However, when projects are complex and require a high degree of technical expertise, or when externally financed, international bids are invited. If a particular commodity or service can be supplied by a local firm, the tender may be limited to local firms. Another means of directing purchases to local firms is to stipulate that foreign bidders must submit their offers in joint ventures with local enterprises. Foreign as well as local bidders must quote and accept payment in Greek drachmas, unless otherwise specified in the tender documents. Special legislation also governs military construction projects and the purchase of defense items.
Most military tenders require offsets.
Patents and Trademarks Greek laws extend equal protection on patents and trademarks to both foreign and Greek nationals. Greece is a member of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Intellectual Property, the European Patent Convention, the World Industrial Property Organization, and the Berne Copyright Convention. Greek legislation is also in harmony with EU rules and regulations on the subject. Although there is adequate legislation which covers the protection of patents, copyrights and trademarks, enforcement of the law is insufficient, and piracy of copyrighted products and trademarks still exists.