Greek companies using “Macedonia” as part of their trademark will not be affected by the Prespes Agreement and will continue to enjoy Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.

Secretary General of Commerce and Consumer Protection Dimitris Avlonitis told journalists that their registered trademarks are in tact. These are by definition geographical qualifications referring to specific areas rather than countries per se.

Mr Avlonitis stated that the Prespes Agreement includes a provision for a consultation committee to be set up. This committee will be sent up by the end of 2019 under the jurisdiction of the Foreign Ministry and will operate for a three-year period.

At the moment there are only 19 registered trademarks containing the “Macedonia” place name, and there has been no rise in the number of Greek companies applying for registration with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

“The fact that registrations are few is neither good nor bad. It is a question of business choices, and Greek companies will not be disadvantaged,” he stated.