More than 30 celebrities have won similar legal protection in the past two years, including seven footballers, 10 film or television personalities and five pop stars.

Lawyers for the cardinal sought to have the case dismissed or to win special protection exempting him from giving a sworn deposition.

While many industries have won protection in the past after complaining of unfair trade practices, no petition involving currency actions has ever advanced very far.

Lloyd's also won greater protection from state regulators for its $20 billion bank accounts, used to pay claims in the United States.

The insurance industry tried and failed to win legislative protection against future terrorist attacks.

In a Chapter 11 filing, a company wins protection from its creditors while it works up a plan to cut its debt.

His eventual victory in the state appeals court was generally credited with winning greater legal protection for letters to the editor.

"This is a hands-on, one-on-one type thing," he said of his efforts to win protection.

In Japan, the inefficient but politically powerful farm sector whips up nationalist sentiment to win protection from cheaper foreign competition.

Stakes are high because legislative changes could make it easier for many industries to win higher tariffs, import quotas or other protection.