I. Requirements for Greece after EP grant
I.1 Translation requirements
A translation of the patent specification into Greek must be supplied under the conditions provided for in Art. 65(1) EPC.
The translation must be certified by a Greek legal practitioner or by an authority empowered to do so (i.e. a certified translator of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at http://metafraseis.services.gov.gr/).
I.2 Professional representative
Applicants with neither residence nor principal place of business in Greece must appoint a representative for service (any natural person or any attorney) resident in Greece.
I.3 Period for filing the translation
3 months from the date on which the mention of the grant, maintenance in amended form, limitation or revocation of the European patent is published in the European Patent Bulletin
In the event of failure to observe this deadline, the European patent is deemed void ab initio in Greece.
I.4 Office fee
(a) EUR 350
(b) Date on which translation is filed with the OBI
Mention of the filing of the translation is published only when the fee has been paid
I.5 Special features
The European application and publication numbers, the name and address of the patent proprietor as well as the issue number and date of the European Patent Bulletin in which the grant was mentioned must be supplied with the translation.
Two copies of the drawings in the EP specification must be supplied with the translation, even if these contain no textual matter requiring translation.
Moreover, two copies of the patent abstract translated into Greek must also be supplied.
The filing of the translation of the European patent is registered in the Register Book (Volume B “European patents”).
On request, the OBI issues the patent proprietor with confirmation of registration in the Registers, which may also cover any possible change in ownership.
II. Double-patenting allowed?
No; to the extent that it protects the same invention, the national patent/utility model ceases to have effect from the date on which
(a) the period for filing the notice of opposition to the European patent expires without such notice being filed, or
(b) the opposition proceedings are finally closed, the European patent having been maintained.
III. Territory
Territory of the Hellenic Republic
IV. Useful links
EP: National Law relating to EPC, X. Miscellaneous, Greece (epo.org)
International: PCT Applicant’s Guide Greece – Valid as from 15 Sep 2023 (wipo.int)