Tsaks Consulting Greece

Legal, Accounting and Company formation for expats in Greece.

Trademark Registration and Intellectual Property in Greece

Trademarks and intellectual property in Greece are regulated under both Greek and European law. Through the trademark registration process, the owner of a trademark can register a trademark in Greece. This helps protect the products or services they provide from trademark infringement.

Through Greece’s legal framework, registering your trademark provides legal protection against unauthorised use and can help prevent the registration of conflicting trademarks in Greece.

For some of our clients, as part of the company setup process, we also assist with registering their trademarks with the respective local institutions through independent qualified professionals, to ensure they have appropriate protection and are ready to operate.

Both Greek residents, Greek companies and foreigners can file for trademark registration in Greece. The relevant legislation includes Greek Law 4679/2020, together with applicable European Union trademark regulations and international agreements. The Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation (OBI) is responsible for the administration of national trademark registrations in Greece. In addition, Greece is a signatory to the Madrid Protocol on the International Registration of Trademarks. You can register single-class and multiple-class trademarks in Greece.

What Can You Trademark in Greece?

In Greece, a trademark can comprise words, images, letters, numbers, names, shapes, sounds, slogans, patterns or combinations of any of these elements, provided the mark meets the applicable legal requirements for registration.

What Documents Are Required for Trademark Registration in Greece?

In order to file a trademark registration in Greece, you require:

  • The image or other appropriate representation of the trademark.
  • The list of goods and/or services which are covered by the trademark.
  • The identity and contact details of the applicant. If an independent qualified professional files the trademark application on your behalf, a power of attorney or other authorisation may also be required.

The Trademark Application Process in Greece

  • Check whether your trademark is eligible to be registered in Greece (get in touch with our team, who can help coordinate the appropriate checks with independent qualified professionals).
  • Complete the online registration procedure with the Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation (OBI).
  • Prepare and submit the correct documentation, including the application form, proof of payment for the registration fee, company incorporation certificates (if required) and any relevant powers of attorney.

Where a trademark has been registered for protection at the European Union (EU) level, there are generally no additional requirements for registering the same trademark nationally in Greece, as a registered EU trademark provides protection throughout the European Union, including Greece.

Once the trademark application is submitted and examined, there is a three-month opposition period during which eligible third parties can raise objections following publication of the relevant decision. Once the registration process is completed, the trademark is protected for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed. Generally speaking, the entire process can take approximately six months from start to finish, assuming there are no objections, although actual processing times may vary.

Our Trademark Registration Service in Greece

Here at Tsaks Consulting, we can assist with preparing your registration file and coordinating the entire registration process for you through independent qualified professionals. We are also able to assist with coordinating the international trademark application procedure should that be required.

The Review Process for Trademark Applications

Upon submission, the Greek authorities will review the application. They will check to ensure the registration fees are paid, ensure that the sign, mark and other key elements comply with the law, and review the goods or services to ensure they are clearly presented. The examiner will check the legality of the trademark, and third parties may raise objections through the applicable procedures.

Trademark applications can be rejected or opposed for a range of reasons, including:

  • If the trademark is too similar to another trademark and an eligible rights holder successfully opposes the application.
  • If the paperwork is not correct.
  • Other reasons, including issues relating to distinctiveness, prohibited signs, existing rights and applicable intellectual property laws.

Talk to our team today about how we can assist with your trademark application in Greece and other copyright and intellectual property needs.

Important Information

Tsaks Consulting Greece is a business consultancy and is not a law firm or regulated intellectual property practice. We assist clients with administrative coordination, documentation and introductions to independent qualified professionals. Specialist trademark registration representation, legal advice and intellectual property services are provided by appropriately qualified independent professionals. Information on this website is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice.