Greece

Although the Greek economy remains fragile, patent activity continues to tick over despite the many hurdles that have cropped up. The hot news among the IP community is Microsoft’s plan to build a data centre hub in the country to accommodate pan-European data processing needs, which should give the economy a shot in the arm while also boosting domestic IT activity. On the non-contentious front, filing numbers remain high, largely due to the number of Greek inventors that have settled abroad: under national law, patent applications for inventions made by Greek citizens must first be filed in their own country, a requirement which has brought in work for practitioners and created new opportunities for collaboration with international entities. Turning to litigation, pharmaceutical and life sciences disputes continue to dominate and generate the bulk of instructions for local advocates.

A & K Metaxopoulos & Partners Law Firm

The dynamic lawyers at media, technology and IP firm A & K Metaxopoulos have a keen appreciation for strategy, face each brief head on and always seek to find innovative solutions in complex cases. In the past year, this approach has attracted the attentions of several new and prominent names in the entertainment sector, and brought home sterling results in the regulated industries. Driving the practice forward are savvy litigators Kriton Metaxopoulos and Irini Daroussou. Metaxopoulos has a wealth of experience in multinational disputes, while Daroussou excels both in court and in licensing negotiations. The two are “responsive, great to work with and provide timely advice that is both easily digestible and commercially sensitive”. Also deserving special mention for her superb IP enforcement work is Marilena Nikolaraki, a rising star on the Greek patent landscape.

Ballas, Pelecanos & Associates LPC

The pharmaceutical space is a happy hunting ground for the patent division at esteemed full-service outfit Ballas, Pelecanos & Associates. “It is one of the strongest firms in Greece for dispute resolution, especially in relation to generics”, and is thus counsel of choice to leading players such as Pharmathen and Sandoz. Taking the lead for both is the pre-eminent George Ballas, who can be counted on for his “responsiveness and practical advice”. He has also been representing Teva Europe Pharmaceuticals in proceedings brought by Novartis concerning the production and distribution of a new product. Ballas is a leading authority in the life sciences, but his skills are also highly sought out by top telecommunications companies such as Ericsson, which look to him for European patent validations. Coordinating the litigation division is George Moukas, a poised performer before the civil and criminal courts whose shrewd enforcement plans bring about swift and successful outcomes.

Dr Helen G Papaconstantinou and Partners Law Firm 

KLC Law Firm

Commercial firm KLC understands the value of a solid patent and undertakes instructions in a manner that creates momentum for clients – all while ensuring that their IP assets are protected to the hilt. Providing guidance in eight languages and operating in 33 countries, it is entrusted with crucial litigation and licensing mandates by some 5,200 companies worldwide. Deputy managing partner Theodore Loukopoulos shines in the life sciences and is currently representing a German pharmaceuticals group in a multimillion-euro dispute against a local entity. His knowledge of ancillary disciplines such as mergers and acquisitions as well as corporate and business law gives him a bird’s-eye view of complex problems with multiple threads.

Patrinos & Kilimiris

There is no shortage of high-profile work at Patrinos & Kilimiris, from filing applications and handling hundreds of validations at home and abroad to battling it out in court for 80% of the country’s innovators. Robust leadership comes from Constantinos Kilimiris and Manolis Metaxakis, who have spent almost five decades in the game between them. Renowned litigator Kilimiris is a force to be reckoned with and an expert on SPCs: “He is highly knowledgeable, super-personable and incredibly successful in preliminary injunction proceedings – a true pleasure to work with.” Of Metaxakis, one peer enthuses: “He is a fantastic advocate who presents his arguments in a really great way. He and Constantinos are really detail oriented and never give up on a case. Their clients love them.”

Prentoulis Gerakini Law Partnership

Bespoke solutions, a modern, business-oriented mindset and abundant experience are hallmarks of the service at Prentoulis Gerakini Law Partnership. The boutique offers total support across the patent lifecycle for local start-ups and multinationals alike; and when mandates ascend to the global stage, it has an extensive network of allies to call on. For example, it is currently helping a prominent Greek food industry to diversify its products and expand geographically through well-calculated strategies and immaculate filings. Co-founders Nikos Prentoulis and Nancy Gerakini run a tight ship and keep the practice firmly on course. Prentoulis has impressive commercial acumen and a commanding courtroom presence; while Gerakini’s legal and regulatory background is a great asset for those seeking wraparound solutions that encompass IP, competition and corporate law.

Voelkel Kataliakos Roussou Law Office

“Voelkel Kataliakos Roussou Law Office has the professionalism, depth of knowledge and vast network of IP contacts that an international company needs,” reports one happy client. While the team may be lean, it punches well above its weight: its “personalised service provided by friendly, helpful and polite attorneys” resonates in particular with major pharmaceutical players. Epitomising this and more is name partner Henning Voelkel, a phenomenal litigator who tackles the trickiest of high-technology and life sciences cases with utmost composure. Fluent in Greek, German and English, he is a first port of call for disputes with international ramifications.

Other recommended experts

At Vayanos Kostopoulos, Nikolaos Lyberis is an eloquent advocate whose pleadings always hit the right notes with judges. He is well versed in numerous industries and advises across the spectrum of intellectual property, ensuring that his solutions take every angle into consideration.