobh.
7.—Breithneoidh an Coimisiún gach iarratas no ceist a chuirfidh Aire den Ard-Chomhairle no an Ard-Chomhairle féin (pe'ca aca é) fé n-a mbráid fén alt san díreach roimhe seo agus tabharfaid tuairisc don Ard-Chomhairle maidir leis na nithe seo leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) ar mhaith an rud é no nár mhaith an t-ordú no na horduithe le n-a mbaineann an t-iarratas no an cheist sin do dhéanamh;
(b) má thuairiscíonn an Coimisiún i bhfábhar aon orduithe den tsórt san do dhéanamh—
(i) fuirm no fuirmeacha ionmhalairtithe comhartha tionnscnaimh a húsáidfear maidir leis na hearraí le n-a mbaineann an t-iarratas no an cheist sin;
(ii) an tslí inar cheart comhartha tionnscnaimh do bheith ar na hearraí sin;
(iii) pé nithe eile eireoidh as an iarratas no as an gceist agus go n-iarrfaidh an tAire sin den Ard-Chomhairle no an Ard-Chomhairle féin (pe'ca aca é) ar an gCoimisiún tuairisciú do dhéanamh ina dtaobh.
Orduithe um dhíol do shrianadh agus orduithe um iomportáil do shrianadh.
8.—(1) Más dóich leis an Ard-Chomhairle, tar éis dóibh tuarasgabháil ón gCoimisiún maidir le hearraí d'aicme no de shaghas áirithe do bhreithniú, gur mhaith an rud é comhartha tionnscnaimh do bheith ar earraí iomportálta den aicme no den tsaghas san le linn iad do dhíol no iad do thaisbeáint chun a ndíolta, féadfaidh an Ard-Chomhairle, fén Acht so agus dá réir, ordú (dá ngairmtear san Acht so ordú um dhíol do shrianadh) do dhéanamh ag toirmeasc earraí den aicme no den tsaghas san do dhíol ná do thaisbeáint chun a ndíolta mara mbeidh comhartha tionnscnaimh sa bhfuirm a luadhfar san ordú san ar na hearraí sin le linn an díolta no an taisbeánta san.
(2) Más dóich leis an Ard-Chomhairle, tar éis dóibh tuarasgabháil ón gCoimisiún i dtaobh earraí d'aicme no de shaghas áirithe do bhreithniú, gur mhaith an rud é comhartha tionnscnaimh do bheith ar earraí iomportálta den aicme no den tsaghas san le linn iad d'iomportáil, féadfaidh an Ard-Chomhairle (gan dochar dá gcomhacht chun orduithe um dhíol do shrianadh do dhéanamh maidir le hearraí iomportálta den aicme no den tsaghas san) ordú (dá ngairmtear san Acht so ordú um iomportáil do shrianadh) do dhéanamh fén Acht so agus dá réir, ag toirmeasc earraí den aicme no den tsaghas san d'iomportáil mara mbeidh ortha le linn iad d'iomportáil comhartha tionnscnaimh sa bhfuirm a luadhfar san ordú san.
(3) San Acht so léireofar an abairt “ordú sriantachta” mar abairt atá có-ionann leis an abairt “ordú um dhíol do shrianadh no ordú um iomportáil do shrianadh.”
Cad a bheidh in orduithe sriantachta.
9.—(1) Gach ordú sriantachta déanfar maidir le hearraí d'aicme no de shaghas áirithe luadhfar ann na nithe seo leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) fuirm amháin ar a laighead de chomhartha tionnscnaimh a bheidh ar na hearraí sin;
(b) an tslí ina mbeidh an comhartha tionnscnaimh sin ar na hearraí sin;
(c) an dáta ar a dtiocfaidh an t-ordú san i bhfeidhm;
(d) i gcás orduithe um dhíol do shrianadh, an mbeidh comhartha tionnscnaimh ar na hearraí le linn iad do thaisbeáint chun a ndíolta ina mór-choda.
(2) Féadfar fuirmeacha iomdha de chomhartha tionnscnaimh do luadh in ordú sriantachta.
(3) Féadfar a shocrú le hordú sriantachta déanfar maidir le hearraí d'aicme no de shaghas áirithe go mbainfidh an t-ordú san le cumaisc no le meascáin a bheidh có-dhéanta de sna hearraí sin no ina mbeidh na hearraí sin.
(4) Féadfar a shocrú le hordú sriantachta déanfar maidir le hearraí d'aicme no de shaghas áirithe go mbainfidh an t-ordú san le samplaí de sna hearraí sin, fé réir pé téarmaí agus coinníollacha luadhfar san ordú san.
(5) Féadfaidh forálacha do bheith in ordú sriantachta déanfar maidir le hearraí d'aicme no de shaghas áirithe, pé forálacha is oiriúnach leis an Ard-Chomhairle do bheith ann maidir leis na hearraí sin le linn iad do bheith á n-iompar no iad do bheith fé bhanna i Saorstát Éireann.
(6) I dteanta na nithe cuirtear mar cheangal no ceaduítear leis an alt so, féadfaidh pé forálacha eile do bheith i ngach ordú sriantachta is dóich leis an Ard-Chomhairle is gá no is oiriúnach chun éifeachta thabhairt don toirmeasc a bheidh san ordú san.
Baint agus léiriú ordú sriantachta.
10.—(1) Ní bhainfidh ordú sriantachta le cumaisc ná le meascáin a bheidh có-dhéanta d'earraí le n-a mbaineann an t-ordú san no ina mbeidh na hearraí sin mara socruítear go soiléir leis an ordú san é do bhaint leo.
(2) Ní bhainfidh ordú sriantachta le samplaí de sna hearraí le n-a mbaineann an t-ordú san mara socruítear go soiléir leis an ordú san é do bhaint leo.
(3) Má bhíonn earraí le n-a mbaineann ordú sriantachta ina gcuid d'earraí eile ná baineann ordú sriantachta leo ach go gcoimeádaid a mbun-tréithe i slí gur féidir le réasún comhartha tionnscnaimh do chur ortha, bainfidh an t-ordú san leis na hearraí sin do céad-luadhadh fé is dá mbeidís ar deighilt o sna hearraí gur cuid díobh iad.
(4) Ní bhainfidh ordú um dhíol do shrianadh le cás duine is deighleálaí i mórchoda do thaisbeáint earraí chun a ndíolta ina mórchoda mara socruítear leis an ordú go mbeidh comhartha tionnscnaimh ar na hearraí le n-a mbaineann an t-ordú san le linn iad do thaisbeáint chun a ndíolta ina mórchoda.
(5) Má bhíonn fuirmeacha iomdha de chomhartha tionnscnaimh luaidhte in ordú sriantachta, léireofar tagairtí san ordú san agus san Acht so do chomhartha tionnscnaimh sa bhfuirm a bheidh luaidhte san ordú san mar thagairt do chomhartha tionnscnaimh in aon cheann de sna fuirmeacha san.
Orduithe saoirse.
11.—Má bhíonn ordú sriantachta déanta maidir le hearraí, agus má dheineann daoine dheallruíonn leas substainteach a bheith aca sa scéal a thaisbeáint chun sástachta na hArd-Chomhairle go ndearnadh no gur dócha go ndéanfar díobháil no dochar do sna daoine sin, no d'éinne aca, tré fhorálacha an orduithe sin do chur i mbaint le haon aicme no saghas áirithe de sna hearraí sin, féadfaidh an Ard-Chomhairle ordú (dá ngairmtear ordú saoirse sa Chuid seo den Acht so) a dhéanamh ag saoradh na n-earraí sin den aicme no den tsaghas san ón ordú sriantachta san, agus sa chás san scuirfidh an t-ordú sriantachta san, faid a bheidh an t-ordú saoirse sin i bhfeidhm, d'éifeacht do bheith aige maidir leis an aicme no leis an saghas san earraí.
(2) Pé uair a déanfar ordú sriantachta foillseofar fógra i dtaobh a dhéanta san Iris Oifigiúil agus i pé slí eile is oiriúnach leis an Ard-Chomhairle.
(3) Pé uair a déanfar ordú saoirse, cuirfidh an Ard-Chomhairle an cheist seo fé bhráid an Choimisiúin le breithniú, eadhon, ar cheart an t-ordú sriantachta le n-a mbaineann an t-ordú saoirse do leasú do réir téarmaí an orduithe shaoirse no ar shlí eile maidir leis na hearraí le n-a mbaineann an t-ordú saoirse sin, agus tabharfaidh an Coimisiún tuairisc don Ard-Chomhairle ar an gceist sin.
(4) Féadfaidh an Ard-Chomhairle aon uair ordú saoirse do cheiliúradh.
Orduithe sriantachta do cheiliúradh agus do leasú.
12.—(1) Féadfaidh an Ard-Chomhairle, fé réir fhorálacha an ailt seo, ordú sriantachta do cheiliúradh no do leasú aon uair.
(2) Má bheartuíonn an Ard-Chomhairle ordú sriantachta do cheiliúradh no do leasú, déanfaid, marar cuireadh an ceiliúradh no an leasú bheidh beartuithe fé bhráid an Choimisiúin do réir an ailt sin díreach roimhe seo, an cheist i dtaobh an cheiliúrtha no an leasuithe bheidh beartuithe do chur ar dtúis fé bhráid an Choimisiúin agus tabharfaidh an Coimisiún tuairisc uatha ar an gceist sin.
