Industrial Designs Law in Greece
Here’s an overview of Industrial Designs Law in Greece:
🇬🇷 Industrial Designs Law in Greece
1. Legal Framework
Industrial designs in Greece are governed by Law 4072/2012, which implements the European Community Design Regulation (CDR) and aligns with the Hague Agreement on International Registration of Industrial Designs.
The law is administered by the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization (OBI).
Greece is a member of the European Union (EU) and participates in the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) system.
Greece is also a party to international treaties including:
Paris Convention
Hague Agreement
TRIPS Agreement
2. Definition of Industrial Design
An industrial design protects the appearance of a product or part of a product, which results from features such as lines, contours, colors, shape, texture, materials, or ornamentation.
It must be new and have individual character.
3. Registration Process
Industrial designs can be registered either:
Nationally with the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization (OBI)
Or as a Community design via the EUIPO, which grants protection throughout the EU including Greece.
Applications must include:
Clear visual representations of the design (drawings, photographs, or digital images).
OBI conducts a formal examination; substantive examination is limited.
Designs are published for opposition.
4. Duration and Renewal
Registered designs are protected for an initial period of 5 years from the filing date.
Protection can be renewed in 5-year increments up to a maximum of 25 years.
5. Rights Conferred
Exclusive rights to use the design and prevent unauthorized copying or imitation.
Rights extend to making, selling, importing, or using products bearing the design.
Rights can be licensed or assigned.
6. Grounds for Refusal
Lack of novelty or individual character.
Designs dictated solely by technical function.
Designs contrary to public order or morality.
7. International Treaties
Greece, as an EU member, benefits from:
Community Design Protection through the EUIPO (both registered and unregistered designs).
Hague Agreement for international registrations designating Greece.
Paris Convention and TRIPS obligations.
Additional Notes:
Greece benefits from both national and EU-wide design protections.
Unregistered Community designs offer short-term protection (3 years).
Enforcement is available through national courts or EU mechanisms.
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