Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Antitrust litigation covers disputes arising from practices that restrict competition - for example cartels, abuse of dominant position, unlawful mergers, and anticompetitive agreements. In Moschato, a suburb of Athens in the Attica region, antitrust matters are handled under Greek competition law and European Union competition rules. Enforcement and investigation are primarily carried out by the Hellenic Competition Commission - Επιτροπή Ανταγωνισμού - while private claims for damages or injunctive relief are pursued in the national courts. Because Moschato is close to central Athens, most formal proceedings and government offices handling competition matters are located in the capital, but local businesses and residents in Moschato commonly seek advice from lawyers based in the Piraeus and Athens bar associations.
Antitrust disputes are complex and can involve technical economic evidence, urgent interim measures, and heavy penalties. You should consider consulting a lawyer if you face any of the following situations:
- You are a business under investigation by the Hellenic Competition Commission or you received a statement of objections.
- You suspect competitors are fixing prices, allocating markets, or colluding in ways that harm your business or consumers.
- You believe a dominant supplier or purchaser is abusing its market power - for example by imposing unfair terms, discriminatory practices, or tying products.
- You want to challenge a merger or acquisition on competition grounds, or you are a party to a merger under obligation to notify authorities.
- You seek compensation for losses suffered because of anticompetitive behavior and need to bring a private damages action in court.
- You need immediate injunctive relief to stop ongoing anticompetitive conduct.
- You require help with leniency applications or defense planning in the event of dawn raids or requests for information.
In each of these scenarios, a specialist lawyer can advise on strategy, prepare filings, manage communications with authorities, and handle litigation or settlement negotiations.
Understanding the legal framework that governs antitrust matters in Moschato means looking at both national and EU rules. Key elements include:
- Primary Greek legislation - Greece enforces competition law through national statutes that implement EU competition principles. The main Greek competition statute provides the Hellenic Competition Commission with investigative and sanctioning powers and sets out procedures for enforcement.
- European Union law - Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) prohibit anticompetitive agreements and abuse of dominant position across the EU. Where conduct affects trade between EU member states, EU competition law applies and can be enforced by the European Commission or relied on before Greek courts.
- Enforcement authority - The Hellenic Competition Commission investigates suspected breaches, conducts inspections and dawn raids, issues decisions imposing fines or remedies, and can accept commitments to restore competition.
- Private enforcement - Injured parties may bring civil claims for damages or seek interim relief before national courts. EU rules on damages and disclosure have been implemented across member states to facilitate private actions, including rules on access to evidence and limitation of actions.
- Remedies and sanctions - Authorities can impose administrative fines, order cessation of unlawful behavior, require structural or behavioral remedies, and in certain cases refer matters to courts for criminal prosecution. Sanctions can be significant, and corporate as well as individual penalties are possible.
- Leniency and cooperation programs - Greece operates a leniency regime for cartel members who come forward with information in exchange for reduced fines or immunity. Leniency procedures are technical and require prompt legal guidance.
Because antitrust law combines economic analysis with legal standards, cases often require expert economists, careful evidentiary work, and familiarity with both administrative and civil court procedures in Greece.
Do not ignore the request. Preserve all relevant documents and communications, and immediately contact a lawyer experienced in competition investigations. Your lawyer will help you assess the scope of the request, prepare responses, coordinate compliance with deadlines, and advise on privilege and disclosure issues. For on-site inspections, follow legal advice on handling dawn raids and protect privileged communications while complying with lawful orders.
Yes. Consumers and businesses that suffer harm from anticompetitive conduct can file complaints with the Hellenic Competition Commission or bring private actions before national courts seeking damages or injunctions. Consumer protection agencies and ombudsmen may also provide assistance. A lawyer can assess whether the conduct falls under competition law, estimate damages, and advise on the most appropriate forum.
Filing a complaint with the Hellenic Competition Commission triggers an administrative investigation that can lead to fines and remedial orders. A civil lawsuit seeks compensation or specific judicial remedies and is heard by national courts. Administrative findings can be useful evidence in civil cases, but they are separate procedures with different standards, remedies, and timelines. You can pursue both routes in parallel in many cases.
