Best Patent Lawyers in Acharnes

About Patent Law in Acharnes, Greece

Acharnes is a municipality in the Attica region near Athens. Patent protection for inventions in Acharnes is governed by Greek national law and by international agreements and systems that Greece participates in. You can seek protection directly in Greece through the Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation - OBI, or pursue regional protection through the European Patent Office - EPO, or global protection using the Patent Cooperation Treaty - PCT route. A granted patent gives the right to exclude others from making, using, selling or importing the patented invention in the territory where the patent is in force, typically for up to 20 years from the filing date subject to payment of renewal fees and compliance with formal requirements.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Assessing patentability - A lawyer with patent experience can evaluate novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability, and advise whether your idea is likely to be patentable in Greece and elsewhere.

Drafting a strong application - The way claims are drafted determines the scope of protection. A specialist will draft clear claims and a supporting description to maximise protection and reduce the risk of rejection or invalidation.

Filing strategy - Deciding whether to file nationally, at the EPO, or via PCT involves cost, timing and market considerations. A lawyer can recommend the best route and help manage priority claims and deadlines.

Prosecution and correspondence - After filing you may receive official objections or search reports. A patent lawyer handles responses, requests for examination, and negotiation with examiners.

Enforcement and litigation - If someone infringes your patent or you are accused of infringement, you need expert legal representation in negotiations, injunction requests and court proceedings.

Licensing, assignments and transactions - For selling, licensing or using patents in business deals, a lawyer prepares and negotiates contracts, performs due diligence and protects your commercial interests.

International coordination - If you seek protection outside Greece, a patent lawyer coordinates filings, translations and local agent appointments in different jurisdictions.

Local Laws Overview

Applicable law and offices - Greek patent matters are administered by the Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation - OBI. Greece is a contracting state to international agreements such as the Paris Convention, the Patent Cooperation Treaty - PCT, and is part of the European Patent Convention - EPC through EPO practice. National rights and EPO-European patents validated in Greece coexist.

Patentability criteria - To obtain protection an invention must be new, involve an inventive step and be industrially applicable. Subject matter excluded from patentability typically includes discoveries, scientific theories, mathematical methods and certain methods of medical treatment and diagnosis, as well as purely aesthetic creations or abstract ideas.

Term and maintenance - A standard patent term is generally 20 years from the filing date, subject to payment of annual renewal fees. Failure to pay renewal fees can lead to lapse of the patent.

Filing routes and priority - You can file a national application with OBI, file a European patent application at the EPO and validate it in Greece, or file an international PCT application and later enter the national phase in Greece. Under the Paris Convention you can claim priority from an earlier application filed in another member state within 12 months for patents.

Examination and timelines - Procedures include filing, publication and substantive examination. Timelines vary depending on the chosen route and complexity of the application. Opposition and invalidity procedures differ between the EPO and national courts.

Enforcement - Patent infringement claims and actions for invalidity are handled through the Greek court system. Many patent disputes are litigated in courts seated in Athens or other competent courts in the Attica region. Remedies can include injunctions, damages and destruction of infringing goods.

Employee inventions and ownership - Greek law contains rules on inventions created in employment. Employment contracts and specific statutory provisions determine ownership and compensation. It is important to clarify ownership and inventor rights in advance.

Compulsory licences and public interest - Under national law and international obligations such as TRIPS, compulsory licences may be available in specified circumstances - for example if the patent is not exploited locally or in cases of public interest. Such measures are exceptional and subject to legal conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a patent and what does it protect?

A patent is a territorial right granted for a technical invention that is new, involves an inventive step and is capable of industrial application. It protects the technical solution to a problem, typically expressed in claims. A patent gives the owner the right to prevent others from making, using, selling or importing the invention in the territory where the patent is in force.

Can I file a patent application from Acharnes or must I go to Athens?

You may prepare and file an application while located in Acharnes. Formal filing with the Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation is administrative and can be handled by a local or remote patent attorney. Many procedural steps are managed electronically or through representatives, so you do not need to physically travel to Athens for most filings.

How long does it take to obtain a patent in Greece?

