Panayotis Yannakas

Panayotis Yannakas brings a unique combination of entrepreneurial skills and legal proficiency to Cyprus’ litigation scene. Before his calling to the Cyprus Bar in 2020, Mr. Yannakas co-founded and served as General Director of a boutique digital marketing firm, where he managed complex international transactions, navigated cross-border VAT implications, and developed business solutions & software. This practical business experience, along with his academic accomplishments featuring published works on “Open Texture of International Tax Law” and “Restricting the Autonomy of Digital Creators: Contemporary Issues of Possible Market Distortion by App Stores” in the ENTHA Law Journal, give him a perspective perspective on the intersection of business operations and legal compliance. His technical proficiency extends beyond traditional legal practice, having developed automated payroll systems and managed digital transformation projects, skills that enable him to provide innovative solutions to complex commercial disputes and corporate restructuring matters.

Since establishing his independent practice in 2023, Mr. Yannakas stands out himself by handling litigation cases ranging from criminal defence to employment law, tort claims, and administrative disputes.His notable cases include defending against terrorism accusations through innovative evidence challenges involving cache file analysis (digital forensics), successfully navigating the Acta Jure Imperii principle in disputes against foreign embassies, and resolving complex employment transfers under EU Directive 2001/23/EC. His expertise includes specialised corporate services, such as establishing NGO entity in Cyprus’ buffer zone while ensuring full AML compliance, managing beneficial ownership reporting for portfolios of over 30 entities, and successfully reviving abandoned trademark applications while defending against patent trolls at the EUIPO. This approach to legal practice, enhanced by his service as a legal researcher for the Central Bank of Cyprus and his ongoing role as a GDPR reporter for noyb, positions Mr. Yannakas as a litigation lawyer who delivers strategic counsel that transcends traditional legal frameworks, particularly in matters involving international law, taxation, and the evolving digital economy.

FAQ about Panayotis Yannakas

Why is Cyprus often chosen for company and tax disputes?

Cyprus has become a preferred jurisdiction for corporate structures and cross-border business, which naturally leads to disputes here. Our legal system blends Common Law traditions with full EU compliance. The tax framework—12.5% corporate tax, dividend exemptions, and the IP Box regime—also attracts holding structures and intellectual property portfolios.

Litigation in this field is flexible, particularly in disputes over shareholder rights, corporate governance, or tax reassessments. A good illustration is the application of the Acquired Rights Directive (2001/23/EC) in employment transfer disputes, showing how EU protections can be enforced directly by Cypriot courts. In practice, this means businesses litigating here can rely on both local and European principles for a fair resolution.

What has changed with consensual divorce in Cyprus?

Until recently, divorce in Cyprus was adversarial by default—one spouse filing against the other. In December 2022, the law introduced consensual divorce, allowing both spouses to file together once they have been married for at least six months and one has resided in Cyprus for three months. The result is faster proceedings—often completed in a single court session instead of years of litigation.

The key advantage is its child-centric design. Parents must agree on custody and visitation through Parental Responsibility Orders & Contact Orders. The court will only dissolve the marriage once children’s welfare is secured. Costs are also significantly reduced—sometimes by up to 70% compared with contested divorces.

For international couples, Cyprus is flexible: even marriages celebrated abroad can be dissolved here, provided residency rules are met. This has made consensual divorce a practical and respectful option for both locals and expatriates.

How are trademark disputes handled in Cyprus?

Cyprus’s Common Law heritage shapes how trademark disputes are resolved. Courts are not confined to rigid statutory codes and can craft creative remedies in cases of infringement or counterfeiting. In my own practice, I have litigated against so-called “patent trolls,” where opportunistic companies tried to block legitimate trademarks. In such cases, judges relied on precedent and EU harmonisation rules to safeguard rightful ownership.

Trademark disputes often extend beyond logos to licensing, digital platforms, and even domain names. Enforcement is strong: Customs authorities can intercept counterfeit goods at ports. For international businesses, Cyprus registration also serves as a base for the Madrid Protocol, opening access to protection in over 130 countries.

👉 Read more: Cyprus Trademark Registration