Section 12: Multiple copies.

The bill of exchange may be drawn in several identical copies. These copies must be numbered in the text of the document itself; otherwise, each of them is considered to be a separate bill of exchange. Any bearer of a bill which does not indicate that it has been drawn in a single copy may demand, at his own expense, the issue of several copies. To this end, he must…

Payment made on one of the copies is a discharge, even though it is not stipulated that this payment cancels the effect of the other copies. However, the drawee remains liable in respect of each accepted copy of which he has not obtained the return. The endorser who has transferred the copies to different persons, as well as subsequent endorsers, are liable in respect of all copies bearing their signature…

The person who has sent one of the copies for acceptance must indicate on the other copies the name of the person in whose hands this copy is. The latter is obliged to hand it over to the lawful bearer of another copy. If he refuses to do so, the bearer may only exercise recourse after having had it established by a protest: 1° That the copy sent for acceptance…