Timelines vary by route and complexity. National procedures typically take several years from filing to grant, depending on examination and any objections. European patents via the EPO have their own timetable, and PCT international applications delay national-phase entry. A patent lawyer can give a more specific estimate based on your case and chosen filing route.

What does patent prosecution cost in Greece?

Costs include official fees, attorney fees for drafting and prosecution, possible translation costs for European filings, and ongoing renewal fees. Costs vary with complexity and geographic scope of protection sought. Initial patentability assessment and drafting are typically the main early-stage costs. Ask for a cost estimate from a qualified patent attorney before proceeding.

Should I file in Greece only or seek European or international protection?

Choice depends on your commercial goals. If your market is mainly in Greece, national protection may suffice. If you plan to sell or license elsewhere in Europe, consider EPO protection or the unitary patent system where applicable. For broader international protection, the PCT route helps delay national-phase costs while preserving priority. A lawyer will help balance cost, timing and strategic considerations.

What should I do before talking to a patent lawyer?

Keep a confidential written record of your invention with dates, avoid public disclosure before filing, collect sketches and prototypes, list prior public disclosures, identify potential commercial markets, and gather any employment agreements that may affect ownership. Consider a preliminary search to identify obvious prior art, and be ready to explain how your invention works and solves a problem.

Can I enforce a patent if someone in Acharnes infringes it?

Yes. Patent enforcement is handled through the courts. If you have a granted patent covering the infringing activity in Greece, you can seek civil remedies such as injunctions, damages and seizure of infringing items. Legal action usually requires specialist litigation counsel and may involve evidence-gathering, expert witnesses and interim measures.

What happens if I publicly disclose my invention before filing?

Public disclosure before filing can destroy novelty and make the invention unpatentable in many jurisdictions. Under the Paris Convention you have a 12-month priority period only for filing after an earlier application, not for general public disclosure. Greece does not offer a general grace period comparable to some other countries. Avoid disclosure until you have at least filed a provisional national or priority application.

Do I need a local Greek patent attorney to file at the EPO or under PCT?

For EPO filings you can work with a European patent attorney who is qualified to represent applicants before the EPO. For the national phase in Greece following a PCT or European application, appointing a local Greek representative or patent attorney is typically required for procedural matters and communications with OBI. A local attorney also helps with translation and validation requirements.

How are inventions created in employment handled under Greek law?

Ownership and compensation for employee inventions depend on the employment contract and statutory rules. Some inventions made by employees in the normal course of their duties may belong to the employer, while employees may be entitled to additional compensation if the invention has significant economic value. It is important to review employment agreements and seek legal advice early to avoid disputes.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation - OBI - the national office responsible for patent filings and information on procedural requirements.

European Patent Office - EPO - for filing and searching European patent applications and guidance on validation in contracting states.

World Intellectual Property Organization - WIPO - for information on the PCT process and international patent systems.

Greek Ministry responsible for Development and Investments - for policy information and business support programs that may touch on intellectual property.

Local Bar Associations and registered patent attorneys - for finding qualified legal counsel in Acharnes and the Attica region.

Chamber of Commerce of Attica or local business support organisations - for practical help with commercialisation, licensing and local business development.

Next Steps

1. Record your invention in a secure, dated form and avoid any public disclosure until you have filed or consulted a patent lawyer.

2. Carry out a basic prior art search or ask a patent attorney to perform a professional search to assess novelty.

3. Gather relevant documents - sketches, experimental data, prototype notes, and any employment or contractor agreements affecting ownership.

4. Arrange a consultation with a patent attorney or a qualified European patent professional to review patentability, drafting and filing strategy.

5. Decide on the filing route - national, European or PCT - based on budget, markets and timing, and instruct your attorney to prepare the application.

6. Budget for drafting, filing, prosecution and renewal fees, and consider translation costs if using EPO routes with validation in Greece.

7. If you expect to commercialise or license the invention, ask your lawyer to prepare assignment or licensing templates and to advise on enforcing and monetising the patent.

8. Remember that this guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal assistance contact a qualified patent attorney or law firm experienced in patent law in Greece.