How to Enforce Trademark Rights in Greece (2026): Injunctions, Customs, Criminal Complaints & Damages

Knowing how to enforce trademark rights in Greece is the difference between a registered mark that deters infringers and one that exists only on paper. Greece’s principal trademark statute, Law 4679/2020, which transposed EU Directive 2015/2436, equips rights holders with four distinct enforcement levers: preliminary injunctions through the civil courts, customs seizures coordinated with the Hellenic Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) under EU Regulation 608/2013, criminal complaints for counterfeiting offences, and full civil proceedings for damages and permanent relief. This guide assembles those four pathways into a single, actionable playbook for in-house counsel and brand-protection teams operating in or importing into the Greek market in 2026.

Last updated: 8 June 2026. This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult qualified Greek IP counsel before taking enforcement action.

How to Enforce Trademark Rights in Greece, Immediate Steps and Remedy Selection

When trademark infringement is discovered, the first 48–72 hours define the strength of every subsequent legal action. Before deciding on a specific remedy, rights holders should follow a three-step decision framework:

1. Preserve evidence and send a cease-and-desist letter. Secure physical samples, screenshot online listings with timestamps, and document the chain of custody. A formal cease-and-desist puts the infringer on notice and may resolve straightforward disputes without litigation.
2. Evaluate whether a preliminary injunction and/or customs recordal is needed. If goods are entering Greek ports or airports, file an AADE customs application for action under Regulation 608/2013. If the infringement is causing immediate, ongoing harm in the domestic market, apply for a preliminary injunction in the competent civil court.
3. Consider a parallel criminal complaint where counterfeiting or commercial-scale fraud is involved. Criminal enforcement under Law 4679/2020 adds deterrence and can lead to police-led seizures, but it operates on longer timescales. It is most effective when run in parallel with civil measures.

The sections below expand each lever with statutory references, evidence checklists, realistic timelines and practical coordination advice.

Quick Action Checklist, First 48–72 Hours

Use this checklist as the starting template when infringement is first identified. Every item supports at least one of the four enforcement routes:

1. Collect and preserve physical samples of infringing goods (maintain chain of custody records).
2. Capture screenshots of online marketplace listings, social-media advertisements and e-commerce pages, include URLs, timestamps and seller details.
3. Compile certified copies of the trademark registration certificate (Greek national, EU or international designating Greece).
4. Gather sales data and financial records demonstrating the mark’s commercial use in Greece.
5. Prepare a power of attorney (notarised and, where required, apostilled) for Greek legal counsel.
6. Instruct Greek counsel to draft the preliminary injunction petition and supporting affidavit.
7. If infringing goods are imported, prepare the AADE customs application for action (including product images, consignment intelligence and authorised-distributor lists).
8. Draft a cease-and-desist letter citing Law 4679/2020 and specifying a short compliance deadline.
9. Where counterfeiting is suspected, prepare a criminal complaint template with an evidence index for the police or public prosecutor.
10. Appoint a local investigator or process server if on-the-ground market surveillance or test purchases are needed.

Legal Basis, Law 4679/2020 and Key Provisions

Law 4679/2020, as published by the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization (OBI), is the primary Greek statute governing trademark registration, rights and enforcement. It replaced earlier legislation and brought Greek law into alignment with EU Directive 2015/2436 on the approximation of trademark laws. For brand owners seeking to enforce trademark rights in Greece, the following provisions are central:

Greece also has a robust copyright framework (Law 2121/1993 and amendments), but this article focuses exclusively on trademark enforcement. Rights holders with broader IP portfolios should note that copyright and design-right claims can be pursued in parallel where applicable.

Preliminary Injunctions for Trademark Infringement in Greece, When, How and What Evidence You Need

A preliminary injunction is the fastest court-based remedy available to stop trademark infringement in Greece. Greek civil courts routinely grant interim relief where the applicant demonstrates urgency, a prima facie valid trademark right and a risk of irreparable harm if the infringement continues pending a full trial.

Filing Mechanics and Court Fees

Jurisdiction for a preliminary injunction in Greece trademark cases lies with the Single-Member Court of First Instance at the place of the infringement or the defendant’s domicile. The procedure is governed by Articles 682–703 of the Greek Code of Civil Procedure, read together with Articles 41–46 of Law 4679/2020. Court fees are relatively modest compared to other EU jurisdictions, but the applicant should budget for attorney fees, translation costs (if evidence is in a foreign language) and any court-imposed security deposit or bond.

