Greece Launches Specialized Digital Units to Combat Rising Online Counterfeiting

Counterfeiting continues to pose significant risks to consumers and businesses across Greece, affecting diverse sectors including luxury goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and automotive parts. These counterfeit products not only erode brand value but also jeopardize consumer safety and distort fair market competition. Recognizing these challenges, Greek intellectual property (IP) authorities have recently established specialized digital units aimed at addressing the surge in online counterfeit trade.

Greece’s anti-counterfeiting efforts are grounded in a robust legislative framework that integrates European Union directives and regulations. Key instruments include Trademark Law 4679/2020, which implements the EU Trademark Directive (2015/2436/EU) and the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights Directive (2004/48/EC). Additionally, Law 2417/1996 and subsequent presidential decrees govern industrial design protections in line with the Hague Agreement and EU Designs Directive (98/71/EC), with further legislative updates anticipated to align with Regulation 2024/2822.

Other critical laws include Law 1733/1987 on technology transfer and innovation, Law 3966/2011 implementing the IPR Directive, and EU Regulation 608/2013 on customs enforcement of IP rights, which Greece enforces through national regulations and amendments. Law 4712/2020, amended by Law 4753/2020, establishes an inter-agency market control unit responsible for the seizure and destruction of counterfeit and pirated goods. More recently, Law 5099/2024 implements the EU Digital Services Act (Regulation 2022/2065), reinforcing Greece’s digital market governance.

Greece’s geographic position as a nexus between Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it particularly vulnerable to counterfeit trade. The country serves as a transit point for counterfeit goods, with major entry points including the ports of Piraeus and Thessaloniki and land border crossings at Kipoi (Evros), Promachonas (Serres), and Kakavia (Ioannina). These locations are critical for customs inspections and enforcement actions.

Data from the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) identify Greece among the EU countries most affected by counterfeit trade relative to its GDP. Seasonal tourism further exacerbates counterfeit sales, especially in popular destinations, while informal markets such as flea markets and street vendors remain common distribution channels.

In response, Greece has strengthened its enforcement infrastructure over the past decade, supported by EU initiatives and improved inter-agency collaboration. Border enforcement plays a pivotal role, with customs authorities actively inspecting container shipments, postal and courier services, and air cargo for counterfeit goods.

The most frequently intercepted counterfeit items include clothing, footwear, accessories, electronics, perfumes, and toys. The majority of these goods originate from countries such as China and Turkey. Greek customs enforcement operates under Regulation (EU) No 608/2013, which sets forth procedures for the detection, detention, and destruction of counterfeit goods at the border.

The establishment of new digital enforcement units reflects Greece’s commitment to adapting its anti-counterfeiting strategy to the evolving challenges posed by online marketplaces and digital commerce. These units are expected to enhance monitoring, investigation, and enforcement capabilities in the digital domain, complementing existing physical border controls and market surveillance efforts.

Overall, Greece’s multi-faceted approach combines legislative rigor, strategic geographic enforcement, and digital innovation to combat counterfeiting effectively. This comprehensive framework aims to protect consumers, uphold brand integrity, and maintain fair competition within the Greek and broader European markets.