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.
On this page
Bulgaria trademark registration at a glance
- Classification
- Nice Classification, 45 classes
- Madrid Protocol
- Yes, member since 2001
- Language
- Bulgarian
- Opposition period
- 3 months from publication
- Typical timeline
- 6 to 9 months without objections
- Validity
- 10 years, renewable
* Timelines assume no objections or oppositions. Laws change, so contact us to confirm current requirements.
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 register your trademark 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.
Our trademark services in Bulgaria
End-to-end support from our licensed in-country attorneys, from the first search to lifelong protection.
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.
Trademark registration process in Bulgaria
Here is how to register a trademark in Bulgaria, step by step.
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.
Start your application in a few minutes. Nothing is filed until you approve the written quote.
Documents required for trademark registration in Bulgaria
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
Full name and address of the applicant (individual or entity).
Specimen of the Mark
A clear representation of the mark. Not required for word-only marks.
List of Goods/Services
A detailed description of the specific goods or services in accordance with the Nice Classification, in Bulgarian.
Priority Document
Certified copy of the earlier application (if claiming Paris Convention priority within 6 months). The certified copy of the priority document should be filed within 2 months from the date of filing. The priority term is six months from the priority date and is not extendable.
Timeline, validity and renewal
How long registration takes
Total filing to registration is approximately 12 to 36 months.
Validity and 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.
Client stories
Businesses that trust us with their brands across borders.
We had an excellent experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration and brand protection services in India. Their expert team guided us throughout the filing process, ensuring accurate documentation, timely updates, and seamless support. Their professionalism and intellectual property expertise gave us confidence in protecting our brand identity while supporting our expansion into new markets.
We had a seamless experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration services in Bahrain. Their professional team provided excellent support throughout the trademark filing process, ensuring timely updates, accurate documentation, and smooth coordination. Their expertise in intellectual property and brand protection services helped us secure our brand identity with confidence.
* Client stories are shared with permission.
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Register your trademark in Bulgaria today
Speak to our trademark consultants in Bulgaria. Send your mark and we will reply with a free search and a fixed written quote within one working day.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Official requirements and fees can change; we confirm the current position for your matter before filing.