(3) Ní dhéanfaidh an Ard-Chomhairle ordú sriantachta do cheiliúradh ná do leasú go dtí go mbeidh breithniú déanta acu ar thuarasgabháil an Choimisiúin i dtaobh an cheiliúrtha no an leasuithe bheidh beartuithe.
Fógra i dtaobh ní do chur fé bhráid an Choimisiúin agus fianaise ag fiosrúchán.
13.—(1) Pé uair a dhéanfaidh Aire den Ard-Chomhairle no an Ard-Chomhairle féin ní do chur fé bhráid an Choimisiúin fén Acht so, cuirfidh an Coimisiún fé ndeár fógra gur cuireadh an ní sin fé n-a mbráid agus i dtaobh an dáta agus na háite ina ndéanfar an fiosrúchán dá réir sin d'fhoillsiú san Iris Oifigiúil agus i pé slí eile is oiriúnach leo, agus ní thosnóidh an Coimisiún ar aon fhiosrúchán den tsórt san go ceann ceithre lá déag i ndiaidh dáta an fhoillsithe sin san Iris Oifigiúil.
(2) Nuair a bheidh aon fhiosrúchán den tsórt san á dhéanamh éistfidh an Coimisiún gach éinne gur mian leis go n-éistí é agus go bhfeictear don Choimisiún leas substainteach do bheith aige in abhar an fhiosrúcháin sin agus glacfaid agus breithneoid aon fhianaise a thairgfidh an duine sin.
Tuarasgabhála an Choimisiúin do thíolacadh agus fógra do thabhairt ina dtaobh.
14.—(1) Leagfar ar Bhúird dhá Thigh an Oireachtais gach tuarasgabháil a dhéanfaidh an Coimisiún fén Acht so.
(2) Cuirfidh an Ard-Chomhairle fé ndeár fógra i dtaobh déanta gach tuarasgabhála dhéanfaidh an Coimisiún d'fhoillsiú san Iris Oifigiúil chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis na tuarasgabhála san do dhéanamh.
Orduithe do leagadh fé bhráid Tithe an Oireachtais.
15.—Gach ordú sriantachta dhéanfaidh an Ard-Chomhairle fén Acht so leagfar fé bhráid gach Tighe den Oireachtas é chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis a dhéanta, agus má dheineann ceachtar Tigh, laistigh den lá is fiche shuidhfidh an Tigh sin tar éis an orduithe sin do leagadh fé n-a bhráid, rún do rith ag cur an orduithe sin ar neambrí beidh an t-ordú san curtha ar neambrí dá réir sin ach beidh san gan dochar do dhleathacht éinní do rinneadh roimhe sin fén ordú san.
Ciontaí maidir le horduithe um dhíol do shrianadh.
16.—(1) Má dheineann duine ar bith éinní contrárdha d'aon ordú um dhíol do shrianadh a bheidh i bhfeidhm de thurus na huaire no má theipeann air déanamh do réir an orduithe sin, beidh sé ciontach, fé réir na bhforálacha den Acht so bhaineann le cosanta reachtúla, i gcionta fén Acht so agus beidh sé inphionósuithe dá réir sin.
(2) Má dheineann duine ar bith aon earraí iomportálta d'aicme le n-a mbaineann ordú um dhíol do shrianadh a bheidh i bhfeidhm de thurus na huaire d'fhógairt no do thairiscint chun a ndíolta mar earraí de chineál no de dhéanamh áirithe no ar shlí eile fé ainm áirithe, pe'ca tré tharraingeoireacht no tré aon abhar scríobhtha é, ansan, mara gcuire sé sa bhfográn no sa tairiscint comhartha tionnscnaimh sa bhfuirm a luaidhtear san ordú san, beidh sé ciontach, fé réir na bhforálacha den Acht so bhaineann le cosanta reachtúla, i gcionta fén Acht so agus beidh sé inphionósuithe dá réir sin.
Ní bhainfidh an fo-alt so le cás aon fhógráin a rinneadh no a cuireadh amach no a foillsíodh roimh an dáta ar ar tháinig an t-ordú san um dhíol do shrianadh i bhfeidhm.
Eifeacht ordú um iomportáil do shrianadh.
17.—(1) Pé uair a bheidh ordú um iomportáil do shrianadh i bhfeidhm de thurus na huaire maidir le hearraí iomportálta d'aicme no de shaghas áirithe, ansan, mara mbeidh ar na hearraí sin le linn a n-iomportálta agus sa tslí a horduítear leis an ordú san comhartha tionnscnaimh sa bhfuirm a luaidhtear san ordú san, tuigfear gur earraí iad go bhfuil sé toirmiscthe de bhuadh ailt 16 den Phríomh-Acht iad d'iomportáil agus bainfidh an t-alt san, fé mar atá sé leasuithe ag an Merchandise Marks Act, 1911, leis na hearraí sin dá réir sin.
(2) Má bhíonn na Coimisinéirí Ioncuim sásta, maidir le haon earraí go mbeidh sé toirmiscthe de bhuadh an fho-ailt sin roimhe seo iad d'iomportáil, gur earraí iad a hiomportáladh chun iad d'easportáil tar éis turuis tré Shaorstát Éireann no tré iad d'aistriú o luing go luing eile no gur earraí iad a dearbhuíodh ar iad d'iomportáil a bheith ina n-earraí a bhí le hath-easportáil, féadfaidh na Coimisinéirí Ioncuim, fé réir pé coinníollacha maidir le hurraíocht i dtaobh ath-easportálta na n-earraí sin do chólíonadh is oiriúnach leo d'fhorchur, a cheadú na hearraí sin d'iomportáil.
(3) Ní tuigfear éinní san alt so do bheith ag baint o éinní atá in alt 16 den Phríomh-Acht.
Toirmeasc ar chomhartha tionnscnaimh do bhaint d'earraí iomportálta.
18.—(1) Gach éinne a dhéanfaidh comhartha tionnscnaimh a bhí do réir orduithe sriantachta ar aon earraí le linn a n-iomportálta no a dtaisbeánta chun a ndíolta ina mórchoda do bhaint de sna hearraí sin no é d'atharú no do scriosadh, beidh sé, mara gcuire sé ina luighe ar an gcúirt nách d'fhonn an áit o n-ar tháinig na hearraí do cheilt le linn a ndíolta no a dtaisbeánta chun a ndíolta a rinneadh an comhartha san do bhaint díobh no é atharú no do scriosadh, ciontach i gcionta fén Acht so agus beidh sé inphionósuithe dá réir sin.
(2) Na forálacha den Acht so bhaineann le cosanta reachtúla ní bheidh feidhm acu i gcás gnímh atá, de bhuadh an ailt seo, ina chionta fén Acht so.
Údaráis áitiúla áirithe do chúiseamh ciontaí.
19.—(1) Gach cionta fén Acht so a luaidhtear sa Chuid seo den Acht féadfaidh údarás áitiúil údaruithe no féadfar ar a n-agra san mar chúisitheoir é chúiseamh chó fada is a bhaineann sé le haon earraí iomportálta is abhair bhídh.
(2) Beidh teideal ag aon oifigeach go n-údarás cuibhe o údarás údaruithe (ach é do thaisbeáint a údaráis i scríbhinn mar oifigeach go n-údarás amhlaidh) dul isteach gach tráth réasúnta in aon áitreabh go bhfuil cúis aige le n-a chreidiúint aon earraí iomportálta is abhair bhídh le n-a mbaineann ordú um dhíol do shrianadh do bheith á gcoimeád ann chun a ndíolta agus ar íoc asta no ar a thairiscint íoc asta samplaí do thógaint d'aon earraí samhluítear do is abhair bhídh iomportálta den tsórt san.
(3) Beidh sé de dhualgas ar oifigeach go n-údarás cuibhe o údarás áitiúil údaruithe a thógann aon tsamplaí i bhfeidhmiú na gcomhacht a bronntar air leis an alt so—
(a) a chur in úil láithreach don té gur leis an t-áitreabh ina dtógtar an sampla san, no dá ghníomhaire, gur do réir an ailt seo atá an sampla san á thógaint, agus
(b) má cheanglann an duine no an gníomhaire sin air san do dhéanamh le linn an méid sin do chur in úil do, sampla eile den tsórt chéanna do thogha no an sampla do thóg sé do roinnt ina dhá chuid, agus an dara sampla no cuid amháin den tsampla roinnfe sé do mharcáil agus do chur fé shéala agus d'fhágaint ag an duine no ag an ngníomhaire sin.
(4) Gach éinne a chuirfidh cosc no bac le haon oifigeach go n-údarás cuibhe o údarás áitiúil údaruithe agus é ag feidhmiú aon chomhachta dá mbronntar air leis an alt so beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar cúig púint do chur air.
(5) Na forálacha den Acht so bhaineann le cosanta reachtúla ní bheidh feidhm acu i gcás cionta fén alt so.
(6) Déanfar aon chostaisí fé n-a raghaidh údarás áitiúil údaruithe fén alt so d'íoc sa tslí chéanna ina n-íoctar costaisí fé n-a dtéigheann an t-údarás san agus iad ag feidhmiú forálacha na Sale of Food and Drugs Acts, 1875 to 1907.
