Best Technology Transactions Lawyers in Thivais

About Technology Transactions Law in Thivais, Greece

Technology transactions cover the contracts and compliance issues that arise when businesses develop, buy, sell, license, or integrate technology. In Thivais, Greece, this commonly includes software licensing, SaaS and cloud services, IT outsourcing, hardware procurement, research and development collaborations, data sharing, and the transfer or commercialization of intellectual property. Local companies in Boeotia often work with vendors and counterparties based in Athens or across the European Union, which means both Greek civil law and EU regulations shape how these deals are structured. Because technology often crosses borders, issues like data protection, export controls, tax on royalties, and choice of law are frequent components of negotiations.

Greece is a civil law jurisdiction with comprehensive statutes on copyright, patents, trademarks, consumer protection, privacy and electronic communications. Technology agreements are typically bilingual Greek-English when foreign parties are involved, and electronic contracting is widely used under the EU eIDAS framework. Disputes with a strong intellectual property component are commonly heard by specialized courts in Athens, while general commercial disputes connected to Thivais may be brought before local courts in Boeotia or resolved through arbitration.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Technology deals seem straightforward at first glance but hide complex legal risks. A lawyer helps identify and allocate those risks so that you do not pay for problems later. You may need counsel if you are licensing software, building a SaaS product, contracting for custom development, outsourcing IT operations, or integrating cloud services with regulated data. Legal advice is also important when you commercialize a patent, negotiate a university or research collaboration, or transfer know-how and trade secrets to a distributor or joint venture partner.

Common triggers for legal help include drafting or reviewing master service agreements and software licenses, setting data protection terms for personal data under GDPR, negotiating service levels and penalties for downtime, defining ownership of custom code and deliverables, and handling open-source license obligations. Cross-border transactions require additional work on export controls, international data transfers, tax on royalties and services, and enforceability of electronic signatures. If something goes wrong, counsel can advise on termination, step-in rights, escrow of source code, evidence preservation, and the most efficient forum for dispute resolution.

Local Laws Overview

Contract law and civil code. Greek contracts are governed by the Civil Code, which recognizes freedom of contract subject to good faith and fairness. Consumer-facing terms are scrutinized under Greek consumer protection law, and unfair terms can be void. B2B parties have greater flexibility but should draft clearly, especially around limitations of liability and indemnities.

Intellectual property. Copyright in Greece is governed primarily by Law 2121-1993 as amended. Software is protected as a literary work and databases may also be protected. Decompilation and interoperability exceptions follow EU law. Patents and utility models are handled by the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization, and employee inventions are addressed under Greek patent legislation. Greek trademark protection is available through the national system and through EU trademarks. Trade names and domain names can also be protected, with .gr domain administration overseen by the national regulator.

Employee and contractor IP. As a baseline, employers generally acquire economic rights in software created by employees in the course of their duties, while authors retain moral rights. For inventions and non-software works, default rules differ. Independent contractors retain IP unless there is a written assignment or license. Clear written terms are essential to ensure the business receives the rights it needs.

Trade secrets. Greece has implemented the EU Trade Secrets Directive. Protection depends on maintaining secrecy and reasonable measures such as NDAs, access controls, and clear confidentiality clauses. Contracts should define confidential information, permitted use, and the duration of obligations.

Data protection and e-privacy. GDPR applies alongside Greek implementing legislation and national e-privacy rules for cookies and electronic communications. Controllers and processors must have a lawful basis for processing, adopt data processing agreements, and comply with cross-border transfer rules. High-risk processing may require a data protection impact assessment. The Hellenic Data Protection Authority supervises compliance and can impose significant fines.

Electronic signatures and e-contracting. The EU eIDAS Regulation applies in Greece. Qualified electronic signatures have the same legal effect as handwritten signatures. Advanced and simple electronic signatures are generally admissible, with weight depending on context and evidence. Electronic contracting and platform liability are addressed by EU e-commerce rules implemented in Greece.

Consumer and platform rules. If you sell to consumers, Greek consumer protection law applies, including clear information duties, withdrawal rights for distance contracts, warranty rules, and restrictions on unfair terms. Platform providers should consider liability for user content, notice and takedown mechanisms, and transparency obligations.

Competition and restrictive covenants. Exclusivity, MFN clauses, and non-compete provisions must comply with Greek and EU competition rules. Agreements that restrict competition or facilitate abuse of dominance can be unenforceable and lead to fines.

Public procurement. Technology suppliers to Greek public bodies typically contract under Law 4412-2016 with procedures conducted via the national e-procurement platform. Terms on IP, data, and service levels can be more prescriptive than in private contracts.

Telecoms and domain names. Certain services, like connectivity or numbering resources, are regulated by the national telecoms authority. .gr and .ελ domain registrations and transfers must follow national policies. Agreements for domain transfers or resale should align with those rules.

Tax considerations. Payments for licenses and services may attract VAT and, in cross-border cases, withholding tax on royalties. Relief may be available under double tax treaties or EU directives subject to conditions. Proper characterization of payments as royalties, services, or sale of goods matters for tax outcomes.

Export controls and sanctions. Some software, encryption, and high-performance computing components are subject to EU dual-use controls. Transfers outside the EU can require licensing. Sanctions screening is essential for counterparties and end uses.