Evidence Pack, What to Prepare

The strength of a preliminary injunction application rests entirely on the evidence filed. The following items form the standard evidence bundle for a preliminary injunction in a Greece trademark dispute:

• Certified trademark registration certificate. Greek national registration, EUIPO registration or international registration designating Greece, together with proof of renewal and current validity.
• Affidavit of the rights holder or authorised representative. Sets out the factual basis: when infringement was discovered, nature and scale of infringing activity, evidence of consumer confusion and commercial harm.
• Physical samples or photographs of infringing goods. Side-by-side comparison with genuine products.
• Market evidence. Screenshots of online sales platforms, invoices, customs records, advertising material and test-purchase receipts.
• Evidence of urgency. Demonstrates ongoing or imminent harm, seasonal goods, upcoming trade fairs, rapidly expanding distribution.
• Financial impact data. Lost sales, diverted turnover, price erosion or reputational damage metrics.

Hearing Format, Ex Parte vs. Inter Partes

Greek courts can grant preliminary injunctions on an ex parte basis (without hearing the defendant) where exceptional urgency exists, for example, when counterfeit goods are about to be distributed at a major event or when the infringer may destroy evidence if notified. In most cases, however, the court schedules a short inter partes hearing where both sides present submissions. Industry observers report that ex parte orders, while available, require particularly compelling evidence of imminent, irreparable harm.

Typical Timelines

Early indications from recent court practice suggest that the timeline from filing to first order ranges as follows:

If granted, the order typically requires the infringer to cease use of the mark immediately, may order seizure of infringing goods, and remains in force until the main trial is decided or a revocation hearing succeeds.

Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights, AADE Action Under Regulation 608/2013

For brand owners whose products are imported into Greece or transit through Greek ports, customs enforcement is one of the most cost-effective tools available. EU Regulation 608/2013 creates a harmonised framework under which trademark owners can request customs authorities to detain goods suspected of infringing intellectual property rights. In Greece, the competent authority is the AADE, the Hellenic Independent Authority for Public Revenue.

How to File an AADE Customs IPR Application

The AADE customs IPR application is the formal request that triggers border enforcement. Rights holders should follow these steps:

1. Prepare the application form. The form (available through the AADE portal) must identify the rights holder, the trademark registration details, a description of genuine goods and the characteristics that distinguish them from counterfeits.
2. Attach supporting evidence. Include certified copies of the trademark registration, photographs of genuine and suspect goods, known shipping routes, importer names, container numbers and any intelligence about expected consignments.
3. Provide a power of attorney. If filing through a representative, a notarised power of attorney authorising the representative to act on behalf of the rights holder before Greek customs.
4. Submit to AADE. The application can be filed directly with the AADE central customs office or with the specific customs post where suspect goods are expected.
5. Await the decision. Under Regulation 608/2013, customs authorities must act on the application within 30 working days. Once approved, the recordal is valid for one year and renewable.

What Happens After Detention

When customs officers detain goods, the rights holder is notified and typically has 10 working days (or 3 working days for perishable goods) to confirm whether the goods are infringing and to initiate court proceedings or reach an agreement with the importer for destruction. If no proceedings are initiated within the statutory window, the goods must be released. Industry observers note that coordinating the customs detention with a pre-prepared preliminary injunction petition substantially reduces the risk of goods being released due to procedural delays.

AADE Evidence Checklist

• Trademark registration certificate (certified copy, with Greek or English translation).
• Product description and images of genuine goods showing key identifying features (logos, labels, serial numbers, packaging details).
• Counterfeit indicators, photographs, samples or descriptions showing how counterfeits typically differ from genuine products.
• Import intelligence, known shipping routes, ports of origin, container numbers, importer/exporter names.
• Authorised distributor list, names and addresses of legitimate importers and distributors in Greece.
• Contact details for expedited communication, 24/7 contact person to facilitate rapid verification during customs inspections.

Criminal Complaints and Counterfeiting Prosecutions Under Law 4679/2020

Where trademark infringement involves deliberate counterfeiting or commercial-scale fraud, criminal enforcement adds a powerful deterrent. Articles 47–48 of Law 4679/2020 establish criminal offences for the unauthorised use of a registered trademark, with aggravated provisions for counterfeiting that occurs on a commercial scale or involves organised distribution networks.

Trademark Infringement Penalties in Greece

The criminal penalties under Law 4679/2020 include fines and imprisonment. The severity depends on factors such as the scale of the operation, whether the infringer acted with commercial intent and whether the offence is a repeat violation. The likely practical effect is that criminal sanctions serve primarily as a deterrent and a tool for securing police-assisted seizures, rather than as a standalone remedy for brand owners seeking financial compensation.

