Intellectual property
Protecting Intellectual Property
Brands and inventions can be protected in Bulgaria nationally, through the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria, or across the EU in one step. Since 2023 Bulgaria has also been part of the Unitary Patent and the Unified Patent Court.
- Term of a trade mark, renewable without limit
- 10 years1,2
- Term of a trade mark, renewable without limit
- EU countries covered by one Unitary Patent, Bulgaria included (2025)
- 183
- EU countries covered by one Unitary Patent, Bulgaria included (2025)
Bulgarian trade mark
| Where to file | Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria, online, by post or fax |
|---|---|
| Application and examination | €265.87 for up to three classes |
| Each extra class | €15.34 |
| Opposition period | Three months from publication |
| Registration certificate | €25.56 |
| Term | 10 years from filing, renewable for further 10-year terms |
Source: Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria: National trade mark, procedure and fees1
Goods and services must be listed in full; a class number alone is not enough. Fees are due within 14 days of filing.1
EU trade mark
| Where to file | EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), online |
|---|---|
| One class | €850 |
| Second class | €50 |
| Third and each further class | €150 |
| Term | 10 years, renewable without limit |
Source: EUIPO: Trade mark fees and payments2
One EU trade mark covers all member states, Bulgaria included. A Bulgarian mark is cheaper if Bulgaria is the only market.
Patents
Inventions can be patented nationally with the Bulgarian Patent Office, or through the European Patent Office. Since Bulgaria joined the Unitary Patent system in 2023, a single European patent with unitary effect covers Bulgaria and 17 other EU countries, with no national validation or translation in Bulgaria. Disputes over these patents go to the Unified Patent Court, which rules for all participating countries at once.3
Practical steps
- File for your trade mark before you launch in Bulgaria, and search the national and EU registers first.
- Record who owns software, designs and content created by staff and contractors in their contracts.
- Use a Bulgarian IP attorney for filings, oppositions and enforcement.
Step by step
How to file a trade mark in Bulgaria
Apply for a Bulgarian trade mark through the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria by following the application, payment and registration steps.
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Search the registers
Search the national and EU registers before filing. File your trade mark before launching in Bulgaria.
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List the goods and services
List the goods and services in full; a class number alone is not sufficient.
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Submit the application
File with the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria online, by post or by fax. The application and examination fee is €265.87 for up to three classes, with each extra class costing €15.34.
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Pay the application fee
Pay the application fee within 14 days of filing.
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Allow for opposition
The opposition period lasts three months from publication.
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Pay for the certificate
The registration certificate costs €25.56.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bulgarian trade mark cost?
A Bulgarian trade mark application costs €265.87 for up to three classes, plus €15.34 for each additional class. The registration certificate costs €25.56. Goods and services must be listed in full; a class number alone is not sufficient.
How long does trade mark protection last in Bulgaria?
A Bulgarian trade mark is protected for 10 years from the filing date. It can be renewed for further 10-year terms without limit.
Does an EU trade mark cover Bulgaria, and how much does it cost?
Yes, one EU trade mark covers Bulgaria and all other EU member states. The online fee is €850 for one class, €50 for the second class, and €150 for the third and each further class.
How many countries does a Unitary Patent cover, including Bulgaria?
In 2025, a Unitary Patent covered 18 EU countries, including Bulgaria. A European patent with unitary effect covers Bulgaria and 17 other EU countries, with no national validation or translation required in Bulgaria.
Sources
- Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria: National trade mark, procedure and fees
- EUIPO: Trade mark fees and payments
- Dreyfus: Unitary Patent, Bulgaria’s accession and what it means
Figures checked 13 October 2026. Prepared by InvestBulgaria for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
