Best Patent Lawyers in Arta

About Patent Law in Arta, Greece

Patent law in Greece protects new technical solutions that are novel, involve an inventive step, and are industrially applicable. People and businesses in Arta typically seek patent protection for mechanical devices, agri-tech tools, food processing innovations, software-based systems with a technical effect, medical devices, and energy or construction technologies. A patent grants the owner the exclusive right to prevent others from making, using, offering for sale, selling, or importing the patented invention in Greece for a limited time, usually 20 years from the filing date, subject to annual renewal fees.

Greek patents are administered by the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization, commonly known as OBI. Greece is also a member of the European Patent Convention, so you can obtain protection in Greece through a European patent granted by the European Patent Office and then validate it in Greece. Many inventors in Arta work with local attorneys who coordinate filings nationally and across Europe.

Unlike some jurisdictions, Greece does not offer a separate provisional patent application. However, it does offer a national patent route, a utility model certificate for practical devices of shorter duration, and access to international filing strategies, including filing a European patent or an international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty followed by a European regional phase. For individuals and small businesses in Arta, choosing the right filing path early helps control cost, timing, and the geographic scope of protection.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A patent lawyer can help you assess whether your idea is patentable, draft strong claims and a clear technical description, and choose the most suitable filing route. Professional drafting and claim strategy significantly influence how enforceable and valuable your patent will be, especially if competitors try to design around it.

You may need legal help when you want to file a Greek patent application with OBI, validate a European patent in Greece, or plan foreign filings and priority claims. Legal advice is also important if you receive a warning letter, face an infringement suit, need to enforce your rights with preliminary injunctions, or negotiate licenses, assignments, or research collaborations with universities or companies in Arta and beyond.

Lawyers assist with due diligence before investment or sale of a business, freedom to operate analyses to check the risk of infringing others, employee invention policies, and proper IP ownership in supply and development contracts. They also handle annuity management, portfolio strategy, customs enforcement against imports, and evidence preservation if infringement is suspected.

Local Laws Overview

Core legal framework. Greek patent law is primarily set by national legislation on inventions and technological innovation and is harmonized with European standards. Greece is a contracting state to the European Patent Convention. Greece is also a member of the Paris Convention and the Patent Cooperation Treaty. European patents validated in Greece take effect as national patents after meeting local validation requirements, including translation and fee payment. Greece has signed but as of the latest public information has not ratified participation in the Unified Patent Court system, so enforcement of patents in Greece proceeds before national courts.

Patentability. To be patentable in Greece, an invention must be novel, involve an inventive step, and be industrially applicable. Exclusions include discoveries, scientific theories, mathematical methods, aesthetic creations, schemes and methods for mental acts or doing business, computer programs as such without a technical effect, and presentations of information. Methods of treatment or diagnosis practiced on the human or animal body are excluded, but related products and devices can be patentable. Plant or animal varieties and essentially biological processes are also excluded, with biotechnological inventions assessed under specific rules.

Filing language and procedure. Applications are filed with OBI, typically in Greek. There are mechanisms to file initially in another language followed by submission of a Greek translation within a set deadline. The office performs a formalities check and issues a search report with a written opinion. There is not a full substantive examination as deep as before the EPO. Publication generally occurs 18 months from the earliest filing or priority date. Provisional protection may be available after publication of the claims, particularly once the alleged infringer has been notified of the published claims. Patent term is 20 years from the filing date, with annual renewal fees due to keep the patent in force. For pharmaceuticals and plant protection products, supplementary protection certificates may extend protection in line with EU rules.

Utility model certificates. Greece offers a utility model certificate that typically protects three dimensional objects with definite shape and form that are new and industrially applicable, for a shorter term than patents. The inventive threshold is lower than for patents, and the process is faster. Innovators in Arta sometimes use utility models for incremental mechanical improvements and to obtain earlier enforceable rights.

Employee inventions. Greek law distinguishes service inventions made in the course of employment duties, which generally belong to the employer, independent inventions made entirely outside those duties and without employer resources, which belong to the employee, and dependent inventions made by an employee using the employer’s knowledge or resources but outside strict duties, which are co owned, commonly 60 percent employer and 40 percent employee, with obligations regarding notification and fair remuneration. Clear contracts and internal policies help avoid disputes.

Priority and grace. Greece recognizes a 12 month priority period under the Paris Convention. There is no general grace period for disclosures by the inventor. Limited non prejudicial disclosures may apply for evident abuse or display at officially recognized exhibitions, typically within a short window. Because public disclosure in Arta, including at local trade fairs or university events, can destroy novelty, consult counsel before publishing or demonstrating your invention.

