By Dimitrios Kouzelis, Intellex
In today’s global marketplace, trademarks serve as invaluable assets for businesses, distinguishing their products and services from competitors. In Greece, as in many other countries, protecting your brand through trademark registration is crucial. Understanding the process and requirements for trademark registration in Greece is essential for businesses looking to establish a strong presence in the market. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the trademark registration process in Greece, including what can be registered, reasons for refusal, the registration process in detail, required documents, opposition procedures, costs involved, and the importance of trademark registration in the Greek market.
Contents
1. What Can be Registered as a Trademark in Greece?
2. Reasons for Refusal of a Trademark Application in Greece
3. The Trademark Registration Process in Greece
4. Documents Required for Trademark Registration in Greece
5. Trademark Opposition Process in Greece
7. Why File a Trademark in Greece?
1. What Can be Registered as a Trademark in Greece?
In Greece, trademarks can include any sign capable of being represented graphically, such as words, names, designs, letters, numerals, colors, slogans,a combination of these elements, or acoustic trademarks that can distinguish the goods or services of one undertaking from those of others.
2. Reasons for Refusal of a Trademark Application in Greece
Trademark applications in Greece may be refused for several reasons – there are absolute and relative grounds for refusal – including if the trademark lacks distinctiveness, is descriptive, generic, deceptive, or against public policy or morality. Additionally, trademarks that conflict with existing registered trademarks or violate the rights of third parties may also face refusal.
3. The Trademark Registration Process in Greece
The trademark registration process in Greece involves several steps, outlined below:
Step 1: Application Submission
The process begins with the submission of an application to the Greek Industrial Property Organization (OBI), which is responsible for trademark registration. The application should include the details of the applicant, a representation of the trademark, and a list of the goods or services the trademark will cover. The signs to be protected are uploaded digitally and the archive should follow the guidelines set out by the OBI. Conduct a free search through our AI trademark search tool.
Step 2: Examination
Once the application is submitted, it undergoes examination by the OBI to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to verify the distinctiveness of the mark. The examination may also involve a search of existing trademarks to identify potential conflicts.
Step 3: Publication
If the application meets all requirements and passes the examination, it proceeds to publication in the Official Bulletin. Publication serves to notify the public of the pending trademark application and provides an opportunity for third parties to oppose the registration if they believe it conflicts with their existing rights.
After publication, there is a three-month opposition period during which third parties can oppose the registration of the trademark. Oppositions must be filed with the OBI and state the grounds for opposition, such as prior rights or lack of distinctiveness.
Step 5: Registration
If no oppositions are filed during the opposition period or if oppositions are unsuccessful, the trademark proceeds to registration. The registration process involves the issuance of a registration certificate by the OBI, confirming the registration of the trademark. Check how to register a trademark in Bulgaria.
4. Documents Required for Trademark Registration in Greece
When applying to register a trademark in Greece, the following documents are typically required:
- Completed application form
- Representation of the trademark
- List of goods or services covered by the trademark
- Power of attorney (if filing through a representative)
- Priority document (if claiming priority)
5. Trademark Opposition Process in Greece
During the opposition period, third parties can oppose the registration of a trademark if they believe it conflicts with their existing rights. Oppositions must be filed with the OBI and state the grounds for opposition, such as prior rights or lack of distinctiveness. The OBI will consider the opposition and may request further evidence or arguments from both parties before making a decision.
6. Trademark Costs in Greece
The exact cost varies depending on factors such as the number of classes of goods or services covered by the trademark and whether priority is claimed.
| Professional fee for one class | €65 |
| Government fee for one class | €100 |
| Professional fee for each additional class | €10 |
| Government fee for each additional class | €20 |
The trademark registration cost in Greece via the iPNOTE platform starts from as low as $180, which includes all government fees and document preparation. Find the best IP attorney in Greece on iPNOTE
7. Why File a Trademark in Greece?
Filing a trademark in Greece would avoid the high costs of filing a TM in the EUIPO, especially if the market you are aiming at is not the whole area covered by a European TM. You will also add an immaterial asset that will help you protect your business before the Greek courts in case of infringement. Usually, multinational companies as well as start-ups choose to protect all their products or services in Greece, by filing national TMs, regardless of the parallel existence of international ones.
8. Conclusion
Trademark registration in Greece is a vital step for businesses looking to protect their brands and establish a strong presence in the market. By understanding the trademark registration process in detail, including what can be registered, reasons for refusal, required documents, opposition procedures, and costs involved, businesses can navigate the process effectively and safeguard their intellectual property rights. With a registered trademark in Greece, businesses can confidently promote their products and services, knowing that their brand is protected under the law.
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