A number of new electronic services relating to copyright will be soon available to enterprises and individuals via the integrated information system developed by the Greek Copyright Organization (GCO).

The project of the integrated information system is implemented within the framework of the Operational Programme “Information Society” (3rd CSF). Its pilot operation is expected to commence in September 2006.

These electronic services include:

• Electronic information of groups of special interest and of the wider public,
• Codification and documentation of the related material from Greece and abroad,
• Electronic collaboration between agencies competent for copyright and related rights,
• Bi-directional electronic communication with citizens, enterprises and organizations (e.g. submission of requests for the provision of information on copyright, or for the resolution of differences between beneficiaries and users, electronic polls, on-line discussion forums, etc.),
• Education/ Training in the use of electronic media with regard to copyright issues,
• Interoperability with existing related systems for the more effective enforcement of laws and protection of intellectual property rights (copyright) and related rights in Greece.

It is noted that the Greek Copyright Organization is exclusively the agency competent for copyright and related rights in Greece.

It operates as a private law legal entity under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and its responsibilities include the following: supervision of collective management organizations, enforcement of laws and international agreements on copyright, laws’ elaborating works, representation of Greece in competent European and international organizations, etc.

Source: Greek Copyright Organization http://www.ekt.gr