Enforcement and courts. Patent disputes are heard by civil courts. Owners can seek preliminary injunctions, permanent injunctions, damages, destruction of infringing goods, and evidentiary preservation measures. Jurisdiction typically lies where the infringement occurred or the defendant is domiciled. Many patent cases are handled in courts with experience in Athens, though actions may also be brought closer to Arta depending on the facts. Customs authorities can detain suspected infringing goods under EU border enforcement rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as an invention that can be patented in Greece

Your invention must be technical in nature, new worldwide, involve an inventive step beyond what a skilled person would do, and be capable of industrial application. Pure business methods, abstract algorithms, or medical treatment methods are excluded, but software that solves a technical problem or improves a technical process may qualify.

Can I get quick protection for a device I plan to sell in Arta

Yes, consider a Greek utility model certificate for a mechanical or technical device with definite shape and form. It is faster to obtain than a patent and can provide enforceable rights sooner. You can also pursue a full patent in parallel for longer term protection.

If I publish my idea at a local university event, can I still patent it

Public disclosure before filing usually destroys novelty. Greece does not have a general grace period. There are limited exceptions for abuse or certain exhibitions, but they are narrow. File before you publish or show your invention in Arta or anywhere else.

Should I file in Greece, with the EPO, or use the PCT

It depends on your business plan and budget. A Greek filing is cost effective for protection only in Greece. A European patent via the EPO can cover many European countries, including Greece upon validation. A PCT application preserves options for up to 30 or 31 months before you enter regional or national phases, with the European route being a common path for coverage that includes Greece.

What language do I need for filing with OBI

Applications are generally filed in Greek. There are mechanisms to file initially in another language with a requirement to supply a Greek translation within a set time. Missing translation deadlines can cause a loss of rights, so coordinate with a lawyer or patent agent early.

How long will it take to get a Greek patent

The application is typically published at 18 months from the earliest filing or priority date. Grant timing varies and depends on formalities and any observations, but because there is no deep substantive examination like at the EPO, national grant can be faster. You may obtain provisional protection after publication of the claims, subject to notification to potential infringers.

Do I need a search before filing

A professional prior art search is highly recommended. OBI issues a search report with a written opinion post filing, but an advance search helps you draft stronger claims, avoid formal errors, and decide whether to file in Greece, at the EPO, or internationally.

How are employee inventions handled in Greece

Service inventions made in the course of employment duties usually belong to the employer. Independent inventions made outside those duties and without employer resources belong to the employee. Dependent inventions created using the employer’s resources or know how are co owned under statutory shares and require notification and fair remuneration. Clear contracts are essential.

What happens if someone in Arta infringes my patent

You can seek a cease and desist, negotiate a license, or file for preliminary injunctions and damages in court. Preserve evidence, document sales and sightings, and consult a lawyer quickly. Customs actions may help if infringing goods are imported.

What maintenance is required to keep a Greek patent alive

Annual renewal fees are due to OBI to maintain the patent in force. If you miss a deadline, there may be a grace period with a surcharge, but late payment rules are strict. European patents validated in Greece also require local annual fees after validation.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Industrial Property Organization OBI, the national authority for patents, utility models, and related rights, provides procedural forms, fee schedules, and filing information. The European Patent Office offers guidance on European patent filings and validations that include Greece. The Ministry of Development may publish policy updates relevant to innovation.

Local support in Arta can be found through the Bar Association of Arta for lawyer referrals and the local Chamber of Commerce for innovation programs and networking. Universities and research centers in Epirus can offer technology transfer guidance and collaboration opportunities. For customs enforcement and market surveillance, you can contact Greek Customs authorities and the competent market inspectorate bodies.

Next Steps

Document your invention thoroughly with drawings, prototypes, and test data. Avoid any public disclosure before filing. Ask a patent professional to run a targeted prior art search and to assess patentability and scope.

Decide your filing strategy based on your market. For sales mainly in Greece, prepare a Greek national application or a utility model. For broader European protection, consider a European patent filing. If you need time to refine or attract investment, consider a PCT filing to keep options open for multiple countries, with a plan to enter the European phase for Greece.

Have a lawyer draft a robust specification and layered claims, set up assignments from inventors to the operating company, and implement non disclosure agreements with partners in Arta and elsewhere. Calendar all deadlines, including translation, publication observations, validation, and annuity payments. If infringement is suspected, gather evidence promptly and seek preliminary legal advice before contacting the other side.

This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. For tailored assistance in Arta, speak with a qualified patent lawyer who is experienced with Greek and European procedures.