Greece is a “first to file” nation; therefore, to be given rights over a trademark, trademark registration is required. An unregistered trademark can only be protected in some rare circumstances. Applications for trademarks must be submitted to the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization (OBI).
Since Greece is also a member of the European Union, European Union Trademarks (EUTM) are safeguarded here. Additionally, it is a signatory to the Madrid Protocol. As a result, this nation can extend international trademark registration under the Madrid System.
A trademark does not have to be used in Greece to be registered. However, earlier usage could be helpful since it might show that the trademark has acquired distinction, which can help counter an argument that it lacks distinctiveness. The extent of such use is necessary to show acquired distinctiveness.
Trademark Registration Process
A local representative must submit a trademark application to the “Directorate of Commercial & Industrial Property, Department of Trademark in the Ministry of Development” in Athens. It suffices to have a non-legalized power of attorney. Foreign candidates are not required to register domestically.
The Greek Trademark Office accepts initial online applications in English. Still, a final filing with a Greek translation must be made within three months of the trademark filing date. A payment of €110 is required at the time of submission, and a Greece trademark registration also requires an extra €10 per class, up to 10 classes. A trademark may be registered in more than one class.
A depiction of the trademark, including its exact spelling and logo variations, should be included in each filing. Along with the applicant’s information as a Power of Attorney, a list of products and services must also be given.
Your trademark will be valid for ten years if it is authorized. Ten years after the filing date, you must submit a renewal to maintain it valid.
Period to Oppose
Opposition against a trademark application in Greece may be filed within three months from the date of the issuance of the decision.
Validity Period
The trademark in Greece is valid for ten years from the filing date.
Requirement of Use
The validity of a trademark in Greece may be cancelled unless the trademark owner has been using it for five consecutive years following its registration.
Also, get in touch with us for Patent registration in Greece.