Best E-commerce & Internet Law Lawyers in Acharnes

About E-commerce & Internet Law in Acharnes, Greece

E-commerce and Internet law covers the legal rules that apply to online businesses, websites, online marketplaces, digital services and the online activities of individuals and companies. In Acharnes, as elsewhere in Greece, these rules combine European Union law, national Greek legislation and applicable local administrative requirements. Common topics include consumer rights for online purchases, data protection and privacy, digital contracts and signatures, electronic payments and taxation, intellectual property and domain-name disputes, platform liability and rules on online advertising.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Online business and internet activities raise a mix of commercial, regulatory and technical legal issues. You may need a lawyer if you are:

• Starting an online store, marketplace or digital service and need help with company setup, registration and permits.
• Drafting or reviewing website documents such as terms and conditions, privacy policies, cookie notices and seller agreements so they meet Greek and EU rules.
• Handling personal data - to achieve GDPR compliance, prepare data processing agreements and manage data subject requests.
• Facing consumer claims, returns or disputes - particularly under distance-selling rules and the right of withdrawal.
• Entering into contracts with payment service providers, logistics partners or software licensors.
• Dealing with intellectual property issues - trademark, copyright or domain-name conflicts and takedown notices.
• Responding to regulatory investigations, fines or enforcement actions from Greek or EU authorities.
• Needing to enforce or defend claims in court - for non-payment, breach of contract or defamation related to online content.
• Expanding cross-border across the EU - to understand VAT, consumer protection and cross-border enforcement.

Local Laws Overview

The legal framework relevant to e-commerce in Acharnes includes EU directives and regulations that apply across Greece, and national laws and administrative practices that implement or supplement EU rules. Key aspects to understand are:

• Data protection and privacy - The EU General Data Protection Regulation establishes strict obligations on processing personal data. Greek law implements and complements GDPR requirements. Businesses must maintain records of processing activities, implement security measures, issue clear privacy notices and respond to data-subject rights such as access and erasure.
• Consumer protection for distance selling - Consumers benefit from special rules when buying online, including clear pre-contractual information, transparent pricing, delivery rules and a right of withdrawal for a statutory period. Businesses must honour warranties and handle returns and refunds according to the rules that apply in Greece and the EU.
• Electronic contracts and signatures - Electronic offers and acceptances are generally valid. EU rules on electronic identification and trust services set standards for electronic signatures and authentication. Terms of service should make formation and billing practices clear.
• Intermediary liability - Platforms and hosting providers have limited liability for third-party content under the applicable EU framework, subject to conditions and notice-and-takedown procedures. Marketplace operators should have clear policies for handling infringing or unlawful content.
• Consumer information and advertising - Commercial communications must be honest and not misleading. Specific rules apply to pricing, promotional practices and certain regulated products. Marketing via email or other electronic channels also has rules on consent and opt-out.
• Taxation and VAT - E-commerce sellers must comply with VAT rules that may include distance-sale thresholds and the One-Stop Shop VAT scheme for cross-border B2C sales within the EU. Greek tax administration requirements include proper invoicing, bookkeeping and declarations.
• Intellectual property - Copyright, trademark and design laws protect digital content, brands and creative works. Rights enforcement and takedown procedures apply online as in physical markets.
• Payment services and consumer protection - Agreements with payment service providers must respect consumer protections, security and anti-fraud measures. Payment card rules and strong customer authentication standards apply.
• Local formalities - Businesses operating from Acharnes should also consider local business registration, municipal permits if applicable and the legal language requirement for consumer-facing documents in Greece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a business to sell online from Acharnes?

In most cases yes. If you sell regularly with commercial intent you will need to register as a sole proprietor or a company and comply with tax and commercial registration rules. Occasional private sales are different, but regular online commercial activity normally requires registration with the relevant Greek authorities and proper invoicing.

What legal documents should my website have?

Your website should include clear terms and conditions, a privacy policy explaining data collection and processing, a cookie notice if you use tracking technologies, return and refund policies for sales, and contact information. If you sell to consumers you must provide pre-contractual information such as price, delivery cost and the right of withdrawal period.

