GILS Dispute Resolution: Serbia (2025)

SERBIA

CASE №1:

Stevan Pajović, Senior Partner

Our Belgrade office is representing UFUS AFA Zaštita, the Serbian Film Authors’ organization, an NGO dedicated to the protection and realization of film authors’ ownership copyrights and the rights of other copyright holders. Our firm has been assisting the organization since its inception, providing comprehensive legal protection across a range of matters.

One of the most significant cases we are handling is a complex and unprecedented dispute against "SERBIA BROADBAND – Serbian Cable Networks" (SBB), a leading cable television and broadband internet provider in Serbia. SBB, part of the United Group, which is the dominant media and telecommunications operator in Southeastern Europe, has unlawfully rebroadcasted various film works without obtaining the necessary permissions from our client. SBB has contested the need for such permissions and the justification for the compensation demanded, prompting our client to take legal action.

In a key development, we successfully concluded five legal proceedings, securing approximately EUR 12 million for UFUS AFA Zaštita. Additionally, we currently have three more ongoing proceedings, further advancing the protection of our client's rights. The final court decision represents a pivotal legal precedent, poised to define future interpretation and enforcement of copyright law in Serbia.

CASE №2:

Tamara Simić Pajović, Senior Partner

T-S Legal in association with GRATA is advising and representing UniCredit Bank Serbia, a leading financial institution and a member of the UniCredit Group, in a critical series of legal proceedings.

Our role involves representing the bank in a substantial and complex legal matter comprised of 21,206 cases, in which the bank is being sued for the alleged illegal collection of various loan-related fees. These include claims related to loan processing fees, loan monitoring fees, insurance premiums with the National Corporation, and account maintenance fees. The disputes aim to have these loan agreements declared null and void, on the grounds that such fees were unlawfully imposed. Additionally, the cases challenge the validity of interest rate adjustments, exchange rate differences, and specific currency clauses embedded within the contracts. Managing such a vast number of cases requires meticulous organization, strategic planning, and a comprehensive approach to litigation. The total portfolio value managed by the firm in this matter is EUR 3,782,270, underscoring the significant financial scope and importance of this legal effort. Our team continues to work diligently to defend the bank’s interests, ensuring consistent legal representation across all cases, and seeking the most favorable outcomes for our client amid this extensive and multifaceted dispute.

These proceedings are of immense importance not only for our client but also for the broader banking sector in Serbia. With approximately 160,000 lawsuits filed against banks across the country, these cases have the potential to significantly impact the stability of Serbia’s banking sector and judicial system, which is already burdened by a high volume of cases.

A key challenge in this matter was the evolving legal landscape. After three years of proceedings, the Supreme Court of Cassation, the highest court in Serbia, changed its legal position regarding loan processing costs, issuing a ruling that ultimately benefitted banks. This landmark decision was heavily influenced by the legal arguments presented by our firm in disputes against other banks, underscoring our firm’s pivotal role in shaping the legal framework and protecting our client’s interests.

This case illustrates our deep expertise in complex banking litigation and our ability to navigate high-stakes legal battles that have far-reaching implications for the client, the banking industry, and the national judicial system.