Registering a trademark is a critical step in protecting a company’s corporate identity, as well as the products or services it offers. In Greece, this process is carried out through the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization (OBI), while at the level of the European Union, the relevant authority is the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
In Greece, the OBI manages industrial property rights, including national trademarks. Before submitting an application, it is advisable to conduct a trademark availability search to identify any potential conflict with pre-existing, similar or identical trademarks. Applications may be submitted either electronically or in paper form and must include the applicant’s details, the trademark itself (whether verbal, figurative, or composite), and the classification of goods/services under the Nice Classification. The OBI examines the application for compliance with formal requirements and absolute grounds for refusal. If these requirements are met, the trademark is published, allowing third parties to file oppositions. Provided there are no obstacles, the trademark is registered and is protected for ten years, with the option to renew it for successive ten-year periods.
At the European level, registering a trademark through the EUIPO provides unified protection across all EU Member States. Thus, with a single application (EU Trademark – EUTM), applicants can avoid filing separate applications in each country. The application process is carried out electronically via the EUIPO platform, where selecting the correct classes is particularly important, as this determines the scope of protection. Once the application is filed, the EUIPO conducts an examination for any formal errors and for obvious grounds for refusal (e.g., descriptiveness). If the application passes this stage, it is published, giving third-party right holders the opportunity to file oppositions if they believe their prior rights are being infringed. If there are no successful oppositions or other barriers, the trademark is registered and is protected for ten years, with a ten-year renewal option in all EU Member States.
Choosing between national or European registration depends on the geographic scope of the company’s business activities and the corresponding budget. An experienced attorney or industrial property consultant can be invaluable in carrying out a preliminary search for existing trademarks, selecting and defining the correct product and service classes, and addressing any oppositions or objections that may arise. Successfully registering a trademark, whether at the national or European level, ensures the uniqueness and recognizability of your company and allows for the uninterrupted growth of your brand in its target market.
At Ratio Legal Services, we provide comprehensive legal services and guidance, ensuring that each stage of the registration process is carried out smoothly and effectively. In doing so, we make sure that your company and its trademark receive full protection, allowing you to focus on commercial expansion and business development.