How do I comply with GDPR for my online business?

Key steps are to map what personal data you process, have a lawful basis for processing, publish a clear privacy policy, implement data security measures, appoint a data protection officer if required, sign data processing agreements with service providers and have procedures for responding to access, correction and deletion requests. Keep records of processing activities and conduct privacy impact assessments for high-risk processing.

What is the consumer right of withdrawal for online purchases?

Consumers generally have a statutory right to withdraw from a distance contract within a set period after receipt of goods. The seller must inform the consumer about this right and the process for returns. Exceptions apply for certain goods and services, and you should document your return policy in your terms and provide timely refunds where required.

How are online sales taxed in Greece?

Online sales by businesses resident in Greece are subject to Greek VAT and other tax obligations. For cross-border EU sales to consumers, special VAT rules and the EU One-Stop Shop may apply. Proper invoicing and accounting are required. Consult a tax adviser or lawyer experienced in e-commerce taxation for your specific situation.

Who is liable for illegal content posted by users on my platform?

Platform liability depends on whether you act as neutral host, mere conduit or actively moderate and control content. European rules offer limited liability in certain conditions, but you must act on notices of infringing or unlawful content and follow notice-and-takedown procedures. Clear terms for users and swift compliance with lawful takedown requests reduce risk.

Can I use electronic signatures for contracts with Greek consumers or businesses?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally valid under EU and national rules. Qualified electronic signatures have the strongest legal effect, but simpler forms of electronic agreement are often acceptable for many contracts. Make sure the method you use meets legal requirements for the contract type and offers appropriate security and proof of consent.

What should I do if a customer in Acharnes files a complaint?

Respond promptly and professionally. Try to resolve the issue through your customer service process, offer remedies where appropriate and document communications. If the complaint escalates, consider mediation or legal advice. For consumer complaints, local consumer protection authorities and dispute resolution routes may be available.

How do I protect my brand and content online?

Register trademarks in Greece or the EU for brand protection, use copyright notices and terms of use, keep records of creation and publication dates and monitor for misuse. If infringement occurs, send a clear cease-and-desist notice and, if needed, pursue enforcement through administrative or court channels with a lawyer's help.

How can I find a qualified e-commerce lawyer in Acharnes?

Look for lawyers or law firms experienced in internet law, data protection, consumer law and commercial contracts. Ensure they are licensed to practice in Greece, speak Greek and preferably English if you are not a Greek speaker, and have experience with online businesses. Ask for references, examples of relevant work and clear fee arrangements before hiring.

Additional Resources

Useful public bodies and organizations to consult or research include the national data protection authority for guidance on privacy matters, the Greek tax authority for VAT and taxation questions, governmental departments responsible for commerce and consumer protection, the local chamber of commerce for business support and the local bar association to find qualified lawyers. You can also consult EU resources on e-commerce and cross-border rules for general guidance.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for an e-commerce or internet law matter in Acharnes, follow these steps:

1. Gather documentation - business registration papers, website terms, privacy policy, contracts with suppliers or payment providers, invoices and any correspondence related to the matter.
2. Identify the issue - compliance, dispute, IP, data breach, taxation or contract drafting. Clear identification helps the lawyer prepare.
3. Search for a lawyer or law firm with relevant e-commerce and internet law experience. Check credentials, language skills and client references.
4. Request an initial consultation - ask about experience, proposed approach, estimated timeline and fee structure. Prepare specific questions in advance.
5. Agree scope and fees in writing - consider a fixed-fee engagement for defined tasks such as drafting terms or a time-based engagement for litigation and complex compliance work.
6. Implement recommendations - update your website documents, privacy practices, contracts and operational procedures based on legal advice. Maintain documentation of compliance steps.
7. Plan for ongoing compliance - laws and technology change. Schedule periodic reviews of privacy practices, terms and tax treatment to stay compliant.

Legal issues in e-commerce can be technical but manageable with the right adviser. A local Greek lawyer familiar with Acharnes and wider Greek and EU rules will help you reduce risk, comply with obligations and grow your online activity with confidence.