Best Antitrust Litigation Lawyers in Attiki

When a competition dispute in Attiki calls for legal action

Competition law litigation in Attiki may involve claims for compensation, challenges to decisions by the Hellenic Competition Commission, or proceedings connected with suspected anti-competitive conduct. The applicable rules are national and European Union rules, not a separate Attiki competition code.

In practice, disputes can arise in Athens and across Attiki’s commercial and public-procurement markets, including logistics, port-related services, construction, retail and telecommunications. A case may concern a cartel, an abuse of market power, or restrictions imposed through supply or distribution agreements.

Some matters begin with a complaint or investigation by the Hellenic Competition Commission, whose work is based in Athens. A civil damages claim is a separate route, and the appropriate court depends on the parties, claim and applicable jurisdiction rules. A lawyer can assess whether a regulatory complaint, court claim, or both are suitable.

Situations where a competition lawyer may be needed

• Your business suspects that competitors coordinated bids for an Attiki public contract, shared tender information, or agreed who would win.

• A supplier or distributor has imposed restrictions on resale, customers or territories, and those terms are affecting your business in the Athens market.

• A dominant supplier or service provider may be refusing access, imposing unfair terms, or treating comparable customers differently.

• Your company has paid higher prices because of a suspected cartel and wants to assess a damages claim, including whether indirect purchases are covered.

• The Hellenic Competition Commission has contacted your business, opened an investigation, or issued a decision that you may need to challenge.

• You are considering a complaint or damages action and need to preserve evidence, assess limitation periods, or identify the correct court and defendants.

Greek and EU rules that may apply

Law 3959/2011 on the Protection of Free Competition is Greece’s principal competition statute. It addresses restrictive agreements and abuse of dominance, alongside the equivalent prohibitions in EU law where applicable. Law 4886/2022 amended it to strengthen the national competition authority’s powers and implement Directive (EU) 2019/1.

Law 4529/2018 transposed Directive 2014/104/EU on actions for damages for competition-law infringements. It sets rules relevant to compensation claims, evidence and limitation periods. The facts of the case determine how these rules apply.

Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, applicable from 1 May 2004, governs the enforcement of the EU competition rules in Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. It can matter where conduct affects trade between EU Member States, including conduct investigated in Greece.

Frequently asked questions

What does competition law litigation cover?

It can include court proceedings seeking compensation for harm caused by anti-competitive conduct, as well as challenges to certain decisions by the Hellenic Competition Commission. The relevant procedure depends on whether the dispute concerns a private claim, an authority investigation, or both.

Is a complaint to the Hellenic Competition Commission the same as a damages claim?

No. A complaint asks the authority to investigate suspected infringements; it does not itself award compensation to the complainant. A business or other eligible claimant may need separate civil proceedings to recover loss.

Can I claim damages if there has been no competition-authority decision?

A damages claim may be brought without first obtaining an authority decision, but proving the infringement and resulting loss can be more demanding. A lawyer can assess available documents, witnesses and economic evidence before recommending a route.

Who may bring a damages claim?

A person or business that can show it suffered loss caused by an infringement may be able to claim, subject to the applicable rules on causation and evidence. This can include purchasers further down a supply chain, but the facts and any passing-on issues need careful assessment.

Where would a case be filed in Attiki?

The Hellenic Competition Commission handles administrative investigations and enforcement, while damages claims proceed through the civil courts. Appeals against relevant Commission decisions follow the statutory administrative-court route, which may involve the Athens Administrative Court of Appeal. Venue depends on the case and should be checked before filing.

How long do I have to bring a damages claim?

Under the rules introduced by Law 4529/2018, the limitation period for competition damages claims is generally five years, subject to rules about when it begins and the effect of an authority investigation. The precise calculation depends on when the claimant knew or could reasonably be expected to know key facts. Get advice promptly, because delay can affect both deadlines and evidence.

How long does a competition case take?

There is no fixed timetable for a complaint, investigation, appeal or damages action. Duration depends on the complexity of the market evidence, the number of parties, expert analysis and any related proceedings.

What evidence should I preserve?

Keep contracts, invoices, tender records, pricing data, correspondence and internal documents that may show the conduct or its financial effect. Preserve records in their original form and avoid altering or deleting material that could be relevant.

What might legal representation cost?

There is no single fee for these cases. Costs can include lawyer fees, court expenses and specialist economic or accounting evidence, and will depend on the work and complexity involved. Ask for a written scope and fee arrangement, including how additional work will be charged.

Can a small business or consumer get help?

Potential eligibility depends on the loss, evidence, applicable procedure and ability to meet costs. A lawyer can also check whether the circumstances meet the statutory conditions for legal aid; eligibility is not automatic and may depend on means and case type.

Should I complain to the authority or sue in court?

The options serve different purposes: an authority complaint seeks investigation and enforcement, while a civil claim seeks compensation. They may be considered together, but strategy should account for evidence, deadlines, confidentiality and the likely effect of parallel proceedings.

Official resources in Attiki and Greece

• Hellenic Competition Commission: investigates suspected infringements of Greek competition rules and provides information about its complaint and enforcement processes.

• Athens Administrative Court of Appeal: hears administrative cases assigned to it by law, including relevant appeals concerning competition-authority decisions.

• European Commission Directorate-General for Competition: enforces EU competition rules and provides information on EU-level investigations and competition policy.

Steps to find and hire a competition lawyer

1. Preserve evidence now. Secure relevant business records, contracts, messages, invoices and tender documents. Do not alter or destroy potentially relevant material.

2. Identify urgent deadlines. Make a short chronology of the conduct, any authority contact or decision, and when the harm became apparent. Seek legal advice promptly, ideally within days if a deadline or investigation may be active.

3. Shortlist lawyers with relevant case experience. Look for work involving Greek competition rules, EU competition law, authority investigations or damages claims in the Greek courts.

4. Arrange an initial assessment. Within the first week where practicable, ask how the lawyer would assess the suspected infringement, likely loss, evidence gaps and possible routes.

5. Discuss costs and scope in writing. Request a clear explanation of fees, court expenses, expert costs, likely stages and what work is included before instructing the lawyer.

6. Agree a strategy and timetable. Confirm who will handle any authority contact, complaint, appeal or civil claim, and how documents and updates will be managed. Timelines should be reviewed as the evidence and proceedings develop.