(7) San alt so cialluíonn an abairt “údarás áitiúil údaruithe” údarás áitiúil ag a bhfuil údarás mionscrúdóir do cheapadh chun crícheanna na Sale of Food and Drugs Acts, 1875 to 1907.
CUID IV.
Sriantachta Eile Maidir le hEarrai Iomportalta.
Earraí iomportálta ar a mbeidh ainm no marc trádála dhéantóra no thrádálaí i Saorstát Éireann no ainm áite i Saorstát Éireann, do dhíol.
20.—(1) Ní bheidh sé dleathach d'éinne aon earraí iomportálta do dhíol ná do thaisbeáint chun a ndíolta ina mionchoda ná ina mórchoda ná iad do scaipeadh mar fhógraíocht (pe'ca leis na hearraí bheidh á scaipeadh no le hearraí eile bhaineann an fhógraíocht san) má bhíonn ar na hearraí sin do réir bhrí ailt 5 den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) ainm dhéantóra no thrádálaí no dheighleálaí i Saorstát Éireann; no
(b) marc trádála aon duine den tsórt a luaidhtear sa mhír sin roimhe seo, no mare no samhaltán no suaitheantas a bheidh chó deallrathach san leis an mare trádála san gur dócha go gcuirfeadh sé daoine amú; no
(c) ainm a bheidh chó deallrathach san le hainm dhéantóra no thrádálaí no dheighleálaí i Saorstát Éireann gur dócha go gcuirfeadh sí daoine amú; no
(d) ainm aon áite no cheanntair no líomatáiste i Saorstát Éireann;
mara mbeidh comhartha tionnscnaimh cinnte i dtaobh na tíre ina ndearnadh no inar saothruíodh na hearraí sin ag gabháil leis an ainm, leis an marc trádála, leis an marc, leis an samhaltán no leis an suaitheantas san, agus san i slí go mbeidh an comhartha san chó sofheicse ar a laighead leis an ainm, leis an marc trádála, leis an marc, leis an samhaltán no leis an suaitheantas san a bheidh ar na hearraí.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire Tionnscail agus Tráchtála le hordú, aon uair tar éis an Achta so do rith, earraí d'aon aicme no saghas áirithe no earraí díolfar fé aon ainm áirithe do shaoradh o fhorálacha an ailt seo má bhíonn sé sásta, ag féachaint do sna nithe speisialta bhaineann leis an trádáil sna hearraí sin, gur mhaith an rud iad do shaoradh amhlaidh agus ná déanfadh san dochar substainteach do leasanna puiblí i Saorstát Éireann.
(3) Beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so leanas maidir le cumaisc no meascáin a bheidh có-dhéanta d'earraí iomportálta d'aicme no de shaghas áirithe no ina mbeidh na hearraí sin, sé sin le rá:—
(a) féadfaidh an tAire Tionnscail agus Tráchtála le hordú, aon uair tar éis an Achta so do rith agus o am go ham, éinní acu so leanas do dhéanamh, sé sin le rá:—
(i) forálacha fo-ailt (1) den alt so do chur i mbaint le cumaisc no le meascáin den tsórt san, no
(ii) aon ordú bheidh déanta aige cheana féin fén mír seo do cheiliúradh no do leasú;
(b) ní bhainfidh forálacha fo-ailt (1) den alt so le cumaisc ná le meascáin den tsórt san mara mbeidh ordú rinne an tAire fén bhfo-alt so, ag cur na bhforálacha san i mbaint le cumaisc no le meascáin den tsórt san, i bhfeidhm de thurus na huaire.
(4) San alt so cialluíonn an abairt “marc trádála” marc (pe'ca tá sé cláruithe fén Acht Maoine Tionnscail agus Tráchtála (Cosaint), 1927 (Uimh. 16 de 1927) mar mharc trádála no mar phátrún no ná fuil) a húsáidtear ar earraí no maidir le hearraí chun a thaisbeáint gurb iad earraí dílseánaigh an mhairc iad de bhuadh gurb é rinne iad, a thoigh iad, a dheimhnigh iad, atá ag deighleáil leo no atá á dtairiscint chun a ndíolta.
(5) Beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so leanas maidir leis an alt so do theacht i bhfeidhm, sé sin le rá:—
(a) sa bhfo-alt so cialluíonn an abairt “an lá ceaptha” an chéad lá tar éis sé mhí o am an Achta so do rith do bheith caithte;
(b) fé réir fhorálacha ná céad míre ina dhiaidh seo den fho-alt so tiocfaidh an t-alt so i bhfeidhm ar an lá ceaptha;
(c) féadfaidh an tAire Tionnscail agus Tráchtála, aon uair tar éis an Achta so do rith agus roimh an lá ceaptha, tré ordú do dhéanamh i dtaobh earraí iomportálta d'aicme no de shaghas áirithe, a dhearbhú go dtiocfaidh an t-alt so, sa mhéid go mbaineann sé le hearraí iomportálta den aicme no den tsaghas san, i bhfeidhm pé lá (nách luaithe ná dáta an orduithe sin ná nách giorra ná seacht lá i ndiaidh an dáta san ná nách déanaí ná an lá ceaptha) luadhfar chuige sin san ordú san, agus pé uair a déanfar aon ordú den tsórt san tiocfaidh an t-alt so i bhfeidhm, i dtaobh earraí iomportálta den aicme no den tsaghas le n-a mbaineann an t-ordú san, an lá luadhfar chuige sin san ordú san;
(d) gach ordú déanfar fén bhfo-alt so foillseofar é san Iris Oifigiúil chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis a dhéanta.
(6) Gach éinne dhéanfaidh ní ar bith contrárdha don alt so beidh sé ciontach, fé réir na bhforálacha den Acht so bhaineann le cosanta reachtúla, i gcionta fén Acht so agus beidh sé inphionósuithe dá réir sin.
(7) Bainfidh alt 9 den Phríomh-Acht le haon imeachta mar gheall ar ghníomh is sárú ar an alt so.
(8) Ní léireofar éinní san alt so mar ní a dhéanfadh é bheith dleathach aon earraí iomportálta le n-a mbaineann ordú um dhíol do shrianadh a bheidh i bhfeidhm de thurus na huaire do dhíol no do thaisbeáint chun a ndíolta contrárdha don ordú san.
(9) Gach ordú déanfar fén alt so leagfar fé bhráid gach Tighe den Oireachtas é chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis a dhéanta, agus má dheineann ceachtar Tigh den Oireachtas, laistigh den lá is fiche shuidhfidh an Tigh sin tar éis an orduithe sin do leagadh fé n-a bhráid, rún do rith ag cur an orduithe sin ar neambrí beidh an t-ordú san curtha ar neambrí dá réir sin, ach beidh san gan dochar do dhleathacht éinní do rinneadh roimhe sin fén ordú san.
CUID V.
Ni ata Breagach do Thabhairt le Tuiscint i dTaobh Earrai nar Saothruiodh na na Rinneadh i Saorstat Éireann.
Ní atá bréagach do thabhairt le tuiscint i dtaobh earraí nár saothruíodh ná ná rinneadh i Saorstát Éireann.
21.—(1) Gach éinne dhéanfaidh, i dtaobh no chun aon earraí nár saothruíodh ná ná rinneadh i Saorstát Éireann do dhíol ina mionchoda no ina mórchoda, a thabhairt le tuiscint, agus san go bréagach maidir le haon phonc táchtach, gur i Saorstát Éireann a saothruíodh no a rinneadh na hearraí sin beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén Acht so, mara gcruthuighe sé nách le hintinn calaoise dhéanamh a rinne sé amhlaidh, agus beidh sé inphionósuithe dá réir sin.
(2) San alt so nuair a húsáidtear an abairt “tabhairt le tuiscint” i dtaobh earraí cialluíonn sí ní ar bith do thabhairt le tuiscint, go díreach no go nea-dhíreach, pe'ca i mbréithe béil no i scríbhinn a déanfar san agus más i scríbhinn a déanfar é pe'ca tabharfar le tuiscint é in aon fhógrán, no in aon chlár, cinn-bhille no scríbhinn eile i dtaobh na n-earraí, no bheidh sé iontuigthe as úsáid aon ainme trádála no teidil.
(3) Ní léireofar éinní san alt so mar ní chuireann teora le hoibriú míre (d) d'fho-alt (1) d'alt 2 den Phríomh-Acht.
(4) Na forálacha den Acht so bhaineann le cosanta reachtúla ní bheidh feidhm acu i gcás gnímh atá, de bhuadh an ailt seo, ina chionta fén Acht so.
CUID VI.
Foralacha i dtaobh Ciontai.
Cosanta reachtúla.
22.—(1) Ach amháin i gcás dá bhforáltar a mhalairt leis an Acht so, má deintear duine de chúiseamh i gcionta do dhéanamh fén Acht so beidh sé ina chosaint mhaith ar an gcúiseamh san don duine sin a chruthú—
(a) (i) tar éis do gach ní do b'fhéidir le réasún a dhéanamh chun an chionta san do sheachaint ná raibh aige, le linn na nithe do dhéanamh adeirtear isiad an cionta san ann, aon chúis le hamhras do bheith aige go raibh na hearraí gur ina dtaobh atá an cionta san á chúiseamh ina n-earraí le n-ar bhain na forálacha atá san Acht so i dtaobh earraí iomportálta do dhíol ar a bhfuil ainm no marc trádála dhéantóra no thrádálaí i Saorstát Éireann, no ainm áite i Saorstát Éireann, no ina n-earraí le n-ar bhain ordú um dhíol do shrianadh;
agus
(ii) go dtug sé uaidh gach eolas a bhí ar a chumas, i dtaobh na ndaoine o n-a bhfuair sé na hearraí, ar n-a éileamh san don chúisitheoir no thar a cheann;
no
(b) neachtar acu gur go neamh-urchóideach a rinne sé amhlaidh.
(2) Ach amháin i gcás dá bhforáltar a mhalairt leis an Acht so, má deintear duine is fostóir no is ceannasaí do chúiseamh i gcionta do dhéanamh fén Acht so beidh sé ina chosaint mhaith ar an gcúiseamh san don duine sin a chruthú—
(a) go ndearna sé dícheall cuibhe chun na nithe adeirtear is cionta ann do chosc; agus
(b) nách é féin a rinne na nithe adeirtear isiad an cionta san ann; agus
(c) nách le n-a chead féin ná tré n-a fhaillí thoiliúil ná tré é dá scaoileadh thairis a rinneadh na nithe sin; agus
(d) ar an ngairm do sheirbheáil air go dtug sé don chúisitheoir gach eolas a bhí ar a chumas i dtaobh an duine do rinne na nithe sin.
(3) Ach amháin i gcás dá bhforáltar a mhalairt leis an Acht so, má deintear duine is seirbhíseach no is fostaí do chúiseamh i gcionta do dhéanamh fén Acht so beidh sé ina chosaint mhaith ar an gcúiseamh san don duine sin a chruthú—
(a) go raibh sé ar fostaíocht ag duine eile (dá ngairmtear an fostóir sa bhfo-alt so); agus
(b) gur i gcúrsaí agus chun crícheanna na fostaíochta san a rinne sé na nithe adeirtear isiad an cionta san ann; agus
(c) ná raibh sé ach ag géilleadh d'orduithe soiléire an fhostóra nuair a rinne sé na nithe sin; agus
(d) ar an ngairm do sheirbheáil air go dtug sé uaidh gach eolas a bhí ar a chumas i dtaobh na nithe luaidhtear sna míreanna san roimhe seo.
(4) Ach amháin i gcás dá bhforáltar a mhalairt leis an Acht so, má deintear duine is deighleálaí i mórchoda do chúiseamh i gcionta do dhéanamh fén Acht so maidir le haon earraí do dhíol beidh sé ina chosaint mhaith ar an gcúiseamh san don duine sin a chruthú—
(a) gur i mórchoda díoladh na hearraí sin; agus
(b) gur fé gheallúint i scríbhinn go ndéanfaí na hearraí d'easportáil no d'ath-dhíol chun iad d'easportáil go dtí áit lasmuich de Shaorstát Éireann a díoladh iad leis an gceannuitheoir.
Má thugann aon scríbhinn, ina mbeidh geallúint sa chéill sin thuas, le tuiscint í bheith fé láimh an cheannuitheora agus má luaidhtear gnáth-sheoladh gnótha an cheannuitheora inti beidh sí, ar n-a tabhairt i láthair, ina fianaise prima facie ar an ngeallúint sin.
Pionóisí mar gheall ar chiontaí fén Acht so.
23.—Gach éinne bheidh ciontach i gcionta fén Acht so, dlighfear, ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair, fíneáil ná raghaidh thar cúig púint do chur air, más é an chéad chionta aige é, agus fíneáil ná raghaidh thar fiche púnt, más é an dara cionta aige é no aon chionta ina dhiaidh sin, agus féadfaidh an Chúirt, in aon chás, a ordú na hearraí gur ina dtaobh a rinneadh an cionta do gheallbhruideadh.
Barántas cuardaigh agus forálacha breise i dtaobh geallbhruidthe.
24.—(1) Má dheineann Breitheamh den Chúirt Dúithche ar scéala ar chionta fén Acht so d'fháil gairm do thabhairt amach, á cheangal ar an gcosantóir a cúisítear leis an scéala san teacht i láthair chun an scéala san do fhreagairt, no barántas do thabhairt amach, chun an chosantóra san do ghabháil, agus má deintear, le scéala fé mhionn, a chur ina luighe ar an mBreitheamh san le linn na gairme no an bharántais do thabhairt amach no dá éis sin, no ar aon Bhreitheamh eile den Chúirt Dúithche, cúis reasúnta do bheith ann le hamhras go bhfuil aon earraí no nithe, gur tríotha no ina dtaobh a rinneadh an cionta san, in aon tigh no áitreabh is leis an gcosantóir, no go bhfuilid ar aon tslí eile ina sheilbh no fé n-a chúram in aon áit, féadfaidh an Breitheamh san barántas fé n-a láimh do thabhairt amach, barántas go mbeidh sé dleathach dá bhuadh d'aon bhall den Ghárda Síochána a hainmneofar no dá dtagarfar ann dul isteach sa tigh no san áitreabh no san áit sin aon tráth réasúnta sa ló, agus na hearraí no na nithe sin do chuardach ansan agus do ghabháil agus do bhreith leis agus aon earraí no nithe déanfar a ghabháil fé aon bharántas den tsórt san tabharfar os cóir Breithiún den Chúirt Dúithche iad chun a shocrú ce'ca dlightear iad do gheallbhruideadh fén Acht so no ná dlightear.
(2) Má ráiníonn nách eol cé hé únaer aon earraí no nithe bheadh dlite chun a ngeallbhruidthe fén Acht so dá ndeintí a n-únaer do chiontú i gcionta fén Acht so, no nách féidir a n-únaer san d'fháil, féadfar aon scéala no gearán do dhéanamh chun an gheallbhruidthe sin do chur i bhfeidhm agus chuige sin amháin, agus féadfaidh Breitheamh den Chúirt Dúithche a chur fé ndeár fógra d'fhoillsiú á rá go ngeallbhruidfear na hearraí no na nithe sin ag an am agus san áit a luadhfar sa bhfógra, mara gcruthuítear cúis ina choinnibh sin agus féadfaidh Breitheamh den Chúirt Dúithche, ag an am agus san áit sin, mara ndeinidh an t-únaer no éinne thar a cheann, no duine eile go mbeidh leas aige sna hearraí no sna nithe sin, cúis ina choinnibh sin do chruthú, a ordú na hearraí no na nithe sin no aon cheann acu do gheallbhruideadh.
Earraí geallbhruidthe do chur de láimh.
25.—Má deintear aon earraí no nithe do gheallbhruideadh fén Acht so, féadfar na hearraí no na nithe sin do dhíthiú no iad do chur de láimh ar shlí eile ar pé cuma ordóidh an Chúirt a dhéanfaidh iad do gheallbhruideadh, agus féadfaidh an Chúirt, as an toradh gheobhfar tré sna hearraí sin do chur de láimh (tar éis gach marc trádála agus tuairisc i gcóir trádála do scriosadh dhíobh ar dtúis) aon chailliúint do thárla go nea-chiontach d'aon pháirtí nea-chiontach agus é ag deighleáil leis na hearraí sin do dheonadh dho.
Costaisí cosanta no cúisimh.
26.—Ar aon chúiseamh i gcionta fén Acht so féadfaidh an Chúirt a ordú go n-íocfaidh an cúisitheoir costaisí leis an gcosantóir no go n-íocfaidh an cosantóir costaisí leis an gcúisitheoir, ag féachaint don eolas a thug an cosantóir agus an cúisitheoir fé seach uatha agus dá n-iompar.
Teora aimsire do chúisithe.
27.—D'ainneoin éinní atá in alt 10 den Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851, féadfar imeachta i dtaobh cionta fén Acht so do thosnú laistigh de pé tréimhse dhíobh so leanas is giorra, sé sin le rá, an tréimhse de thrí bliana tar éis an chionta do dhéanamh agus an tréimhse de bhliain tar éis don chúisitheoir an cionta d'fháil amach den chéad uair.
Fianaise.
28.—In aon chúiseamh in aon chionta fén Acht so maidir le hearraí iomportálta beidh fianaise ar an bport bordála ina fianaise prima facie ar an áit no ar an dtír ina ndearnadh no inar saothruíodh na hearraí.
CUID VII.
Ilghneitheach agus Generalta.
An Príomh-Acht agus an Merchandise Marks Act, 1911, d'oiriúnú.
29.—(1) Gach luadh no tagairt atá sa Phríomh-Acht agus san Merchandise Marks Act, 1911, don Ríocht Aontuithe léireofar é agus beidh éifeacht aige mar luadh no mar thagairt do Shaorstát Éireann.
(2) An tagairt atá i mír (iii) d'fho-alt (3) d'alt 2 den Phríomh-Acht dá Soillse léireofar í agus beidh éifeacht aici mar thagairt don Stát.
(3) An tagairt atá i bhfo-alt (1) d'alt 16 den Phríomh-Acht d'earraí de dhéantús iasachta léireofar í agus beidh éifeacht aici mar thagairt d'earraí rinneadh lasmuich de Shaorstát Éireann.