Remedies may include cease-and-desist orders, behavioral obligations, structural remedies such as divestitures in merger cases, administrative fines, and damages awarded to injured parties in civil courts. Interim measures to stop harmful conduct while a case is pending are also possible. The exact remedy depends on the nature and severity of the conduct.
Timing varies widely. Administrative investigations can take several months to years depending on complexity and whether there are appeals. Civil litigation timelines depend on court schedules, evidence gathering, and whether cases settle. Early legal assessment can help prioritize actions that may secure interim relief and preserve rights while the main proceedings continue.
A leniency program offers reduced fines or immunity to the first cartel participant who provides sufficient evidence to the competition authority. If you are involved in cartel activity, prompt consultation with a lawyer is essential before contacting authorities. Lawyers can advise on eligibility, prepare the leniency submission, and coordinate secure communications with the authority.
Competition law enforcement in Greece primarily involves administrative sanctions and civil liability. Criminal sanctions may apply in limited circumstances depending on the conduct and related offenses, but this depends on the precise facts and applicable statutes. If criminal exposure is possible, you should obtain immediate legal representation experienced in both competition and criminal defense.
Yes. EU competition rules apply where conduct affects trade between EU member states. Because Moschato is part of Greece and the EU single market, cross-border or multi-state anticompetitive conduct may be subject to EU-level enforcement by the European Commission as well as national enforcement by the Hellenic Competition Commission. National courts can apply EU competition law directly where relevant.
Costs depend on complexity, expert involvement, court fees, and duration. Lawyers may charge hourly rates, fixed fees for certain tasks, or contingency-fee arrangements in limited situations. Expert economists and forensic accountants add to costs. Discuss fee structures and funding options at the outset and consider alternatives such as insurance, collective actions, or cost-sharing in group claims.
For administrative enforcement, complaints involving competition issues are submitted to the Hellenic Competition Commission in Athens. For private claims, actions are filed in the competent civil courts - often in Athens or the local courts that have jurisdiction over the defendant or where the harm occurred. A local competition lawyer in the Piraeus or Athens bar can advise on jurisdiction and procedural steps specific to your case.
- Hellenic Competition Commission - the national authority responsible for investigating and enforcing competition law.
- European Commission - Directorate-General for Competition - for EU-level enforcement and guidance on Articles 101 and 102 TFEU.
- Piraeus Bar Association - for finding locally licensed attorneys serving Moschato and the surrounding area.
- National and local courts - civil and administrative courts that handle private claims and appeals.
- Consumer protection bodies and the Consumer Ombudsman - for consumer-facing competition issues that affect buyers and household consumers.
- Professional economic and legal experts - competition law often requires economic analysis, so look for recognised economists or consultancy firms with experience in antitrust economics.
- Business associations and chambers of commerce - for business community guidance on compliance and dispute resolution.
If you believe you are affected by anticompetitive conduct or face an investigation, follow these steps to protect your rights and prepare for effective legal action:
- Preserve evidence - keep communications, contracts, invoices, and other documents safe. Avoid deleting files or erasing relevant records.
- Record key facts - create a timeline of events, identify affected products or services, list affected customers or suppliers, and note dates and locations of questionable conduct.
- Seek early legal advice - contact a lawyer experienced in competition law, preferably one registered with the Piraeus or Athens bar who is familiar with Greek and EU competition rules.
- Consider immediate relief - if conduct is ongoing, ask your lawyer about interim injunctive measures to stop damage while proceedings are pending.
- Decide on the forum - your lawyer will advise whether to file a complaint with the Hellenic Competition Commission, start civil proceedings, or both.
- Assess funding - discuss likely costs, fee arrangements, and funding options including insurance, contingency arrangements, or collective actions where available.
- Be careful with communications - avoid public statements that could affect investigations and follow your lawyer's guidance on communications with authorities and counterparties.
- Explore alternatives - consider negotiation, mediation, or settlement if appropriate, but only with legal advice that protects your long-term interests.
Local specialists can guide you through the procedural steps and legal standards that apply in Moschato and across Greece. Starting with a focused, well-prepared consultation will help you understand your options and create a clear plan for enforcement, defense, or compensation.
