Intellectual Property Laws at Greece
Greece has a robust system for the protection of Intellectual Property (IP), which is governed by national laws as well as European Union (EU) regulations and international treaties. The protection of IP in Greece encompasses copyrights, trademarks, patents, industrial designs, and geographical indications.
Key Legal Framework for IP in Greece
National IP Laws
Greece's primary IP laws are based on EU regulations and international treaties, alongside national legislation. Some key laws include:
The Greek Copyright Law (Law 2121/1993), which governs the protection of literary, artistic, and scientific works.
The Greek Patent Law (Law 1733/1987), which regulates the protection of inventions and patents.
The Greek Trademark Law (Law 4072/2012), which governs the registration and protection of trademarks.
The Greek Industrial Designs Law (Law 2417/1996), which provides protection for industrial designs.
European Union Regulations
Greece, as an EU member state, is bound by EU IP regulations and directives, which provide harmonized protection across EU member states. These include:
The EU Trademark Regulation (Regulation No 2017/1001)
The EU Design Regulation (Regulation No 6/2002)
The EU Copyright Directive (Directive 2001/29/EC)
The European Patent Convention (EPC), which provides a unified system for patent protection across European countries.
International Treaties
Greece is a signatory to various international treaties that facilitate the protection of IP across borders, including:
The Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (for copyright)
The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (for patents and trademarks)
The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) (for international patent applications)
The Madrid Protocol (for international trademark registration)
The Hague Agreement (for international design registration)
Intellectual Property Protections in Greece
1. Copyright (Greek Copyright Law, Law 2121/1993)
What it protects:
Literary works (books, articles, computer programs)
Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, music)
Dramatic works, films, and choreography
Sound recordings, broadcasts, and performances
Automatic Protection: Copyright is automatic upon the creation of a work, provided it is original and fixed in a tangible medium. Registration is not mandatory, but registering a work with the Greek Copyright Office provides evidence of ownership.
Duration: Copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. For works with multiple authors, the duration is based on the death of the last surviving author.
Related Rights: Protection extends to performers, producers of sound recordings, and broadcasters under neighboring rights.
2. Trademarks (Greek Trademark Law, Law 4072/2012)
What it protects:
Trademarks protect distinctive symbols, words, logos, and other marks used to identify goods and services in commerce.
Registration: Trademarks must be registered with the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization (OBI) or European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) for protection in Greece or across the EU.
Duration: Trademark protection lasts for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely for further 10-year periods.
International Protection: Greece is a member of the Madrid Protocol, allowing for the registration of trademarks in multiple countries through a single application.
3. Patents (Greek Patent Law, Law 1733/1987)
What it protects:
Patents protect inventions that are novel, involve an inventive step, and are industrially applicable.
Registration: Patents must be filed with the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization (OBI) or via the European Patent Office (EPO) for protection in Greece and across European countries.
Duration: Patent protection lasts for 20 years from the filing date, subject to the payment of annual maintenance fees.
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Greece is a member of the PCT, which facilitates international patent applications.
4. Industrial Designs (Greek Industrial Designs Law, Law 2417/1996)
What it protects:
Industrial designs protect the aesthetic or ornamental aspects of products, such as their shape, pattern, or color.
Registration: Industrial designs must be registered with the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization (OBI) or EUIPO for protection in Greece or across the EU.
Duration: The initial protection lasts for 5 years and can be renewed up to 25 years in total.
5. Geographical Indications (Greek Geographical Indications Law)
What it protects:
Geographical indications protect the names of products that originate from a specific region and have qualities or reputation due to that origin. Examples include Feta cheese or Masticha from Chios.
Registration: Geographical indications can be registered with the Hellenic Agricultural Organization (ELGO) or via the European Union for broader protection within the EU.
Duration: The protection for geographical indications is indefinite, as long as the product continues to meet the required criteria.
IP Enforcement in Greece
National Authority:
The Hellenic Industrial Property Organization (OBI) is responsible for the registration and administration of patents, trademarks, and industrial designs in Greece.
The Greek Copyright Office handles copyright protection.
Civil Courts: IP owners can seek enforcement through civil courts in Greece, which have the authority to issue injunctions, award damages, and order the destruction of infringing goods.
Customs Enforcement: Greece is part of the EU customs enforcement system, which allows IP owners to request the seizure of counterfeit goods at the border.
Criminal Enforcement: Serious IP violations, such as counterfeiting and piracy, can lead to criminal prosecution under Greek law.
International IP Treaties Greece is Part Of
Berne Convention for copyright protection
Paris Convention for the protection of industrial property
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for international patent filings
Madrid Protocol for international trademark registration
Hague Agreement for international design protection
Summary of Key IP Protections in Greece
| IP Type | Protection Method | Duration | Registration Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copyright | Automatic (registration optional) | Life of author + 70 years | Greek Copyright Office |
| Trademark | Registration required | 10 years, renewable indefinitely | OBI, EUIPO |
| Patent | Registration required | 20 years | OBI, EPO |
| Industrial Design | Registration required | 5 years, renewable up to 25 years | OBI, EUIPO |
| Geographical Indications | Registration required | Indefinite (as long as criteria met) | ELGO, EU |
Next Steps for IP Registration in Greece
For Trademarks, Patents, and Industrial Designs: You can register IP rights with the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization (OBI) for protection in Greece or through EUIPO for protection across the EU.
For Copyrights: Copyright protection is automatic, but you can register your work with the Greek Copyright Office for additional legal recognition.
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