Order No. 16107 of 2024: The Agent's Right to Compensation and the Necessity of Performance

The recent Order No. 16107 of June 10, 2024, issued by the Court of Cassation, addresses a crucial issue in civil law: the relationship between the agent and the principal, with particular reference to the agent's right to compensation and expenses. This ruling provides important clarifications on the synallagmatic nature of the mandate contract, an aspect that cannot be underestimated in daily legal practice.

The Context of the Ruling

The case in question involves C. (IAQUINTA FRANCESCO) against A. (CASTALDI FILIPPO), and is based on the issue of the agent's right to compensation. The Court rejected the appeal from the Court of Appeal of Naples, emphasizing that the agent's right to compensation and expenses cannot be based solely on the mere allegation of the contract. In other words, it is not enough to declare that a service has been performed in order to request compensation; proof of the fulfillment of contractual obligations is required.

The Ruling's Maxim

Mandate contract - Synallagmatic nature - Agent's right to compensation and expenses - Burden of proof - Mere allegation of the title - Sufficiency - Exclusion - Execution of the mandate - Necessity - Basis. The agent's right to compensation and expenses does not arise from the mere allegation of the contract, as proof of its fulfillment is necessary, since in the executive structure of the mandate, governed by full reciprocity, the agent is required to first fulfill their obligation to give effect to that of the principal.

This maxim perfectly summarizes the principle of synallagmatic nature that governs the mandate contract. Essentially, it establishes that the agent must demonstrate that they have fulfilled their duties before being able to request compensation from the principal. This principle is in line with the provisions of the Italian Civil Code, particularly Articles 1712 and 1713, which deal with the mandate contract and the obligations of the parties.

Practical Implications and Conclusions

This ruling has significant implications for legal professionals and anyone working in the field of professional activities. It is essential that agents adequately document the fulfillment of their duties in order to support any requests for compensation. Below are some key aspects to consider:

  • Document every phase of the fulfillment of the mandate contract.
  • Be prepared to provide tangible evidence in case of disputes.
  • Understand that mere assertion of having performed a service is not sufficient to obtain compensation.

In conclusion, Order No. 16107 of 2024 represents an important confirmation of the legal principles governing the mandate contract, highlighting the importance of fulfilling obligations and the agent's right to demonstrate their actions. This ruling should serve as a warning for all those working in the sector to pay attention to the documentary and evidentiary aspects related to their professional activity.

Bianucci Law Firm