Bulgaria
Trademark Registration in Bulgaria - Protect Your Brand Nationwide
Bulgaria, a country located in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, is a member of the European Union and a strategic gateway to both European and Eurasian markets. With a population of approximately 6.5 million and a well-developed economy, Bulgaria is a critically important jurisdiction for brand owners seeking to protect their intellectual property in the region.
Introduction
Bulgaria's legal system is rooted in civil law, reflecting its European legal traditions. Bulgarian is the official language of government, commerce, and the judiciary, and all trademark proceedings are conducted in Bulgarian.
The country has a modern and fully harmonised intellectual property framework aligned with European Union standards. Bulgaria's trademark laws are codified in the Law on Trademarks and Geographical Indications (ZMGO), which was promulgated in State Gazette No. 98/2019 and entered into force on 17 December 2019, replacing the previous 1999 law. Trademark registration is essential for any business operating in or exporting to Bulgaria.
Why Trademark Registration is Important in Bulgaria?
Exclusive Rights: Grants you exclusive legal ownership and control over your trademark for the registered goods/services throughout Bulgaria.
Legal Enforcement: Enables you to take action against infringement, counterfeiting, and unauthorized use through the Bulgarian Patent Office and relevant courts.
Nationwide Protection: Secures trademark protection across the entire territory of Bulgaria.
Regional Protection Advantage: As a member of the European Union, Bulgaria allows access to EU-wide trademark protection through the EU Trademark (EUTM) system, covering all EU member states under a single registration.
Trademark Registration Procedure in Bulgaria
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in Bulgaria
Preliminary Search (Recommended)
While not mandatory, conducting a trademark search through the BPO Online database is strongly recommended before filing. The BPO provides the "BPO ONLINE" search tool for national trademarks and applications, offering search options by applicant/holder name, Nice classes, Vienna codes (for figurative marks), application date, registration date, application number, registration number, and trademark denomination. A thorough search helps identify potential conflicts and is a critical pre-filing analysis.
Filing
The application is submitted to the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria (BPO) online through the BPO Portal, in person, or by mail. Upon filing, the applicant receives a filing receipt with an application number and filing date. Multi-class applications are permitted.
Examination
The Office conducts formal and substantive examination, including assessment of absolute grounds for refusal.
Publication and Opposition
If the application successfully passes examination (or any objections are overcome), the trademark is published in the Official Bulletin of the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria. Third parties may file oppositions within three months from publication. Observations on absolute grounds may also be submitted.
Registration Certificate
Following the publication and opposition period, if no opposition is filed or any opposition is resolved in the applicant's favour, the trademark proceeds to registration. The grant fee must be paid within one month from the registration. Upon payment, a registration certificate is issued.
Validity & Renewal
Timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the application, any office actions, oppositions filed, and administrative delays at the BPO.
Governing Law
Legal Framework
Trademark protection in Bulgaria is governed by:
• Law on Trademarks and Geographical Indications (Law on Marks and Geographical Indications — Закон за марките и географските означения, ZMGO) — the primary legislation governing trademarks and geographical indications, promulgated in State Gazette No. 98/2019 and entered into force on 17 December 2019, replacing the previous Law on Marks and Geographical Indications from 1999. Amended by State Gazette No. 92/2020.
• Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Union trade mark — directly applicable in Bulgaria as an EU member state.
The legal framework is fully harmonised with EU directives and regulations and is TRIPS-compliant. Bulgaria is a signatory to the Paris Convention, the Madrid Agreement, the Madrid Protocol, the Nice Agreement, the Berne Convention, and the WTO TRIPS Agreement.
Competent Authority
Trademark applications are filed with the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria (BPO — Патентно ведомство на Република България), which is the national authority responsible for the registration of patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. BPO handles all aspects of trademark examination, registration, opposition, and record maintenance. Applications may be submitted online through the BPO Portal, in person, or by mail.
Bulgaria is a member of the European Union (EU), the Madrid System (Madrid Agreement and Madrid Protocol), the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, the Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services, the Berne Convention, and the WTO TRIPS Agreement.
Trademark Services Available in Bulgaria
Attorney-Assisted Search
In-depth legal search for potential conflicts in Bulgaria.
Trademark Registration Services
Complete filing and application management for Bulgaria trademarks.
Trademark Renewal Services
Hassle-free renewals to maintain your Bulgaria trademark protection.
Watch & Monitoring Services
Continuous monitoring of Bulgaria trademarks to identify potential conflicts.
Ownership Transfer / Assignment
Efficient handling of trademark ownership transfers in Bulgaria.
Licensing & Franchising Support
Expert guidance to license or expand your Bulgaria brand.
Documents for Filing
Power of Attorney
Simply signed (no notarisation or legalisation required). A Power of Attorney form, signed and stamped (if applicable), must be submitted within one month from notification.
Applicant's Details
Specimen of the Mark
List of Goods/Services
Priority Document
Fees are indicative and subject to change. Contact us for the latest details.
**Last updated on: June 30, 2026
Timeline
Total filing to registration is approximately 12 to 36 months.
Validity & Renewal
Timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the application, any office actions, oppositions filed, and administrative delays at the BPO.
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Insights on Bulgaria IP Protection
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