Filing a Criminal Complaint, Practical Steps

1. Prepare the complaint. Draft a detailed criminal complaint addressed to the local police authority or the competent public prosecutor. Include a chronological narrative of the infringement, the statutory provisions violated (citing Articles 47–48 of Law 4679/2020) and an index of supporting evidence.
2. Assemble evidence to the criminal standard. While the initial filing does not require proof beyond reasonable doubt, the complaint should include enough evidence to establish probable cause: test purchases, expert opinions on counterfeit characteristics, surveillance reports and any prior cease-and-desist correspondence.
3. File and follow up. Submit the complaint in person or through Greek counsel. Follow up with the investigating officer or prosecutor’s office to ensure the case progresses.
4. Coordinate with civil measures. Evidence obtained through criminal investigations (e.g., police-led raids) can support parallel civil proceedings for damages. Conversely, evidence secured through a civil preliminary injunction can strengthen the criminal case.

The criminal route is most effective when used strategically alongside civil remedies, for example, to deter repeat infringers, to secure police assistance for raids on warehouses, or to strengthen negotiations for settlement.

Trademark Damages in Greece, Calculation, Proof and Enforcing Judgments

When preliminary measures have contained the immediate threat, full civil proceedings allow the rights holder to recover financial compensation. Law 4679/2020 provides for multiple heads of damages, and Greek courts have discretion to award compensation reflecting the full economic harm caused by the infringement.

Practical Damages Calculation, Worked Example

Consider a brand owner whose Greek distributor sold 10,000 units of a product at €50 per unit in the year before infringement was discovered. Following the appearance of counterfeit goods, the distributor’s sales dropped to 7,000 units. A court assessing actual lost profits might calculate:

• Lost volume: 3,000 units.
• Profit margin per unit: €20 (after cost of goods).
• Lost profit claim: 3,000 × €20 = €60,000.
• Additional moral damages: Assessed by the court based on evidence of reputational harm, industry observers note that Greek courts have awarded moral damages ranging from modest amounts to significant sums depending on the severity and duration of the infringement.

Courts may also award legal costs and interest from the date of filing. Enforcement of a Greek judgment within other EU member states is facilitated by EU Regulation 1215/2012 (Brussels I Recast), which provides for recognition and enforcement without the need for a declaration of enforceability.

Enforcement Remedies at a Glance, Comparison Table

Timelines are practical estimates derived from published enforcement practice commentary. Actual timeframes vary by court workload, complexity and the parties involved.

Evidence, Timing and Coordination Across Remedies

The most effective trademark enforcement strategies in Greece rarely rely on a single remedy. Instead, experienced practitioners coordinate multiple tracks simultaneously. A recommended sequencing approach for in-house teams seeking to enforce trademark rights in Greece is:

1. Day 0–3: Preserve evidence and send cease-and-desist. Secure samples, take screenshots, instruct local counsel.
2. Day 3–7: File for a preliminary injunction and submit the AADE customs application. These can be pursued in parallel. The PI stops domestic infringement; the customs recordal prevents new shipments entering Greece.
3. Day 7–30: File a criminal complaint if counterfeiting is confirmed. Police-assisted raids can yield additional evidence for both criminal prosecution and the civil case.
4. Day 30–90: Prepare the main civil action for damages and a permanent injunction. Bundle evidence from all tracks, PI proceedings, customs detentions and criminal investigations, into a comprehensive case file.
5. Ongoing: Monitor compliance and renew customs recordals annually. Repeat infringers often shift to new importation routes or online platforms, requiring continuous vigilance.

Evidence coordination is critical. Documents obtained through a customs detention (e.g., shipping records, importer details) can be used in both the civil and criminal proceedings. Similarly, an expert report prepared for the PI hearing can be updated and resubmitted in the main trial. E-commerce takedown notices to platforms operating in Greece should be issued concurrently, referencing the PI order to expedite removal of infringing listings.

How to Enforce Trademark Rights in Greece, 90-Day Readiness Plan for In-House Teams

To bring the enforcement playbook together, in-house teams should adopt a structured 90-day readiness plan:

• Days 0–7 (immediate response): Execute the quick action checklist. Preserve evidence, instruct Greek counsel, send cease-and-desist, file PI petition and AADE customs application.
• Days 7–30 (short-term containment): Attend PI hearing and secure interim order. Coordinate with AADE on customs detentions. File criminal complaint if counterfeiting is confirmed. Issue e-commerce platform takedown notices.
• Days 30–90 (medium-term prosecution): Consolidate evidence from all tracks. Prepare the main civil claim for damages and a permanent injunction. Monitor market for compliance with interim orders and new infringement. Renew customs recordals as needed.

For brand owners who need to act quickly, finding a specialist Greece IP lawyer through the Global Law Experts directory is the essential first step.

Sources

1. OBI, Law 4679/2020 on Trademarks (PDF)
2. EU Regulation (EU) No 608/2013 on Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights
3. AADE, Hellenic Independent Authority for Public Revenue
4. World Trademark Review, Greece Trademark Litigation (2026)
5. Logaras Law, Online Anti-Counterfeiting Enforcement in Greece
6. Greek Law Digest, Greece Introduces New Trademark Law
7. Lexology, IP Enforcement in Greece