Domain Names
A domain name constitutes a unique name that serves as an electronic address on the Internet and leads to the website owned by a natural/legal person. The extension of the name, [.gr] or [.ελ] for Greek domain names, describes the website type, that is the area of the Internet to which it belongs.
The competent authority managing the [.gr] and [.ελ] domain names in Greece is the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT). The provisions for obtaining a [.gr] or [.ελ] and for becoming a Registrar for [.gr] or [.ελ] domain names is governed by EETT’s Regulations and amendments. The current Regulation No. 843/2 in effect was published in March 2018 and was amended in September 2018 to incorporate provisions of the GDRP.
The official Greek Registry running the Web WhoIs search database for [.gr] or [.ελ] domain names is handled by a department of the Institute of Computer Science, of the Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, which is responsible for the operation and technical coordination of the [.gr] and [.ελ] top-level domain name spaces.
ΕΕΤΤ assigns [.gr] or [.ελ] domain names in English and Greek characters. In addition, it assigns names with the following extensions, which are associated with specific activities:
- com.gr: Commercial activities
- edu.gr: Educational organizations
- net.gr: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and network providers
- org.gr: Non-profit organizations
- gov.gr: Exclusively for governmental organizations.
The applications for obtaining a [.gr] or [.ελ] domain name are filed with Registrars, a list of which is regulated and provided by EETT.
EETT determines the maximum registration fee that a registrar may ask registrants to pay.
A [.gr] or [.ελ] domain name is valid for 2 years and can be renewed every 2 or more years by paying the renewal fee at the Registrar. Changes of the name or address, or contact number or e-mail of the domain name holder must be notified to the Registrar by filing a relevant application.
A [.gr] or [.ελ] domain name can be cancelled and transferred to the claimant following a cancellation application filed with the EETT. The cancellation application may be based on prior EUTMs, IRs designating Greece or Greek trademarks of the claimant, or other prior rights or bad faith of the domain name holder. The official fee is €400.
A [.gr] or [.ελ] domain name is cancelled and transferred to the claimant provided that (a) it was registered by an entity that does not have the right in the domain name and (b) the domain name was filed or is being used in bad faith.