Dispute resolution. Greek courts recognize arbitration agreements and foreign arbitral awards under the New York Convention. Greece has modern arbitration legislation aligned with the UNCITRAL Model Law. Many technology contracts choose arbitration or the specialized IP courts in Athens for disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a technology transaction in Greek practice?

It is any deal to develop, acquire, license, integrate, or commercialize technology, including software licenses, SaaS subscriptions, hardware and maintenance, IT outsourcing, data sharing, research collaborations, and transfers of know-how, patents, or trademarks. It also covers ancillary documents like service level agreements, data processing agreements, escrow, and support and maintenance terms.

Are electronic signatures valid on tech contracts in Greece?

Yes. Under eIDAS, a qualified electronic signature is legally equivalent to a handwritten signature. Advanced and simple electronic signatures are generally valid if the parties agree and there is sufficient evidence of intent and attribution. For high-value or high-risk transactions, parties often prefer qualified signatures or a wet-ink fallback.

Who owns IP created by employees or contractors?

For employees, economic rights in software created within employment duties typically vest in the employer, with the author retaining moral rights. For other works or inventions, special rules may apply. For independent contractors, rights usually remain with the contractor unless expressly assigned or licensed in writing. Always include a clear assignment, license, and waiver of moral rights to the extent allowed by Greek law.

How do we handle personal data in SaaS or cloud deals?

Identify roles under GDPR, then sign a data processing agreement if one party is a processor. Define subject matter, duration, categories of data, security measures, subprocessor approvals, audit rights, breach notification, and deletion or return of data at termination. If data leaves the EEA, use an appropriate transfer tool such as standard contractual clauses and conduct a transfer impact assessment.

Do software licenses or assignments need to be registered?

Copyright arises automatically without registration. You do not need to register software licenses for validity. Patent or trademark assignments and licenses may be recorded with the relevant offices to be effective against third parties and for clarity toward licensees, successors, or lenders. Recording can also be useful for enforcement.

What about open-source software in deliverables?

Open-source components can impose obligations such as attribution, disclosure of source code, or license compatibility. Contracts should require a software bill of materials, set policies for license selection and approval, and allocate responsibility for compliance and remediation. Prohibitions on copyleft in core modules are common where proprietary licensing is planned.

Can we use English law and jurisdiction?

Many cross-border technology deals use English law or another neutral law. Greek courts will generally respect valid choice-of-law and jurisdiction clauses, subject to mandatory Greek and EU consumer and competition protections. For public sector contracts and certain local transactions, Greek law and forums may be mandatory. Arbitration seated in Athens or another European city is also common.

How are service levels and liability handled?

Service level agreements should set clear uptime targets, maintenance windows, credits, and exclusions. Greek law permits limitation and exclusion of liability in B2B contracts, but clauses must be clear and cannot exclude liability for intent or gross negligence. In consumer contracts, limitations are more restricted and unfair terms can be void.

Are there taxes on royalty or license payments?

Royalties and certain license fees can be subject to withholding tax when paid cross-border, with possible reductions under double tax treaties or EU directives if conditions are met. VAT treatment depends on the place of supply and the nature of the service. Proper characterization and documentation are important. A tax advisor should confirm rates and exemptions for your specific structure.

Where are disputes heard for Thivais-based deals?

Commercial disputes connected to Thivais may be brought before the competent courts in Boeotia. IP-heavy disputes and injunctions are often handled by specialized courts in Athens. Many contracts provide for arbitration to ensure speed and confidentiality. Forum and language clauses should be agreed upfront.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Data Protection Authority, for guidance and enforcement on GDPR and e-privacy. Hellenic Industrial Property Organization, for patents and utility models. Hellenic Copyright Organization, for copyright policy and collective management. Hellenic Competition Commission, for antitrust matters. Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission, for telecoms, .gr domains, and spectrum. General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumer Protection, including the national trademarks directorate. Bank of Greece, for payment services and electronic money licensing. Hellenic Single Public Procurement Authority and the national e-procurement platform, for public sector technology tenders. Chamber of Boeotia, which can direct local businesses to support programs and professional services. Ministry of Digital Governance, for e-signatures, trust services, and digital policy.

Next Steps

Map your deal. List what you are buying or selling, the data involved, where services will be provided, and who needs to own what IP at the end. Identify any regulated elements such as personal data, encryption, communications, or consumer sales.

Assemble your documents. Gather existing contracts, privacy notices, security policies, prior assignments, and any open-source inventories. This shortens the legal review and avoids gaps.

Engage a lawyer early. Ask for a contract package tailored to your model, which usually includes a master agreement, order forms, service level agreement, data processing agreement, support terms, and IP assignment or license clauses. For public sector sales, request templates aligned with Greek procurement rules.

Decide on signatures and forum. Choose qualified e-signatures for critical agreements, and agree on governing law and dispute forum before negotiations become contentious. Consider arbitration for speed and enforceability.

Plan compliance. Confirm GDPR roles, security standards, export control needs, and tax treatment. Build these into the contract so compliance is not an afterthought.

Negotiate and finalize. Validate scope, acceptance criteria, and remedies. Align limitation of liability with insurance coverage, and ensure exit terms cover data return or deletion, transition assistance, and escrow if needed.

If you need legal assistance now, prepare a short summary of your project, counterparties, contract status, and timelines, then contact a lawyer with experience in technology transactions in Greece to obtain a focused review and a negotiation plan.