(4) Gach luadh no tagairt atá in alt 16 den Phríomh-Acht do sna Coimisinéirí Custum léireofar é agus beidh éifeacht aige mar luadh no mar thagairt do sna Coimisinéirí Ioncuim.
(5) An tagairt atá i bhfo-alt (6) d'alt 16 den Phríomh-Acht do Choimisinéirí Cisteáin a Soillse léireofar í agus beidh éifeacht aici mar thagairt don Aire Airgid.
(6) An tagairt atá i bhfo-alt (8) d'alt 16 den Phríomh-Acht don London Gazette léireofar í agus beidh éifeacht aici mar thagairt don Iris Oifigiúil.
(7) Ní bheidh éifeacht feasta ag an tagairt atá i bhfo-alt (8) d'alt 16 den Phríomh-Acht d'fhoillsiú do dhéanamh san Board of Trade Journal.
(8) Gach tagairt atá san Merchandise Marks Act, 1911, do sna Coimisinéirí Custum agus Máil léireofar í agus beidh éifeacht aici mar thagairt do sna Coimisinéirí Ioncuim.
An tAire Tionnscail agus Tráchtála do dhéanamh cúisithe.
30.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire Tionnscail agus Tráchtála, fé réir na gcoinníollacha bheidh orduithe do chólíonadh, a thógaint air féin mar chúisitheoir aon chionta fén bPríomh-Acht no aon chionta fén Acht so do chúiseamh i gcásanna chítear do a dheineann deifir do leasanna generálta na tíre, no dreama de sna daoine, no céirde, no ceárdais.
(2) San alt so cialluíonn an focal “orduithe” orduithe le rialacháin a dhéanfaidh an tAire Tionnscail agus Tráchtála fén alt so.
An tAire Talmhaíochta do dhéanamh cúisithe.
31.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire Talmhaíochta, fé réir na gcoinníollacha bheidh orduithe do chólíonadh, a thógaint air féin mar chúisitheoir aon chionta fén bPríomh-Acht no aon chionta fén Acht so do chúiseamh i gcásanna go bhfeictear do baint a bheith acu le tora talmhaíochta no le tora aon tionnscal eile tuatha agus a chítear do a dheineann deifir do leasanna generálta na tíre, no dreama de sna daoine, no céirde, no ceárdais.
(2) San alt so cialluíonn an abairt “tionnscail tuatha” na tionnscail tuatha luaidhtear in alt 2 den Acht Talmhaíochta, 1931 (Uimh. 8 de 1931).
(3) San alt so cialluíonn an focal “orduithe” orduithe le rialacháin a dhéanfaidh an tAire Talmhaíochta fén alt so.
(4) Ní oibreoidh éinní san alt so chun teorann do chur leis na comhachta bronntar ar an Aire Tionnscail agus Tráchtála leis an alt díreach roimhe seo, sa mhéid 'na bhfuil na comhachta san có-reathach leis na comhachta bronntar ar an Aire Talmhaíochta leis an alt so, agus ní oibreoidh éinní san alt so ná san alt díreach roimhe seo chun deifir do dhéanamh do chomhacht aon duine (seachas na hAirí sin) chun cúisimh do dhéanamh maidir le haon chiontaí fén bPríomh-Acht no le haon chionta fén Acht so.
Eisceacht.
32.—(1) Ní dhéanfaidh an tAcht so éinne do shaoradh o aon aicsean, cúis dlí ná imeacht eile fhéadfaí thabhairt ina choinnibh mara mbeadh forálacha an Achta so.
(2) Ní thabharfaidh éinní san Acht so teideal d'éinne diúltú do nochta iomlán a dhéanamh, ná d'aon cheist ná ceistiúchán do fhreagairt in aon aicsean, ach ní bheidh an nochta ná an freagra san ionghlactha mar fhianaise i gcoinnibh an duine sin in aon chúiseamh i gcionta fén Acht so.
Rialacháin.
33.—Gach rialachán a déanfar fén Acht so leagfar fé bhráid gach Tighe den Oireachtas é chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis a dhéanta, agus má dheineann ceachtar Tigh den Oireachtas, laistigh den lá is fiche shuidhfidh an Tigh sin tar éis an rialacháin sin do leagadh fé n-a bhráid, rún do rith ag cur an rialacháin sin ar neambrí beidh an rialachán san curtha ar neambrí dá réir sin, ach beidh san gan dochar do dhleathacht éinní rinneadh roimhe sin fén rialachán san.
Costaisí.
34.—Sa mhéid go gceadóidh an tAire Airgid é is amach as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas a híocfar gach costas a bhainfidh leis an Acht so do chur i bhfeidhm.
Athghairm.
35.—Deintear leis seo na hachtacháin a luaidhtear sa Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht so d'athghairm sa mhéid a luaidhtear sa tríú colún den Sceideal san.
Gearr-theideal agus luadh.
36.—Féadfar an tAcht Marcanna Earraí Ceannaíochta, 1931, do ghairm den Acht so, agus féadfar na hAchtanna Marcanna Earraí Ceannaíochta, 1887 go 1931, do ghairm de sna Merchandise Marks Acts, 1887 and 1891, den Merchandise Marks Act, 1911, agus den Acht so le chéile.
SCEIDEAL.
ACHTACHAIN A HATHGHAIRMTEAR.
Siosón agus Caibideal no Uimhir agus Bliain. | Gearr-Theideal. | Méid na hAthghairme. |
54 & 55 Vic. c. 15. | Merchandise Marks Act, 1891. | Alt 2. |
9 Edw. VII. c. 24. | Merchandise Marks (Ireland) Act, 1909. | An tAcht iomlán. |
Sa Chéad Sceideal, na focail “An Merchandise Marks (Ireland) Act, 1909.” |
Number 48 of 1931.
MERCHANDISE MARKS ACT, 1931.
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Preliminary.
Section | |
Merchandise Marks Commission.
Restriction on Sale Orders and Restriction on Importation Orders.
Other Restrictions in Relation to Imported Goods.
False Representation in Connection with Goods not Produced or Manufactured in Saorstát Eireann.
False representation in connection with goods not produced or manufactured in Saorstát Eireann. |
Provisions in Relation to Offences.
Miscellaneous and General.
Adaptation of the Principal Act and the Merchandise Marks Act, 1911. | |
Acts Referred to | |
No. 16 of 1927 | |
No. 8 of 1931 | |
Number 48 of 1931.
MERCHANDISE MARKS ACT, 1931.
PART I.
Preliminary.
Definitions and interpretation.
1.—(1) In this Act—
the expression “the Principal Act” means the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887;
the word “goods” has the same meaning as it has in the Principal Act;
the expression “indication of origin” when used in relation to imported goods means a word or words indicating that such goods were not produced or manufactured in Saorstát Eireann;
the word “form” when used in relation to an indication of origin includes the word or words to be used in such indication of origin.
(2) In this Act the expression “blend or mixture” does not include any blend or mixture produced by a process of manufacture from materials of different kinds.
(3) In Part III of this Act—
the expression “imported goods” does not include—
(a) goods produced or manufactured in Saorstát Eireann which after exportation were brought into Saorstát Eireann including any such goods which have undergone outside Saorstát Eireann any treatment or process not resulting in a substantial change in the goods.
(b) farm produce carried or driven by a farmer or his servants from Northern Ireland into Saorstát Eireann in the course of his business as a farmer,
the expression “sale” does not include—
(a) a sale of goods for consignment by the vendor to a person outside Saorstát Eireann, or
(b) a sale of second-hand goods, or
(c) the sale of any foodstuffs at any hotel or restaurant or other premises for consumption thereon,
and cognate words shall be construed accordingly.
(4) In Part IV of this Act—
the expression “imported goods” does not include—
(a) goods which since the date of their importation have undergone in Saorstát Eireann any treatment or process resulting in a substantial change in the goods;
(b) goods produced or manufactured in Saorstát Eireann which after exportation were brought into Saorstát Eireann including any such goods which have undergone outside Saorstát Eireann any treatment or process not resulting in a substantial change in the goods;
(c) farm produce carried or driven by a farmer or his servants from Northern Ireland into Saorstát Eireann in the course of his business as a farmer.
the expression “sale” does not include—
(a) a sale of goods for consignment by the vendor to a person outside Saorstát Eireann, or
(b) a sale of second-hand goods, or
(c) the sale of any foodstuffs which have undergone a process of cooking or preserving in Saorstát Eireann,
and cognate words shall be construed accordingly.
(5) For the purposes of this Act imported goods shall be deemed to have been manufactured in the country in which they last underwent before importation a substantial change by reason of any treatment or process.
PART II.
Merchandise marks commission.
Establishment of Merchandise Marks Commission.
2.—(1) As soon as conveniently may be after the passing of this Act, there shall be established a Commission (in this Act referred to as the Commission), which shall be styled the Merchandise Marks Commission, to fulfil the functions assigned to it by this Act.
(2) The Commission shall consist of three members, of whom one, who shall be chairman, shall be nominated by the Minister for Industry and Commerce, one shall be nominated by the Minister for Finance, and one shall be nominated by the Minister for Agriculture.
