Trademark Registration Greece & EU

Every year, thousands of trademark applications are filed in Greece. In many cases, third parties attempt to register a name that is already being used by another business which simply neglected or postponed registering it first.

If your business name, logo, or slogan is not registered, it does not legally belong to you. It belongs to whoever registers it first.

Entec Consultants handles trademark registration in Greece and the European Union with speed, transparency, and a straightforward process. No complex legal jargon. No endless waiting for appointments. No hidden costs.

What is a Trademark & Why is it Essential?
A trademark is any distinctive sign that distinguishes your business's products or services from those of your competitors. It can be a name, a logo, a color combination, a slogan, or even a distinctive sound or packaging shape. Once registered, it grants you the exclusive right to use it within the specific classes of goods and services you have declared. No one else can legally use it for a similar business activity within the geographic region where it is protected.

Why You Need to Register Your Trademark Today?

The most common phrase we hear from business owners is: “I’ve had it in the back of my mind for a couple of years,” followed closely by: “I just saw a competitor using a variation of my name.” In Greece, the European Union, and most jurisdictions worldwide, the intellectual property system operates on a "First to File" principle. It does not matter who used the name first; what matters is who submitted it to the registry first.

Core Benefits of Immediate Registration:

Legal protection against infringement: With a registered trademark, removing infringing content is immediate, and your legal standing is indisputable.
Brand value as an asset: A trademark is an intangible asset that goes onto your company’s balance sheet, increasing its valuation for future funding, partnerships, or sale.
Prerequisite for grants and EU funds: Many development and subsidy programs (such as ESPA) reward or strictly require a registered trademark.
Platform Brand Protection: Major digital platforms like Amazon, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), and Google Ads allow the swift removal of counterfeit accounts or copycat ads only if you possess an official trademark registration.
Expansion and Franchising: You cannot enter into a franchise or distribution agreement using a brand name that you do not legally own.

What Can Be Registered & The Importance of Classes

Business owners often underestimate the scope of what can be legally protected:

Word Mark: The name of the business or product (letters/words only, without graphic design).

Figurative Mark: The visual artwork or logo.

Combined Mark: Name and logo integrated into a specific design.

Slogan: Provided it possesses a sufficiently distinctive character.

Other Marks: 3D shapes (such as unique packaging), specific color shades, or sound marks (jingles).

Τhe Nice Classification (45 Classes)

Trademarks are always registered under specific categories of goods and services based on the international Nice Classification. If you register your name under the restaurant class, a third party might legally register the exact same name under the clothing class if you haven't secured it. Entec Consultants ensures the right classes are selected from day one, saving you from duplicate filings and unnecessary costs.

The Step-by-Step Registration Process with Entec
We handle all the bureaucracy and paperwork, keeping you informed at every milestone:

Step 1 Preliminary Availability Search: We conduct a thorough search in Greek and EU registries to ensure no identical or confusingly similar mark exists. This minimizes the risk of rejection and loss of filing fees.

Step 2 Class Optimization Strategy: We select the classes that cover your current operations and your projected 2-to-3-year business expansion.

Step 3 Drafting & Filing the Application: We submit your file electronically. You will receive your official filing date, application number, and copies within the first week.

Step 4 Publication & Opposition Period: The trademark is published, triggering a statutory 3-month opposition period (same for both Greece and the EU) during which third parties can raise objections.

Step 5 Registration & Certification: If no oppositions are filed, the official registration certificate is issued. The total timeline is 4–6 months for Greece and 4–5 months for the EU. Note: Your protection is retroactive, dating back to your original filing day!

Step 6 Continuous Monitoring (Optional): We monitor the registries for you so that if a competitor attempts to register a similar mark in the future, we can file an opposition immediately.

Duration of Protection: Your trademark is protected for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely every decade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I have registered my company name with the Greek Commercial Registry (G.E.MI.). Am I protected?

No. A G.E.MI. registration protects your corporate legal entity name. A trademark protects your brand identity (name, logo) for the products or services you sell in the market. They are two entirely separate legal processes.

How much does trademark registration cost?

he total cost consists of the official government or EUIPO fees plus the service fee of Entec Consultants. The exact amount depends on the geographical coverage (Greece or EU) and the number of classes. You will receive a fully transparent, tailored quote during your free consultation.

Do I strictly need a lawyer to file a trademark?

No, filings can be handled directly by business consultants. Entec Consultants manages the entire application process. In the rare event of complex legal disputes or official oppositions, we work alongside our trusted network of specialized IP attorneys.

Can I protect my trademark outside the European Union?

Yes. Through the Madrid System (WIPO), we can extend your protection to countries like the US, the UK, China, and dozens of others, using your Greek or EU application as a baseline.

Can I sell or rent out my trademark?

Yes. A trademark is a transferable corporate asset. It can be sold (assignment), licensed out for royalties (licensing/franchising), or passed on through inheritance.