Best Patent Lawyers in Vouliagmeni

About Patent Law in Vouliagmeni, Greece

Patent law in Vouliagmeni follows national Greek and European frameworks. Vouliagmeni is part of the Athens metropolitan area, so patent matters are handled centrally by the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization, known as OBI. Greece is a member of the European Patent Convention and the Patent Cooperation Treaty. This means you can protect an invention in Greece through a national filing with OBI, by validating a granted European patent in Greece, or by entering the Greek national phase from an international PCT application.

To obtain a patent in Greece, an invention must be new, involve an inventive step, and be capable of industrial application. Greece also offers utility model protection, which is a faster and simpler option for certain technical solutions. Vouliagmeni based inventors typically work with patent attorneys in Athens who handle filings and proceedings before OBI, the European Patent Office, and WIPO.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer or qualified patent attorney can be crucial at many points in the innovation life cycle. You may need legal help to assess patentability and avoid pitfalls like public disclosure that could destroy novelty. Professionals can draft strong patent claims and descriptions, which is essential for enforceable rights. If you are choosing between a Greek patent, a European patent, or a PCT filing, a lawyer can help build a cost effective strategy and manage deadlines.

Businesses often need help with freedom to operate checks before launching products in Greece. Contracts such as non disclosure agreements, assignments, licensing deals, and R and D collaborations should be drafted to protect ownership and revenue. In case of infringement or threats from competitors, experienced counsel can pursue or defend civil actions, seek preliminary injunctions, or coordinate customs border measures. Employees and founders benefit from advice on employee invention rules, equity and remuneration, and proper IP record keeping.

Local Laws Overview

Primary framework: Greek patent law is mainly set by Law 1733 or 1987 on Technology Transfer, Inventions and Technological Innovation, as amended, together with related presidential decrees and OBI regulations. Greece participates in the European Patent Convention and the Patent Cooperation Treaty, and applies relevant EU rules such as supplementary protection certificates for pharmaceuticals and plant protection products.

What can be patented: Patentable inventions are technical solutions that are new worldwide, non obvious to a skilled person, and industrially applicable. Exclusions include discoveries, scientific theories, mathematical methods, aesthetic creations, schemes and methods for mental acts or doing business, computer programs as such, and presentations of information. Diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical methods for treatment of humans or animals are not patentable, but medical devices and pharmaceuticals generally can be.

Utility models: Greece grants utility model certificates that protect three dimensional objects and apparatus, typically for a 7 year term. Registration is faster and is usually without full substantive examination, making it attractive for incremental improvements. Utility models are not suitable for methods or processes.

Filing routes and language: National applications are filed with OBI. The official language is Greek. It is possible to file in another language with a Greek translation submitted within a set time limit. European patents granted by the EPO can be validated in Greece by filing a full Greek translation within a short deadline after grant and paying fees. PCT applications can enter the Greek national phase, usually within 31 months from the earliest priority date, with a Greek translation required.

Examination and term: Greek patent applications undergo search and substantive examination. Office actions may require amendments or arguments. The patent term is 20 years from the filing date, subject to annual renewal fees. Utility models have a 7 year term, also with maintenance fees. Supplementary protection certificates can extend protection for eligible medicinal and plant protection products.

Disclosure and grace: Public disclosure before filing generally destroys novelty. Limited exceptions may apply for disclosures at certain officially recognized exhibitions or for evident abuse, but do not rely on exceptions without professional advice. Use non disclosure agreements and file before public release.

Ownership and employees: Inventions created in the course of employment can belong fully or partly to the employer depending on the circumstances. Greek law distinguishes service inventions, mixed inventions, and free inventions, with specific notice and remuneration rules. Assignments and licenses should be in writing and recorded at OBI to be effective against third parties.

Enforcement in Attica: Infringement cases are heard by civil courts in Athens with specialized IP divisions. Remedies include injunctions, damages, destruction or recall of infringing goods, and provisional measures. Customs enforcement is available through Greek customs authorities under EU border measures. Criminal penalties can apply in serious cases.

