Best E-commerce & Internet Law Lawyers in Elliniko

About E-commerce & Internet Law Law in Elliniko, Greece:

This guide explains the main legal issues that affect online businesses and internet users in Elliniko, a suburb of Athens, Greece. E-commerce and internet law covers how online shops operate, how digital contracts are formed and enforced, how personal data and privacy are protected, how intellectual property is respected, and how disputes arising from online activity are handled. Legal obligations arise from a combination of European Union rules - especially the General Data Protection Regulation and e-commerce-related directives - and national Greek law and administrative practice. Local businesses in Elliniko must comply with both EU rules and Greek regulations, and they may also need to follow sector-specific rules and tax requirements administered by Greek authorities.

Why You May Need a Lawyer:

Working with a lawyer experienced in e-commerce and internet law can help you avoid legal risks, meet regulatory obligations, and resolve disputes. Common situations where legal assistance is useful include:

- Launching an online store or digital service and preparing compliant terms and conditions, privacy policies, cookie banners, return and warranty policies.

- Drafting or reviewing contracts with suppliers, marketplaces, payment service providers, and cloud or hosting providers.

- Ensuring compliance with data protection rules when collecting, storing or transferring customer data - including GDPR requirements and local supervisory authority expectations.

- Responding to consumer complaints, regulatory investigations, takedown or infringement notices, or cease-and-desist letters.

- Managing intellectual property issues - trademarks, copyrights, domain name disputes, and user-generated content.

- Handling cross-border sales, VAT and tax registration issues for digital goods and services.

- Defending against claims for unfair commercial practices, misleading advertising, or product liability.

Local Laws Overview:

Key legal areas you should understand when operating online in Elliniko include the following:

- Consumer protection and distance selling: Greek law implements EU consumer protection rules that require clear pre-contractual information, cancellation rights for consumers, and specific requirements for digital content and services. The Greek legal framework enforces these protections through consumer authorities and courts.

- Data protection and privacy: The EU General Data Protection Regulation applies directly across Greece. National law supplements GDPR in certain areas. Businesses must have lawful bases for processing personal data, keep records, implement security measures, and cooperate with the Hellenic Data Protection Authority.

- Electronic commerce and intermediary liability: Greek law follows EU principles on information society services and the liability of intermediaries. Website operators must provide certain mandatory information about the business, and hosting or platform providers may have limited liability for user content if they act impartially and follow notice-and-action rules.

- Electronic signatures and electronic evidence: EU rules on electronic identification and trust services apply, so qualified electronic signatures and certified trust services are recognized for many online transactions.

- Intellectual property: Copyright and trademark laws apply to websites, apps, and online content. Rights holders can request takedowns for infringing content, and platforms must have procedures to address notices.

- Advertising, marketing and cookies: Online advertising is regulated for truthfulness and fairness. Special rules apply to marketing to children, promotions, endorsements, and use of cookies or tracking technologies - requiring informed consent in many cases.

- Taxation and customs: Selling goods and services online triggers VAT obligations in Greece and abroad. Recent EU VAT rules for cross-border digital sales and one-stop-shop systems affect how businesses register and declare tax.

- Local enforcement and jurisdictions: Legal proceedings involving e-commerce disputes are typically handled in the Greek courts with jurisdiction rules that follow EU regulations for cross-border disputes; smaller consumer disputes can sometimes be resolved via alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need to register my online business in Greece before I start selling?

Yes. If you sell goods or services from Greece you generally need to register your business with the relevant Greek authorities, obtain any required business licenses, register for VAT if turnover thresholds apply, and comply with local commercial registration rules. Even informal or part-time activities may require tax registration and invoicing compliance. Speak with a local lawyer or accountant to confirm obligations specific to your activity.

What information must appear on my e-shop and why?

Greek and EU rules require that online sellers display clear information about the seller - name, legal form, address, contact details, company registration number and VAT number where applicable - and provide transparent pricing, delivery terms, cancellation rights and complaint procedures. This helps consumers make informed decisions and is enforced by consumer protection authorities.

How does GDPR affect my website and customer data?

GDPR applies to most processing of personal data. You must have a lawful basis for processing, give clear privacy notices, implement technical and organizational safeguards, allow data subject rights (access, rectification, deletion, portability), and report certain data breaches. If you transfer personal data outside the EU or use processors, you need appropriate safeguards and written contracts.

