Greece: New law on trademarks comes into force

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2025

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Greece: New law on trademarks comes into force

Sponsored by

patrinos-logo.png
businessman put a stamp on business contract in office

Although there are several and severe restrictions due to COVID-19 in Greece, which inevitably affect trademark practice in relation to both prosecution and litigation, there is some good news in the field. The new law on trademarks has come into force, implementing Directive (EU) 2015/2436.

Unlike the bill released a year ago, ex-officio examination on relative grounds has been abolished. According to the New Greek Trademark Law, ex-officio examination covers absolute grounds only and in circumstances in which no objections on absolute grounds are raised, the examiner has to issue a decision allowing the trademark registration within 50 days from the filing of the corresponding trademark application. This in essence means that the registration of a trademark will be obtained within a maximum of 110 days from its filing, provided that the trademark application concerned is not opposed.

Furthermore, although a bifurcated system has been maintained, a significant change has been introduced. In particular, while the Trademarks Administrative Commission remains competent to rule upon both oppositions and invalidity actions against a Greek trademark (or an international registration designating Greece), appeals against decisions in opposition proceedings must be filed before the Administrative Court of First Instance in Athens. Appeals against decisions on invalidity actions must be filed before the Single Bench Civil Court of First Instance, presumably the operating specialised session of the court on IP matters.

Interestingly, although mediation in trademark infringement actions is mandatory, according to the Law on Mediation currently applicable in Greece, mediation in both opposition and invalidity action proceedings is optional according to the new Trademark Law.

The new law on trademarks is not free from difficulties. There will certainly be more to discuss on this topic once we return to normality.



more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

Justin Hill and Marie Jansson Heeks, part of an 18-strong team to have joined Crowell & Moring, explain why IP client advice must go beyond only being called upon for patent disclosure
To mark the EUIPO having processed five million EUTM and REUD applications, Managing IP speaks to the most prolific representatives to uncover how they stay at the top of their game
The merger marks Rouse’s second M&A deal within a month, and will provide access to Arnold & Siedsma’s UPC offering
Simon Tønners explains why IP provides the chance to work with some of the most passionate, risk-taking, and emotionally invested clients
The co-leaders of the firm’s new SEP practice group say the team will combine litigation and prosecution expertise to guide clients through cross-border challenges
Boasting four former Spruson & Ferguson leaders and with offices in Hong Kong and Singapore, the IP firm aims to provide fast, practical advice to clients
Partners at three law firms explain why trade secrets cases are rising, and how litigation is giving clients a market advantage
Delegates at a conference unpicking the UK’s relationship with the UPC are hopeful of strengthened UK involvement – so should we all be
News of a litigation funder suing its co-founder and a law firm over trade secrets infringement, and a strategic hire by Womble Bond Dickinson were also among the top talking points
Managing IP’s parent company, LBG, will acquire The Lawyer, a leading news, intelligence, and data-driven insight provider for the legal industry, from Centaur Media
Gift this article