Practical note for Vouliagmeni: There is no separate local patent office in Vouliagmeni. Filings, validations, and recordals are handled by OBI in Athens, and most specialized IP counsel are based in the greater Athens area, which is convenient for Vouliagmeni residents and businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Greek patent and a utility model?

A patent provides up to 20 years of protection after substantive examination for novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. A utility model offers up to 7 years of faster, less examined protection focused on technical devices or apparatus, not methods. Utility models are often used for incremental or short lifecycle innovations.

Can I get protection in Greece through a European patent?

Yes. After the European Patent Office grants your patent, you must validate it in Greece by filing a full Greek translation and paying national fees within a short deadline. After validation, annual fees are paid in Greece to keep the patent in force.

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

Time to grant varies with technology and office workload, but 2 to 4 years is a common range for national patents. Utility models can be registered significantly faster. European and PCT routes have their own timelines that can be integrated into a global strategy.

Do I need a prototype before filing?

No. You need a complete written description that enables a skilled person to carry out the invention. Drawings are often helpful. A working prototype is not required, but the application must provide enough technical detail to support the claims.

Can software be patented in Greece?

Computer programs as such are excluded. However, software related inventions that produce a further technical effect, such as control of industrial processes or improved computer functionality, may be patentable if they meet the usual criteria. Careful claim drafting is essential.

If I already disclosed my invention, can I still file?

Public disclosure before filing usually destroys novelty in Greece. Limited exceptions exist, for example for certain exhibition disclosures or evident abuse. Consult a lawyer immediately to evaluate whether an exception applies and to plan next steps.

What are my options for international protection from Vouliagmeni?

You can file nationally in Greece, file a European patent application, or file an international PCT application to keep options open in many countries. Choice depends on markets, timelines, and budget. Priority can be claimed within 12 months from your first filing.

How are employee inventions handled?

Service inventions belong to the employer, with the employee typically entitled to moral recognition and possible remuneration under internal policies. Mixed inventions are shared according to law and contract terms, often giving the employer rights to exploit with fair compensation to the employee. Free inventions made outside job duties belong to the employee, subject to notice if related to the employer’s field.

What if someone infringes my patent in Greece?

You can seek a preliminary injunction to stop ongoing harm, file a civil action for a permanent injunction and damages, and use customs measures to block imports. Evidence preservation and prompt legal action are important. Settlement and licensing may also be options.

Do assignments and licenses need to be recorded?

Yes. To be effective against third parties in Greece, assignments and licenses should be in writing and recorded with OBI. Recording also clarifies chain of title and is often required in transactions and enforcement.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Industrial Property Organization OBI for national filings, utility models, SPCs, and records. European Patent Office for European patent applications and grants. World Intellectual Property Organization for PCT filings and international procedural guidance. Greek Customs and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue for border enforcement of IP rights. Ministry of Development authorities for innovation and industrial policy support. Local bar associations and the register of patent attorneys for finding qualified representatives in the Athens area.

Next Steps

Protect confidentiality immediately. Use non disclosure agreements, limit access to sensitive details, and avoid public disclosure until you have a filing in place. Document your invention thoroughly, including problems solved, technical features, and variations.

Consult a Greek patent attorney or lawyer with patent experience in the Athens area. Ask for an initial assessment of patentability and an outline of filing routes and costs. Discuss whether a utility model, a national patent, a European filing, or a PCT application best fits your goals and budget.

Consider a prior art search to refine scope and reduce risk. Prepare a strong application with clear claims and enabling description. Set up a docket of all key deadlines for translations, validations, and renewal fees.

Align contracts and ownership. Ensure that all inventors have assigned rights, employee agreements cover IP, and any collaboration or funding agreements are consistent with your filing plan. Record assignments and licenses with OBI.

Plan enforcement and freedom to operate. Before market launch in Greece, have counsel review third party rights. If infringement issues arise, gather evidence early and seek tailored advice on court actions and customs measures.

This guide is for general information. For advice about your situation in Vouliagmeni, consult a qualified lawyer or patent attorney licensed to practice in Greece.