(3) Every member of the Commission shall hold office during the pleasure of the Minister by whom he is nominated.
Regulations for proceedings before Commission.
3.—The Commission shall make regulations for the governance of its proceedings and may by such regulations make provision for all or any of the following matters, that is to say:—
(a) the times and places of the sittings of the Commission;
(b) the persons to whom notice of the sittings of the Commission shall be given;
(c) the form and manner in which submissions shall be made and evidence given to the Commission, and in particular, whether such submissions and evidence shall be given viva voce or in writing;
(d) the attendance for viva voce examination or cross-examination of persons who have made submissions or given evidence in writing;
(e) the admission or exclusion of any person to or from the sittings of the Commission;
(f) such matters as appear to the Commission to be necessary or expedient for the proper conduct of its business.
Powers of Commission.
4.—(1) The Commission shall have all such powers, rights, and privileges for enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examining them on oath (which any member of the Commission is hereby authorised to administer) or otherwise, and for compelling the production of documents as are vested in the High Court, or a judge thereof in respect of the trial of an action, and a summons signed by any one or more members of the Commission shall be equivalent to and have the like effect as a formal process issued by the High Court for enforcing the attendance of witnesses and compelling the production of documents.
(2) If any person—
(a) on being duly summoned as a witness before the Commission makes default in attending, or
(b) being in attendance as a witness refuses to take an oath legally required by the Commission to be taken, or to produce any document in his power and control legally required by the Commission to be produced by him, or to answer any question to which the Commission may legally require an answer, or
(c) does any other thing which would, if the Commission were a court of justice having power to commit for contempt of court, be contempt of such court,
the Commission may certify the offence of that person under their hands to the High Court and that Court may, after such inquiry as it thinks proper to make, punish or take steps for the punishment of that person in like manner as if he had been guilty of contempt of the said court.
(3) A witness before the Commission shall be entitled to the same immunities and privileges as if he were a witness before the High Court.
Remuneration and staff of Commission.
5.—(1) Any member of the Commission may, if the Minister for Finance so directs, be paid such remuneration as the said Minister shall determine.
(2) The Minister for Finance may appoint such and so many persons as he shall consider necessary to be officers of the Commission, and such persons shall hold office upon such terms and be remunerated at such rates and in such manner as the said Minister shall direct.
PART III.
Restriction on Sale Orders and Restriction on Importation Orders.
Reference of applications to the Commission and fees on applications.
6.—(1) Whenever an application is made to an Executive Minister by any person appearing to such Minister to be substantially representative of persons engaged in the production, manufacture or sale of goods of a particular class or description for—
(a) an order under this Part of this Act prohibiting the sale or exposure for sale of imported goods of that class or description unless such goods bear at the time of such sale or exposure an indication of origin; or
(b) an order under this Part of this Act prohibiting the importation of imported goods of that class or description unless such goods bear an indication of origin at the time of importation; or
(c) both such orders;
such Executive Minister may refer such application to the Commission for its report thereon.
(2) The Executive Council may, if and whenever they think fit so to do, refer to the Commission the question whether it is desirable to make in respect of goods of a particular class or description—
(a) an order such as is mentioned in paragraph (a) of the foregoing sub-section of this section; or
(b) an order such as is mentioned in paragraph (b) of the foregoing sub-section of this section; or
(c) both such orders.
(3) Whenever an application to an Executive Minister is referred by him under this section to the Commission, the persons by whom such application is made shall, as a condition precedent to the consideration of the application by the Commission, pay to the Commission in accordance with regulations to be made by the Minister for Finance such fee as the Commission, with the sanction of the said Minister shall fix, having regard to the length of time and the expense which in the opinion of the Commission will be involved in the consideration of the application.
(4) All fees paid to the Commission under this section shall be paid into or disposed for the benefit of the Exchequer by the Commission in such manner as the Minister for Finance shall direct.
Consideration of and report on applications and questions referred to Commission.
7.—The Commission shall consider every application or question referred to it by an Executive Minister or the Executive Council (as the case may be) under the immediately preceding section and shall report to the Executive Council in respect of the following matters, that is to say:—
(a) the desirability or otherwise of making the order or orders to which such application or question refers;
(b) if the Commission report in favour of making any such order—
(i) the form or alternative forms of an indication of origin for use in relation to the goods to which such application or question relates;
(ii) the manner in which an indication of origin should be borne by such goods;
(iii) such other matters arising out of the application or question as the Commission may be requested to report on by such Executive Minister or the Executive Council (as the case may be).
Restriction on sale orders and restriction on importation orders.
8.—(1) If, after consideration of a report of the Commission in relation to goods of a particular class or description, the Executive Council are of opinion that it is desirable that imported goods of that class or description should at the time of sale or exposure for sale bear an indication of origin, the Executive Council may, under and in accordance with this Act, make an order (in this Act referred to as a restriction on sale order) prohibiting the sale or exposure for sale of goods of that class or description unless such goods bear at the time of such sale or exposure an indication of origin in the form specified in such order.
(2) If, after consideration of a report of the Commission in relation to goods of a particular class or description, the Executive Council are of opinion that it is desirable that imported goods of that class or description should bear an indication of origin at the time of importation, the Executive Council may (without prejudice to their power to make a restriction on sale order in relation to imported goods of that class or description) make, under and in accordance with this Act, an order (in this Act referred to as a restriction on importation order) prohibiting the importation of goods of that class or description unless they bear at the time of importation an indication of origin in the form specified in such order.
(3) In this Act the expression “restriction order” shall be construed as equivalent to the expression “a restriction on sale order or a restriction on importation order.”
Contents of restriction orders.
9.—(1) Every restriction order made in relation to goods of a particular class or description shall specify the following things, that is to say:—
(a) at least one form of an indication of origin to be borne by such goods;
(b) the manner in which such indication of origin is to be borne by such goods;
(c) the date on which such order is to come into force;
(d) in the case of a restriction on sale order, whether the goods are to bear an indication of origin at the time of exposure for sale wholesale.
(2) A restriction order may specify several forms of indication of origin.
(3) A restriction order made in relation to goods of a particular class or description may provide that such order shall extend to blends or mixtures consisting of or containing those goods.
(4) A restriction order made in relation to goods of a particular class or description may provide that such order shall, subject to such terms and conditions as may be stated in such order, extend to samples of such goods.
(5) A restriction order made in relation to goods of a particular class or description may contain such provisions as the Executive Council think fit in respect of such goods when in transit or in bond in Saorstát Eireann.
(6) In addition to the matters required or permitted by this section, every restriction order may contain such other provisions as appear to the Executive Council necessary or expedient for giving effect to the prohibition contained in such order.
Application and construction of restriction orders.
10.—(1) A restriction order shall not extend to blends or mixtures consisting of or containing goods to which such order applies unless such order expressly provides that it shall so extend.
(2) A restriction order shall not extend to samples of the goods to which such order applies unless such order expressly provides that it shall so extend.
(3) Where goods to which a restriction order applies form part of other goods to which a restriction order does not apply but so retain their original character that an indication of origin can reasonably be applied to them such order shall apply to such first mentioned goods as if they were separate from the goods of which they form part.
(4) A restriction on sale order shall not, unless the order provides that the goods to which such order applies shall bear an indication of origin at the time of exposure for sale wholesale, extend to the case of the exposure for sale wholesale by a person who is a wholesale dealer.
(5) Where a restriction order specifies several forms of indication of origin, references in such order and in this Act to an indication of origin in the form specified in such order shall be construed as referring to an indication of origin in any one of such forms.
Exemption orders.
11.—If, where a restriction order has been made with respect to goods, it is shown to the satisfaction of the Executive Council by persons appearing to have a substantial interest in the matter that the application of the provisions of such order to any particular class or description of those goods has caused or is likely to cause injury or hardship to those persons, or any of them, the Executive Council may make an order (in this Part of this Act referred to as an exemption order) exempting such goods of that class or description from such restriction order, and in that case while such exemption order is in force such restriction order shall cease to have effect in relation to such class or description of goods.
(2) Whenever an exemption order is made notice of the making thereof shall be published in the Iris Oifigiúil and in such other manner as the Executive Council may deem suitable.
(3) Whenever an exemption order is made the Executive Council shall refer to the Commission for their consideration the question whether the restriction order to which the exemption order relates should be amended either in accordance with the terms of the exemption order or otherwise with respect to the goods the subject of such exemption order and the Commission shall report to the Executive Council on such question.
(4) The Executive Council may at any time revoke an exemption order.
Revocation and amendment of restriction orders.
12.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Executive Council may at any time revoke or amend a restriction order.
(2) Where the Executive Council proposes to revoke or amend a restriction order, they shall, unless the proposed revocation or amendment has been referred to the Commission in pursuance of the immediately preceding section, first refer to the question of the proposed revocation or amendment to the Commission who shall report thereon.
(3) The Executive Council shall not revoke or amend a restriction order until they have considered the report of the Commission in relation to the proposed revocation or amendment.
Notice of reference and evidence at inquiry.
13.—(1) Whenever a reference is made under this Act by an Executive Minister or the Executive Council to the Commission, the Commission shall cause notice of such reference and the date and place of the holding of the inquiry in pursuance of such reference to be published in the Iris Oifigiúil and in such other manner as it may think suitable, and no such inquiry shall be begun by the Commission until the expiration of fourteen days after the date of such publication in the Iris Oifigiúil.
