Best Patent Lawyers in Elliniko

About Patent Law in Elliniko, Greece

Patents protect technical inventions - new products or processes that provide a technical solution to a problem. In Greece patents can be obtained via a national application filed with the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization - often referred to by its Greek acronym OBI - or via regional and international routes such as the European Patent Office or the PCT system administered by WIPO. Elliniko is part of the Athens metropolitan area, so inventors and businesses based there use the same national and international patent frameworks as the rest of Greece. Patent protection in Greece is intended to give the patent owner exclusive rights to exploit the invention for a limited period - normally up to 20 years from the filing date - in return for disclosing the invention to the public.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Patent law is technical and procedural. A specialised patent lawyer or patent attorney can help you in many situations, including:

- Determining whether your invention is patentable - novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability are required.

- Preparing and drafting a patent application in a way that protects your core invention while avoiding unnecessary limitations.

- Conducting professional patentability and freedom-to-operate searches to reduce risk of costly surprises.

- Selecting the best filing strategy - national Greek application, European Patent application, or PCT international route - depending on your business goals and budget.

- Responding to objections from the patent office or oppositions after grant.

- Negotiating licensing, assignment or collaboration agreements and advising on employee-inventor rights.

- Enforcing patent rights - seeking injunctions, damages or border measures for counterfeits - and defending against infringement claims.

- Managing annuities and other formalities to keep the patent in force.

Local Laws Overview

Key points of the local legal landscape relevant to patents in Greece include:

- Legal framework - Greek patent practice follows national law that is aligned with international treaties Greece has joined - including the European Patent Convention. That means European patents validated for Greece and national patents coexist in practice.

- Patentable subject matter - generally includes technical inventions. Abstract ideas, pure discoveries, mathematical methods and certain medical methods are not patentable under the prevailing legal framework.

- Term and maintenance - patent protection normally lasts up to 20 years from the filing date, subject to the payment of annual maintenance fees. Failure to pay fees can result in lapse of protection.

- Filing routes - you can file a national application with OBI, a European Patent application at the EPO designating Greece, or use the PCT route to enter the national phase in Greece.

- Enforcement - civil courts handle infringement claims, where remedies can include injunctions, damages, seizure and recall of infringing products. Provisional measures are available to secure evidence or stop infringement quickly in urgent cases.

- Transfer and licensing - patents are transferable assets and may be licensed. Good practice is to have written agreements addressing scope, duration, compensation and territory.

- Employer-inventor issues - ownership and compensation rules for employee inventions are governed by national law and employment contracts. Clear written agreements help avoid disputes.

- Public interest and compulsory licenses - in exceptional circumstances and under strict legal conditions, compulsory licenses may be considered. These are rare and apply only when public interest and statutory requirements are met.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a patent in Greece?

You can file a national patent application with the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization - OBI. Alternatively you may seek protection via a European Patent application through the EPO or file an international application under the PCT and later enter the national phase in Greece. Each route has different procedures, timelines and costs. A patent lawyer can advise which route fits your commercial plan.

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

Timelines vary. A national patent may take several years from filing to grant depending on searches and examinations. European and PCT routes also take time and have additional procedural stages. If you need faster provisional protection, discuss options such as early filing strategies and provisional measures with a lawyer.

How long does a patent last?

Patents generally last up to 20 years from the filing date provided renewal fees are paid when required. The exact timing and fee schedule depends on whether the patent is national, European or from another route.

What can I patent - what is patentable?

In general you can patent a new technical invention that is novel, involves an inventive step and is industrially applicable. Pure discoveries, mathematical methods, or abstract ideas are not patentable. Certain medical treatment methods and other categories may be excluded or limited under national and international rules.

How much does it cost to get and maintain a patent?

Costs depend on the filing route, the complexity of the application, translation needs, attorney fees, official examination fees and ongoing renewal fees. Filing a national application is usually less expensive initially than filing a European or PCT application, but seeking protection in multiple countries increases total cost. Ask potential advisers for a written estimate for whole-life patent costs.

Can I file a patent application myself?

Yes, individuals or small businesses can file directly, but patent drafting and prosecution are technical and mistakes can reduce protection. Using a qualified patent attorney improves the chances of obtaining broad enforceable protection and helps avoid procedural pitfalls.

What if someone in Greece infringes my patent?

If someone uses your patented invention without permission you may pursue civil remedies in Greek courts - for example cease and desist orders, injunctions, damages and seizure of infringing goods. In urgent cases you can seek provisional measures to preserve evidence or stop ongoing infringement quickly. Enforcement is procedural and fact-specific - seek legal help promptly.

How do I find out if my invention is already patented or published?

Carry out a patentability search and prior art search using national and international patent databases and technical literature. A professional search by a patent attorney or search specialist will be more thorough than a basic public search and will provide actionable risk analysis.

Do I need protection outside Greece?

If you plan to sell, manufacture or license your invention outside Greece you should consider protection in those markets. A European patent or PCT application can be efficient ways to seek broader protection. Choose jurisdictions based on commercial importance, manufacturing locations and enforcement practicalities.

What should I bring to my first meeting with a patent lawyer?

Prepare a clear description of the invention, drawings or prototypes if available, timelines of conception and public disclosures, names of co-inventors, any existing confidentiality agreements, and business goals - where you want protection and why. This information helps the lawyer assess patentability and propose a filing strategy.

Additional Resources

Useful institutions and resources for patent matters in Greece include:

- The Hellenic Industrial Property Organization - OBI - the national office responsible for patents and trademarks.

- The European Patent Office - for European patent filings and guidance on patent rules under the European Patent Convention.

- The World Intellectual Property Organization - WIPO - for the PCT international patent system and global IP information.

- Local bar associations and IP practitioner associations - for listings of qualified patent attorneys and law firms experienced in patents.

- Customs authorities - for assistance with imports and border measures against counterfeit products under applicable rules.

- Official publications and fee schedules published by patent offices - for current procedural and fee information.

Next Steps - How to Proceed if You Need Legal Assistance

Follow these steps to get professional help efficiently:

- Prepare a concise invention brief - include what the invention does, why it is different from what exists, drawings or photos and any public disclosures.

- Request an initial consultation with a patent attorney or patent firm - ask about their experience in the technical field, success with prosecutions and litigation, and fee structure.

- Commission a patentability and prior art search if recommended - use the findings to decide whether to invest in filing.

- Decide on a filing strategy - national, European or PCT - based on budget, markets and timing. Your lawyer will explain pros and cons.

- Draft and file the application - ensure accuracy in inventor details and claim drafting. Keep records of all disclosures and dates.

- Monitor prosecution, pay maintenance fees and manage enforcement or licensing as necessary - your lawyer will help with deadlines and formalities.

If you are in Elliniko, contact a qualified local patent attorney or an Athens-based IP firm for in-person or remote consultation. Early legal advice helps protect your invention and supports a cost-effective commercial strategy.