What are my obligations regarding cookies and online tracking?

Using cookies and similar trackers typically requires informing users and, for non-essential cookies, obtaining prior consent. Users must be able to accept or refuse tracking and learn how their data will be used. Cookie banners and detailed cookie policies are commonly used, but they must meet legal standards for clarity and granular consent.

Who is liable if a third-party user posts infringing content on my platform?

Liability depends on your role and actions. Under intermediary liability principles, hosting platforms may benefit from limited liability when they do not have actual knowledge of illegal content or upon receiving a valid notice and acting promptly to remove it. However, if you curate, promote or materially contribute to the content, liability risks increase. Having clear terms of use and takedown procedures helps manage risk.

How should I handle returns and consumer complaints?

Consumers buying remotely in Greece usually have a right to cancel within a statutory period and return goods, subject to certain exceptions. You must provide clear instructions and refund procedures and handle complaints promptly. Failing to respect consumer rights can lead to administrative sanctions and civil claims.

Do I need special rules for selling digital products or subscriptions?

Yes. Digital products and ongoing subscriptions have specific rules about pre-contractual information, performance, updates, and the right of withdrawal in some cases. For subscriptions, transparent renewal, price increase and cancellation terms are important. Ensure terms reflect how content is delivered and what happens on service interruptions.

How do I protect my website content, brand and software?

Protect intellectual property through trademarks for brand names and logos, copyright for original text, images and software, and potentially patents for technical inventions. Use terms of use and licensing terms to control user rights. Registering trademarks and monitoring for infringement helps enforce rights more effectively.

What tax rules apply to cross-border e-commerce within the EU?

EU VAT rules require proper VAT treatment of cross-border sales. For business-to-consumer digital services, place-of-supply rules and one-stop-shop (OSS) systems may apply, allowing you to declare VAT centrally for sales to multiple EU countries. Selling goods to consumers in other EU countries may trigger distance selling thresholds and registration obligations. Consult a tax advisor to structure VAT compliance correctly.

Where can I resolve disputes with customers or other businesses?

Disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms for consumer disputes, or litigation in Greek courts. For cross-border consumer disputes within the EU, the European Consumer Centre and EU dispute-resolution platforms may help. A lawyer can advise on the best route given the dispute type, value and applicable rules.

Additional Resources:

Useful organizations and authorities to consult or research include:

- Hellenic Data Protection Authority - national supervisory authority for personal data protection and GDPR guidance.

- Hellenic Ministry of Development and relevant General Secretariats - oversee commerce and consumer protection rules.

- Hellenic Consumer Ombudsman and consumer protection agencies - handle consumer issues and offer guidance.

- Hellenic Copyright Organisation and national intellectual property offices - for copyright and trademark registration and enforcement.

- Independent Authority for Public Revenue - for VAT registration, tax obligations and electronic invoicing rules.

- Hellenic Competition Commission - for rules on fair competition and advertising standards.

- European Union sources - GDPR, eIDAS, and EU consumer and e-commerce directives which apply across member states.

- Industry associations and local chambers of commerce in Athens and the Elliniko area - practical local support, training and networking.

Next Steps:

If you need legal assistance for an e-commerce or internet matter in Elliniko, consider the following practical steps:

- Gather documentation - business registration, contracts, website terms and privacy policy, invoices, correspondence and any notices or complaints.

- Identify your main issue - compliance, contract drafting, dispute resolution, IP enforcement, data breach, or tax questions.

- Schedule an initial consultation with a lawyer who specializes in e-commerce and internet law and has experience with Greek and EU rules. Ask about their experience with businesses similar to yours and any local court or administrative procedures.

- Prepare questions for the meeting - scope of work, likely outcomes, timings, fees and whether alternative dispute resolution is advisable.

- Consider a compliance review - an audit of your website, terms, privacy and data practices to identify and fix gaps before regulators or competitors raise issues.

- Keep records of legal advice and updates to your policies and contracts. Regular reviews help maintain compliance as laws and technology change.

Engaging competent local legal counsel early can reduce risk, protect your business reputation, and save time and costs over the long term.