(2) When holding any such inquiry the Commission shall hear every person who so desires to be heard and appears to the Commission to be substantially interested in the subject matter of such inquiry and shall receive and consider any evidence tendered by such person.
Presentation and notification of reports of Commission.
14.—(1) Every report made by the Commission under this Act shall be laid upon the Tables of both Houses of the Oireachtas.
(2) The Executive Council shall cause notice of the making of every report made by the Commission to be published in the Iris Oifigiúil as soon as may be after the making of such report.
Laying of orders before Houses of Oireachtas.
15.—Every restriction order made by the Executive Council under this Act shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas, as soon as may be after it is made, and if either House within the next subsequent twenty-one days on which such House has sat after such order is laid before it passes a resolution annulling such order, such order shall be annulled accordingly but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under such order.
Offences in relation to restriction on sale orders.
16.—(1) If any person acts in contravention of or fails to comply with any restriction on sale order for the time being in force he shall, subject to the provisions of this Act relating to statutory defences, be guilty of an offence under this Act and shall be punishable accordingly.
(2) If any person advertises or offers for sale as being goods of a particular brand or make or otherwise under a specific designation, whether by means of an illustration or by means of any written matter, any imported goods of a class to which a restriction on sale order for the time being in force applies he shall, if he does not include in the advertisement or offer an indication of origin in the form specified in such order, and subject to the provisions of this Act relating to statutory defences, be guilty of an offence under this Act and shall be punishable accordingly.
This sub-section shall not apply in the case of any advertisement, made issued or published before the date on which the said restriction on sale order came into force.
Effect of restriction on importation orders.
17.—(1) Whenever a restriction on importation order in relation to imported goods of a particular class or description is for the time being in force, such goods shall, unless such goods bear in the manner prescribed by such order at the time of importation an indication of origin in the form specified in such order, be deemed to be goods which are prohibited to be imported by virtue of section 16 of the Principal Act, and the said section as amended by the Merchandise Marks Act, 1911, shall apply in respect of such goods accordingly.
(2) Where the Revenue Commissioners are satisfied that any goods the importation of which is prohibited by virtue of the foregoing sub-section are goods imported for export after transit through Saorstát Eireann or by way of transhipment or are goods declared on importation to be for re-exportation, the Revenue Commissioners may, subject to compliance with such conditions as to security for the re-exportation of such goods as they may think fit to impose, permit such goods to be imported.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be taken to be in derogation of anything contained in section 16 of the Principal Act.
Prohibition of removal of indication of origin from imported goods.
18.—(1) Every person who removes, alters or obliterates an indication of origin which in compliance with a restriction order was borne by any goods at the time of their importation or exposure for sale wholesale shall, unless he satisfies the court that such removal alteration or obliteration was not for the purpose of concealing the origin of the goods at the time of their sale or exposure for sale, be guilty of an offence under this Act and shall be punishable accordingly.
(2) The provisions of this Act relating to statutory defences shall not apply in the case of an act which is by virtue of this section, an offence under this Act.
Prosecution of offences by certain local authorities.
19.—(1) Every offence under this Act mentioned in this Part of the Act may, in so far as the same relates to any imported goods being foodstuffs, be prosecuted by or at the suit of an authorised local authority as prosecutor.
(2) Any duly authorised officer of an authorised local authority shall be entitled (subject to the production by him of his authority in writing as such authorised officer) at all reasonable times to enter any premises on which he has reason to believe there are kept for sale any imported goods being foodstuffs to which a restriction on sale order applies and on paying or making tender of payments therefor take samples of any goods which appear to him to be such imported foodstuffs.
(3) It shall be the duty of a duly authorised officer of an authorised local authority who in exercise of the powers conferred on him by this section takes any samples—
(a) forthwith to notify the person on whose premises such sample is taken or his agent that such sample is taken in pursuance of this section, and
(b) if so required by such person or agent at the time of giving such notification, to select a second like sample or divide the sample taken by him into two parts, and to mark and seal and leave with such person or agent either the second sample or one part of the divided sample.
(4) Every person who obstructs or impedes any duly authorised officer of an authorised local authority in exercise of any of the powers conferred on him by this section shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding five pounds.
(5) The provisions of this Act relating to statutory defences shall not apply in the case of an offence under this section.
(6) Any expenses incurred by an authorised local authority under this section shall be defrayed in the same manner as expenses incurred by such authority in executing the provisions of the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts, 1875 to 1907.
(7) In this section the expression “authorised local authority” means a local authority authorised to appoint an analyst for the purposes of the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts, 1875 to 1907.
PART IV.
Other restrictions in relation to imported goods.
Sale of imported goods bearing name or trade mark of Saorstát Eireann manufacturer or trader or place name in Saorstát Eireann.
20.—(1) It shall not be lawful for any person to sell or expose for sale either retail or wholesale or to distribute by way of advertisement (whether such advertisement relates to the goods distributed or to other goods) any imported goods to which there is applied within the meaning of section 5 of the Principal Act, either—
(a) the name of a manufacturer, trader, or dealer in Saorstát Eireann; or
(b) the trade mark of any such person as is mentioned in the foregoing paragraph or a mark, emblem or device so closely resembling such trade mark as to be calculated to deceive; or
(c) a name so closely resembling the name of a manufacturer, trader, or dealer in Saorstát Eireann as to be calculated to deceive; or
(d) the name of any place, district or area in Saorstát Eireann;
unless such name, trade mark, mark, emblem, or device is accompanied, in a manner not less conspicuous than the manner in which such name, trade mark, mark, emblem, or device is so applied, by a definite indication of origin of the country in which such goods were produced or manufactured.
(2) The Minister for Industry and Commerce may, at any time after the passing of this Act, by order exempt from the provisions of this section goods of any particular class or description or goods sold under any particular description, if he is satisfied that, having regard to the special circumstances of the trade in such goods, such exemption is desirable and would not materially prejudice public interests in Saorstát Eireann.
(3) The following provisions shall have effect in relation to blends or mixtures consisting of or containing imported goods of a particular class or description, that is to say:—
(a) the Minister for Industry and Commerce may at any time after the passing of this Act and from time to time by order do any of the following things, that is to say:—
(i) apply the provisions of sub-section (1) of this section to such blends or mixtures, or
(ii) revoke or amend any order previously made by him under this paragraph;
(b) the provisions of sub-section (1) of this section shall not extend to such blends or mixtures unless an order made by the Minister under this sub-section applying the said provisions to such blends or mixtures is for the time being in force.
(4) In this section the expression “trade mark” means a mark (whether registered or not registered under the Industrial and Commercial Property (Protection) Act, 1927 (No. 16 of 1927) as a trade mark or as a design) which is used upon or in connection with goods for the purpose of indicating that they are the goods of the proprietor of the mark by virtue of manufacture, selection, certification, dealing with, or offering for sale.
(5) The following provisions shall have effect in relation to the coming into force of this section, that is to say:—
(a) in this sub-section the expression “the appointed day” means the day next following the expiration of six months from the passing of this Act;
(b) subject to the provisions of the next succeeding paragraph of this sub-section this section shall come into force on the appointed day;
(c) the Minister for Industry and Commerce may, at any time after the passing of this Act and before the appointed day, by order made in relation to imported goods of a particular class or description declare that this section shall, so far as it relates to imported goods of that class or description, come into force on such day (not being earlier than the date of such order or less than seven days after such date or later than the appointed day) as may be specified in that behalf in such order, and whenever any such order is made this section shall, in relation to imported goods of the class or description to which such order relates, come into force on the day specified in that behalf in such order;
(d) every order made under this sub-section shall be published in the Iris Oifigiúil as soon as may be after it is made.
(6) Every person who acts in contravention of this section shall, subject to the provisions of this Act relating to statutory defences, be guilty of an offence under this Act and shall be punishable accordingly.
(7) Section 9 of the Principal Act shall apply in respect of any proceedings for an act which is a contravention of this section.
(8) Nothing in this section shall be construed as rendering it lawful to sell or expose for sale any imported goods to which a restriction on sale order for the time being in force applies in contravention of such order.
(9) Every order made under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made, and if a resolution is passed by either House of the Oireachtas within the next subsequent twenty-one days on which such House has sat after such order is laid before it annulling such order such order shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under such order.
PART V.
False Representation in Connection with Goods not Produced or Manufactured in Saorstat Eireann.
False representation in connection with goods not produced or manufactured in Saorstát Eireann.
21.—(1) Every person who in connection with or for the purposes of the sale retail or wholesale of any goods not produced or manufactured in Saorstát Eireann makes any representation which is false in any material respect that such goods were produced or manufactured in Saorstát Eireann shall, unless he proves that he acted without intent to defraud, be guilty of an offence under this Act and shall be punishable accordingly.
(2) In this section the word “representation” when used in relation to goods means any representation, direct or indirect, and whether verbal or in writing, and if in writing, whether used in any advertisement, or in any catalogue, bill-head or other document relating to the goods or implied in the use of any trade name or style.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting the operation of paragraph (d) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Principal Act.
(4) The provisions of this Act relating to statutory defences shall not apply in the case of an act which is, by virtue of this section, an offence under this Act.
