Changes in Bulgaria IP Legislation

Amendments to the law on marks and geographical indications providing greater protection for IP rights in Bulgaria came in force on August 20, 2005.

Among other things, the amendments require publication of all trademark applications in the Official Gazette of the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria.

With respect to oppositions, third parties have two months from the date of publication in which to file an objection to the registration of a new trademark.

Bulgaria has also seen the development of a ‘trademark watch’ service, which has not been available to IP rights owners in Bulgaria until recently.

For more information on IP developments in Bulgaria, please contact our Bulgaria representative.