Offences Against Intellectual Property
Intellectual property is generally divided into two categories: industrial property (including inventions, trademarks, utility models and designations of origin) and copyright, which protects literary and artistic works – such as novels, films, musical works, paintings, photographs and architectural designs. Related rights cover the rights of performing artists, phonogram producers, and television and radio broadcasters.
Frequent infringements include, in particular, product piracy, the illegal copying of music and software, the possession of pirated software for the purpose of placing it on the market, and the public communication of a work without the author’s consent.
The legal basis for criminal sanctions is Art. 66 of the Copyright Act (Law 2121/1993). This was most recently amended by Law 5221/2025: the sentencing range for the basic form of copyright infringement is imprisonment of at least one year together with a fine of at least €2,900 (the former ceiling of €15,000 has been abolished). Where the offender acts with a particularly profit-driven or dangerous approach, or in the case of repeat offenders, the sentencing range increases accordingly. For infringements relating to computer programs, unconditional payment of an administrative fine can, under certain conditions, avert the bringing of charges, provided the infringement concerns no more than fifty programs.
Since 2020, the new Trademark Law (Law 4679/2020) has applied to trademarks, while Law 1733/1987 continues to apply to patents and utility models; infringements of these rights are likewise subject to criminal sanctions.
Note: In light of the recent legislative amendment (2025), we recommend confirming the sentencing range applicable in the individual case against the current version of the law.
FAQ
Two categories of intellectual property can generally be distinguished: industrial property and copyright.
The term industrial property covers, for example, inventions, trademarks, industrial designs, and designations of origin.
The term copyright protects literary and other artistic works, such as novels, films, musical works, paintings, photographs and architectural designs. Related rights cover the rights of performing artists, producers of phonograms, and television and radio broadcasters.
Frequent infringements include, in particular, product piracy, the illegal copying of music and computer programs, the illegal possession of pirated software for the purpose of placing it on the market, and the public screening or performance of a work without the author's permission.
Infringement of copyright is punished under Law 2121/1993 with imprisonment and a fine, with the specific amount depending on the severity of the case. For a binding, up-to-date determination of the applicable sentencing ranges, the current version of the law should be consulted, as it has been amended several times in recent years.
Where damages or advantages are higher, and in cases of commercial infringement, the law provides for increased sentencing ranges.
For repeat offenders or particularly dangerous offenders (e.g. organised product piracy), the highest sentencing ranges under the law apply, providing for both significant custodial and financial penalties.
As of June 2026. All information on these pages is provided without guarantee or liability.