Full Guide to Registration and Protection
The Trademark Office of Greece, operating under the supervision of Industrial Property Organisation (OBI), is the official body that manages the registration and protection of trademarks in the country. Η trademark registration is a key step to protect the business identity and prevent copying or illegal use by third parties.
In this guide, we will analyse what the Greek Trademark Office is, how it works and how you can register your trademark effectively.
What is the Trademark Office of Greece?;
The Trademark Office is the part of the Industrial Property Organisation (OBI) which is responsible for:
- The registration of trademarks and the management of the relevant applications.
- The examination and approval of applications trademark registration.
- The protection of already registered trade marks, allowing objections or lawsuits to be lodged in cases of infringement.
- The management of signal renewal, as the registration is valid for 10 years renewable.
Why register a trademark in Greece?;
The registration of a trademark through the OBI offers significant benefits:
- Legal protection within Greece and exclusive rights to use the mark.
- Possibility of legal action in the event of a breach of the mark.
- Strengthening branding and consumer confidence to the company.
- Preventing confusion in the market, ensuring that your brand remains unique.
Trademark registration procedure through the Trademark Office of Greece
1. Search for availability of the signal
Before filing the application, it is important to check whether your trademark is available and has not already been registered.
The search is done through the OBI database, preventing potential legal conflicts.
2. Selection of protection classes
Your trademark must be registered in the correct classes of goods and services, according to the International Classification of Nice.
3. Submit an application to the OBI
The application shall be lodged Online through the platform of OBI and includes:
- On description of the mark (word, logo, composite mark).
- The categories of products or services you want to protect.
- The details of the applicant (natural or legal person).
4. Examination by the competent authorities and objection period
The Trademark Office examines the application to determine whether the mark meets the legal requirements. If there are no legal impediments, the mark is published and a copy of the application is provided. objection interval where third parties may object to its registration.
5. Issue of a trademark certificate
If there are no objections or if they are rejected, the decision shall be adopted. trademark certificate, which applies to 10 years and may be renewed indefinitely.
International trademark protection through the OBI
If your business operates outside Greece, you can also protect your trademark internationally through the OVI, using the following options:
- European Trademark (EUTM - EUIPO): Provides protection in all EU countries.
- International Trademark (WIPO - Madrid System): Allows registration in 120+ countries with a single application.
- Registration in individual countries, if additional protection is needed in specific markets.
Ways to protect your trademark after registration
Registration is the first step, but to ensure that your trademark is protected, you need to:
- Track the market for possible violations.
- Submit an objection if someone attempts to register a similar mark.
- Renew your badge every 10 years.
- Take legal action if third parties use your mark without permission.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not search availability, with the result that your trademark cannot be registered.
- You are not selecting the correct classes of protection, limiting the validity of the registration.
- You do not track the market, allowing competitors to use your brand.
- You are not protecting the mark internationally, if you intend to expand your business outside Greece.
- You do not renew the registration, leading to a loss of your rights.
What DARC Advertising can do for your business
Η DARC Advertising specialises in the trademark registration process and can guide you through the process of national, European and international level. From the availability survey until issue of the certificate, we ensure that your brand is effectively protected.
