Competition law comprises the rules intended to preserve and protect competition from restraints and undesirable business practices. In Greece, as in Germany, a distinction is made between unfair competition and antitrust law.
Unfair competition law (Law 146/1914) prohibits practices contrary to good morals. While companies may compete to expand their customer base and increase profits, there are legal boundaries. Competition law protects the institution of competition, competitors and consumers—particularly against deception that deprives consumers of free choice.
Antitrust law protects competition against restraints imposed by companies themselves. The guiding principle is that competition between companies is the desired market state, but firms may try to restrict it through agreements or unilateral practices. Greek antitrust law is codified in Law 3959/2011 (replacing Law 703/1977).
Greek law also provides for IP protection: copyright (Law 2121/1993), national trademarks (Law 4072/2012) and patents (Law 1733/1987). Greece implements international treaties and EU directives on IP; EU regulations such as Regulation 207/2009 on the Community trade mark apply directly and are enforced by Greek courts.