Trademark Registration in Bulgaria & the EU — Guide (2026)

What is a trademark

Under Art. 9(1) of the Bulgarian Trademarks and Geographical Indications Act (ZMGO), a trademark is a sign capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one person from those of other persons.

The following may be registered as trademarks (Art. 9(2) ZMGO):

• Words and combinations of words (word marks)
• Images, figures and drawings (figurative marks)
• Letters, numbers, colours, sounds
• Three-dimensional shapes — e.g., distinctive packaging
• Combinations of the above (combined marks)

Important: A sign that is descriptive of the kind, quality, quantity, purpose or geographical origin cannot be registered (Art. 11(1)(4) ZMGO), nor can a sign identical or similar to an earlier mark for identical or similar goods/services (Art. 12 ZMGO).

Three registration paths — comparison

Criterion	National (Patent Office)	EU (EUIPO)	International (Madrid)
Territory	Bulgaria only	All 27 EU states	Selected countries (130+)
Base fee	EUR 270 (up to 3 classes)	EUR 850 (1 class, e-filing)	CHF 653 + individual fees
Timeline	8–12 months	5–8 months	12–18 months
Protection period	10 years	10 years	10 years
Legal basis	ZMGO	Reg. (EU) 2017/1001	Madrid Protocol (1989)

Step-by-step procedure

Step 1: Preliminary search

Check whether an identical or similar mark already exists through TMview (free, tmdn.org), eSearch plus by EUIPO, the Patent Office database, or Madrid Monitor by WIPO. A professional search is recommended.

Step 2: Determine the classes

Goods and services are classified under the Nice Classification (45 classes total). Correct classification is essential — too broad increases fees and opposition risk; too narrow leaves your business unprotected.

Step 3: File the application

National: Prepare the application via the Patent Office portal. EU: File online through EUIPO (euipo.europa.eu). International: File through the Patent Office to WIPO, designating the target countries.

Step 4: Examination

The office verifies formal requirements and whether the sign is eligible for registration (absolute grounds).

Step 5: Publication

After examination, the mark is published in the Official Bulletin (national) or the EUIPO Bulletin (EU).

Step 6: Opposition period — 3 months

Within three months of publication, any person with earlier rights may file an opposition. If no opposition is filed (or if rejected), the mark proceeds to registration.

Step 7: Registration certificate

The Patent Office or EUIPO issues a registration certificate. Registration is valid for 10 years from the filing date.

Registration fees (2026)

National trademark — Bulgarian Patent Office

Action	Fee (EUR)
Filing (up to 3 classes)	160
Examination	60
Publication	30
Certificate	20
Total (up to 3 classes)	270
Each additional class	40
Renewal (10 years, up to 3 classes)	360

EU trademark — EUIPO

Action	Fee (EUR)
Filing — 1 class (electronic)	850
Second class	50
Each additional class (from 3rd)	150
Renewal — 1 class	850

Preliminary search — why it is critical

EUIPO statistics show that approximately 15–20% of all EU trademark applications encounter opposition. A preliminary search saves you lost fees, lost time (12–18 months if opposition is filed), and legal costs.

In addition to trademark databases, check domain name availability and commercial registers to avoid conflicts with company names.

Opposition — three-month period

Opposition grounds include:

• Identity or similarity of the signs for identical or similar goods/services (Art. 12(1) ZMGO)
• Earlier mark with a reputation (Art. 12(2) ZMGO)
• Earlier rights of a different nature — copyright, industrial design, company name, etc.

Practical tip: If you receive an opposition notice, do not ignore it. You have the right to submit a response and evidence.

Protecting your trademark after registration

1. Use the mark genuinely. If you do not use it for 5 consecutive years, it may be revoked (Art. 19 ZMGO).
2. Renew the registration. Protection lasts 10 years. File the renewal within the last 6 months of the term or up to 6 months after expiry (with surcharge).
3. Monitor the market. Watch for similar later applications and file oppositions.
4. Act upon infringement. Bring an action for injunctive relief and damages (Art. 76 et seq. ZMGO).
5. Record with Customs. Request customs authorities to detain suspected infringing goods at the border.

Frequently asked questions

Need assistance?

Trademark registration is a strategic investment in your brand. A preliminary search and correct classification significantly reduce opposition risk.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific questions regarding trademark registration, please consult a lawyer specialising in intellectual property law.