Best Technology Transactions Lawyers in Elliniko

About Technology Transactions Law in Elliniko, Greece

Technology transactions cover agreements and legal issues that arise when businesses or individuals buy, sell, license, develop, deploy or support technology products and services. In Elliniko, Greece - a suburb of the Athens metropolitan area with growing technology and startup activity - these transactions involve a mix of Greek law, EU rules and international standards. Typical matters include software licensing, software development and outsourcing contracts, cloud and software-as-a-service arrangements, data processing and privacy compliance, intellectual property assignments and transfers, hardware and equipment procurement, R&D collaboration agreements, and technology aspects of mergers and acquisitions.

Because Greece is an EU member state, many technology transaction rules are driven by EU law - for example the General Data Protection Regulation - alongside Greek civil and commercial law. Local courts, regulators and industry bodies in the Athens region handle disputes and regulatory compliance. Parties doing technology deals in Elliniko should consider both the legal merits of the transaction and practical local issues such as language, dispute-resolution preferences and the likely timing of contract enforcement.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Technology transactions are often complex and can raise multiple legal and business risks. You may need a lawyer if you are:

- Drafting or negotiating software development or licensing agreements that define who owns source code, who pays for maintenance and how defects are fixed.

- Entering a cloud or SaaS contract where service levels, data location, backups and liability for outages matter.

- Transferring or assigning intellectual property rights - for example, selling a software product or acquiring a startup.

- Engaging in outsourcing or managed services arrangements that involve subcontracting, security and confidentiality obligations.

- Handling personal data - for compliance with GDPR and related Greek rules, drafting data processing agreements and responding to data subject requests or security incidents.

- Working with open-source software and needing help with licence compatibility and compliance obligations.

- Participating in public procurement for technology goods or services, where specific procurement rules apply.

- Preparing for cross-border transactions and needing advice on choice of law, jurisdiction and VAT/tax treatment.

- Responding to a breach of contract, IP infringement, or cybersecurity incident - including deciding whether to pursue litigation, arbitration or alternative dispute resolution.

- Structuring technology aspects of investments, joint ventures or mergers and acquisitions.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal regimes and practical points that affect technology transactions in Elliniko include the following.

- Contract law - The Greek Civil Code and commercial law set out basic rules on contract formation, interpretation, performance, warranties and remedies. Commercial parties can agree many contract terms, but mandatory protections for consumers and employees remain enforceable.

- Intellectual property - Copyright law protects software as an original literary work. Industrial property systems protect patents, trademarks and designs. It is common practice to document IP ownership in agreements and to register trademarks or patents where appropriate.

- Data protection - The EU General Data Protection Regulation - GDPR - applies directly in Greece and is implemented alongside Greek national laws. Technology agreements involving personal data commonly require data processing agreements, documented legal bases, security measures and breach notification procedures. The Hellenic Data Protection Authority enforces local compliance.

- Electronic signatures and electronic evidence - EU rules under eIDAS apply across Greece, making certain electronic signatures and records admissible and enforceable. Parties should confirm whether particular electronic formats meet legal or regulatory requirements.

- Consumer protection and e-commerce - When technology products or services are sold to consumers, EU and Greek consumer rules impose information duties, withdrawal rights, and warranties that cannot be contracted away.

- Public procurement - Public sector technology contracts are subject to procurement rules that control tendering, evaluation and contract award procedures. Companies bidding on government contracts must follow the applicable procurement law and tender documentation.

- Competition and antitrust - Agreements that limit competition, involve exclusivity or include pricing coordination can attract scrutiny from the Hellenic Competition Commission and EU competition authorities.

- Cybersecurity and incident reporting - National and EU-level rules on network and information security may require steps to protect critical systems and to report incidents to the competent national authority.

- Export controls and dual-use goods - Certain software and hardware may be subject to export controls or licensing if considered dual-use or restricted for national security reasons. Parties should perform export classification checks for cross-border transfers.

- Dispute resolution and enforcement - Greek courts can hear technology disputes, but case duration can be long. Arbitration and mediation are common alternatives for faster or confidential resolution. Choice of law clauses are generally respected within the limits of mandatory local rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register my software to have legal protection in Greece?

No. Copyright protection for software arises automatically when the work is created and fixed in a tangible form. Registration is not required to enjoy copyright. That said, keeping records that prove authorship, dates of creation and development history - and registering related trademarks or patents where appropriate - helps enforce rights and supports commercial deals.

How does GDPR affect my SaaS product offered from Elliniko?

If your SaaS processes personal data of EU residents, GDPR applies. You must have a lawful basis for processing, implement appropriate security measures, provide required privacy notices, record processing activities, put in place data processing agreements with subprocessors, and follow breach notification and data subject rights procedures. You may also need to appoint a data protection officer if thresholds are met.