PART VI.
Provisions in relation to offences.
Statutory defences.
22.—(1) Save as otherwise provided by this Act, where a person is charged with having committed an offence under this Act it shall be a good defence to such charge for such person to prove—
(a) (i) that having taken all reasonable precautions against committing such offence he had at the time of the commission of the acts alleged to constitute such offence no reason to suspect that the goods in respect of which such offence is charged were goods to which the provisions of this Act relating to the sale of imported goods bearing name or trade mark of Saorstát Eireann manufacturer or trader, or place name in Saorstát Eireann or, a restriction on sale order applied;
and
(ii) that on a demand made by or on behalf of the prosecutor he gave all information in his power with respect to the persons from whom he obtained the goods;
or
(b) that otherwise he had acted innocently.
(2) Save as otherwise provided by this Act, where a person being an employer or principal is charged with having committed an offence under this Act it shall be a good defence to such charge for such person to prove—
(a) that he used due diligence to prevent the commission of the acts alleged to constitute an offence; and
(b) that the acts alleged to constitute such offence were not done by him personally; and
(c) that the said acts were done without his consent, connivance or wilful default; and
(d) that on service of the summons on him he gave to the prosecutor all information in his power with respect to the person who did the said acts.
(3) Save as otherwise provided by this Act where a person being a servant or employee is charged with having committed an offence under this Act it shall be a good defence to such charge for such person to prove—
(a) that he was in the employment of another person (in this sub-section referred to as the employer);
and
(b) that the acts alleged to constitute such offence were committed by him in the course of and for the purposes of such employment;
and
(c) that the said acts were committed by him in obedience to the express orders of the employer;
and
(d) that on service of the summons on him he gave all information in his power with respect to the matters mentioned in the foregoing paragraphs.
(4) Save as otherwise provided by this Act where a person being a wholesale dealer is charged with having committed an offence under this Act in relation to the sale of any goods it shall be a good defence to such charge for such person to prove—
(a) that such sale was a sale wholesale; and
(b) that the goods were sold to the purchaser on an undertaking in writing that they would be exported or re-sold for exportation to a place outside Saorstát Eireann.
Any document containing an undertaking to the above effect shall, if it purports to be signed by the purchaser and specifies the usual business address of the purchaser, on production thereof be prima facie evidence of such undertaking.
Penalties for offences under this Act.
23.—Every person guilty of an offence under this Act shall be liable on summary conviction thereof, in the case of a first offence to a fine not exceeding five pounds, and in the case of a second or any subsequent offence to a fine not exceeding twenty pounds, and the Court may, in any case order the goods in relation to which the offence was committed to be forfeited.
Search warrant and additional provisions as to forfeiture.
24.—(1) Where upon information of an offence under this Act a Justice of the District Court has issued either a summons requiring the defendant charged by such information to appear to answer to the same, or a warrant for the arrest of such defendant, and either the said Justice on or after issuing the summons or warrant, or any other Justice of the District Court, is satisfied by information on oath that there is reasonable cause to suspect that any goods or things by means of or in relation to which such offence has been committed are in any house or premises of the defendant, or otherwise in his possession or under his control in any place, such Justice may issue a warrant under his hand by virtue of which it shall be lawful for any member of the Gárda Síochána named or referred to in the warrant, to enter such house, premises or place at any reasonable time by day, and to search there for and seize and take away those goods or things, and any goods or things seized under any such warrant shall be brought before a Justice of the District Court for the purpose of its being determined whether the same are or are not liable to forfeiture under this Act.
(2) If the owner of any goods or things which, if the owner thereof had been convicted of an offence under this Act would be liable to forfeiture under this Act, is unknown or cannot be found, any information or complaint may be laid for the purpose only of enforcing such forfeiture, and a Justice of the District Court may cause notice to be advertised stating that unless cause is shown to the contrary at the time and place named in the notice, such goods or things will be forfeited, and at such time and place, a Justice of the District Court, unless the owner or any person on his behalf, or other person interested in such goods or things, shows cause to the contrary, may order such goods or things or any of them to be forfeited.
Disposal of forfeited goods.
25.—Where any goods or things are forfeited under this Act, such goods or things may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of in such manner as the Court by whom the same are forfeited may direct, and the Court may, out of the proceeds which may be realised by the disposition of such goods (all trade marks and trade descriptions being first obliterated) award to any innocent party any loss he may have innocently sustained in dealing with such goods.
Costs of defence or prosecution.
26.—On any prosecution for an offence under this Act the Court may order costs to be paid to the defendant by the prosecutor, or to the prosecutor by the defendant, having regard to the information given by and the conduct of the defendant and prosecutor respectively.
Time limit for prosecutions.
27.—Notwithstanding anything contained in section 10 of the Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851, proceedings for an offence under this Act may be commenced within whichever of the following periods is the less, that is to say, a period of three years next after the commission of the offence and a period of one year next after the first discovery of the offence by the prosecutor.
Evidence.
28.—In any prosecution for any offence under this Act in relation to imported goods, evidence of the port of shipment shall be prima facie evidence of the place or country in which the goods were made or produced.
PART VII.
Miscellaneous and general.
Adaptation of the Principal Act and the Merchandise Marks Act, 1911.
29.—(1) Every mention or reference to the United Kingdom in the Principal Act and the Merchandise Marks Act, 1911, shall be construed and take effect as a mention of or reference to Saorstát Eireann.
(2) The reference to Her Majesty in paragraph (iii.) of sub-section (3) of section 2 of the Principal Act shall be construed and take effect as a reference to the State.
(3) The reference to goods of foreign manufacture in sub-section (1) of section 16 of the Principal Act shall be construed and take effect as a reference to goods manufactured outside Saorstát Eireann.
(4) Every mention of or reference to the Commissioners of Customs in section 16 of the Principal Act shall be construed and take effect as a mention of or reference to the Revenue Commissioners.
(5) The reference to the Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury in sub-section (6) of section 16 of the Principal Act shall be construed and take effect as a reference to the Minister for Finance.
(6) The reference to the London Gazette in sub-section (8) of section 16 of the Principal Act shall be construed and take effect as a reference to the Iris Oifigiúil.
(7) The reference to publication in the Board of Trade Journal in sub-section (8) of section 16 of the Principal Act shall cease to have effect.
(8) Every reference to the Commissioners of Customs and Excise in the Merchandise Marks Act, 1911, shall be construed and take effect as a reference to the Revenue Commissioners.
Prosecutions by Minister for Industry and Commerce.
30.—(1) The Minister for Industry and Commerce may, subject to the prescribed conditions being complied with, undertake as prosecutor the prosecution of any offence under the Principal Act or any offence under this Act in cases appearing to him to affect the general interests of the country or of a section of the community, or of a trade, or of an industry.
(2) In this section the expression “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Minister for Industry and Commerce under this section.
Prosecutions by Minister for Agriculture.
31.—(1) The Minister for Agriculture may, subject to the prescribed conditions being complied with, undertake as prosecutor the prosecution of any offence under the Principal Act or any offence under this Act in cases which appear to him to relate to agricultural produce or to the produce of any other rural industries and to affect the general interests of the country or a section of the community or of a trade or of an industry.
(2) In this section the expression “rural industries” means the rural industries mentioned in section 2 of the Agriculture Act, 1931 (No. 8 of 1931).
(3) In this section the word “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Minister for Agriculture under this section.
(4) Nothing in this section shall operate to limit the powers conferred on the Minister for Industry and Commerce by the immediately preceding section, in so far as those powers are concurrent with the powers conferred on the Minister for Agriculture by this section, and nothing in this section or the immediately preceding section shall operate to affect the power of any person (other than the said Ministers) to prosecute in respect of any offences under the Principal Act or any offence under this Act.
Savings.
32.—(1) This Act shall not exempt any person from any action, suit, or other proceeding which might, but for the provisions of this Act, be brought against him.
(2) Nothing in this Act shall entitle any person to refuse to make a complete discovery, or to answer any question or interrogatory in any action, but such discovery or answer shall not be admissible in evidence against such person in any prosecution for an offence under this Act.
Regulations.
33.—Every regulation made under this Act shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made, and if a resolution is passed by either House of the Oireachtas within the next subsequent twenty-one days on which such House has sat after such regulation is laid before it annulling such regulation such regulation shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under such regulation.
Expenses.
34.—All expenses of carrying this Act into execution shall, to such extent as may be sanctioned by the Minister for Finance, be paid out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas.
Repeals.
35.—The enactments specified in the Schedule to this Act are hereby repealed to the extent mentioned in the third column of that Schedule.
Short title and citation.
36.—This Act may be cited as the Merchandise Marks Act, 1931, and the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887 and 1891, the Merchandise Marks Act, 1911, and this Act may be cited together as the Merchandise Marks Acts, 1887 to 1931.
SCHEDULE.
ENACTMENTS REPEALED.
Session and Chapter or Number and Year | Short Title | Extent of Repeal |
54 & 55 Vic. c. 15. | Merchandise Marks Act, 1891. | Section 2. |
9 Edw. VII. c. 24. | Merchandise Marks (Ireland) Act, 909. | The whole Act. |
No. 8 of 1931. | In the First Schedule, the words “The Merchandise Marks (Ireland) Act, 1909.” |