Who owns the source code when I hire a developer to build custom software?

Ownership depends on the contract. Without a clear written agreement, ownership may remain with the developer as the author. Contracts should explicitly address IP assignment, moral rights waivers where possible, deliverables, escrow arrangements for source code, and payment milestones to avoid later disputes.

Can I limit liability in my technology contract?

Yes, parties commonly limit liability by capping damages, excluding certain categories of indirect damages and setting warranties. However, limitations cannot override mandatory consumer protections and may be restricted under competition or public procurement rules. Courts may refuse to enforce unconscionable or unfair clauses.

What should a data processing agreement include?

A data processing agreement should specify the subject matter and duration of processing, categories of personal data and data subjects, processor obligations including security measures, instructions from the controller, subprocessors, international transfers, assistance with data subject requests, breach notification procedures and audits, and deletion or return of data at termination.

Are open-source licences a problem for commercial products?

Open-source software can provide cost and development advantages, but licence terms vary. Some licences require source code disclosure when distributed, others impose fewer obligations. You need to identify open-source components, ensure compliance with their licences, and confirm licence compatibility with your business model to avoid contamination of proprietary code.

How do I handle cross-border disputes in a technology transaction?

Include clear clauses on governing law, jurisdiction and dispute resolution. Many tech contracts prefer arbitration or mediation for confidentiality and speed. If litigation is needed, be aware that enforcing foreign judgments may require local procedures. Consult a lawyer about enforceability and practical enforcement in Greece and other relevant jurisdictions.

What are common pitfalls in cloud contracts?

Common pitfalls include vague service level agreements, unclear data location and transfer terms, inadequate backup and exit provisions, lack of audit rights, insufficient security commitments, and no clear allocation of liability for outages or data breaches. Negotiate clear SLAs, data ownership, termination and transition support, and security obligations.

Do public procurement rules affect technology vendors in Elliniko?

Yes. If you supply the public sector, procurement law and tender documents impose specific rules on bidding, evaluation, and contract performance. Requirements may cover technical specifications, documentation, qualifications, and data handling. Familiarize yourself with the procurement rules that apply to the contract you seek to win.

What should I bring to a first meeting with a technology transactions lawyer?

Bring the draft or signed contract, correspondence with the counterparty, technical specifications, product roadmaps, list of third-party software components or open-source libraries, any IP registrations, incident or breach reports if relevant, company organizational documents, and a clear statement of commercial goals and deadlines. Providing this information allows the lawyer to assess risks and propose practical solutions.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Data Protection Authority - the national regulator that oversees data protection compliance and enforces GDPR-related matters in Greece.

Hellenic Industrial Property Organization - the authority responsible for patents, trademarks and industrial designs in Greece.

Ministry of Digital Governance - responsible for national digital policy, public sector IT and cybersecurity initiatives.

Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission - the sector regulator for telecoms and related services in Greece.

Hellenic Competition Commission - national authority enforcing competition and antitrust law that can affect licensing and distribution agreements.

National cybersecurity authority and national computer emergency response team - authorities and services that provide guidance and incident reporting channels for cybersecurity events.

Greek public procurement portals and the competent procurement bodies - for businesses that bid on government technology tenders and need procurement rules and tender documentation.

Industry associations, technology clusters and local incubators in the Athens metropolitan area - useful for networking, business guidance and finding technical partners or advisors.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with a technology transaction in Elliniko, consider the following practical steps:

- Identify the legal issues - make a short list of the most pressing legal and business risks, such as data protection, IP ownership, service levels, liability or export controls.

- Choose the right lawyer or firm - look for lawyers with specific experience in technology transactions, data protection and intellectual property. Ask about local court and regulatory experience, language skills, and past similar deals.

- Prepare for the first meeting - gather contracts, technical documentation, third-party licence lists and any correspondence. Prepare clear commercial objectives and a budget range.

- Ask about fees and engagement terms - confirm whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a fixed fee for defined work, or a project fee. Clarify billing practices, estimates for work and any retainer requirements.

- Consider risk allocation and remedies - before signing, negotiate clear provisions on IP ownership, service levels, security, breach notification, liabilities and dispute resolution.

- Plan for compliance - if the transaction involves personal data or regulated services, ensure compliance steps are budgeted and built into the project timeline.

- Keep communications documented - maintain written records of key decisions, approvals and change requests during technical development and implementation.

If you are uncertain about which steps to take, a short initial consultation with a technology transactions lawyer in the Athens area can clarify priorities and provide a practical roadmap tailored to your situation.