Please provide links to your website where the requested information can be found in English, French, or Spanish. Alternately, you may provide text responses instead of URLs if desired. If the information is not available on your website in an ATR language, then please provide text.
URLs in responses should meet the following requirements:
Information on the following topics is desired:
Outline of main policies and plans aimed at development of trademark information activities and expected time frames for their realization
As of 2024, BPO still uses databases as follows:
New projects launched or resumed this year in the context of the policies and plans mentioned above, short description: aims, partners, tasks
For the second year in a row, BPO, together with the Office of the European Union for Intellectual Property, has announced the start for 2024 of applications for a grant scheme under the Fund for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The fund guarantees up to 75% reimbursement of fees for registration, expertise, publications, etc. of trademarks.
Main areas of trademark information activities and related information and communication technology (ICT) practices which were in the focus of attention last year
In 2024, BPO continued the maintenance of the registers and information systems of the Bulgarian Patent Office. As a result of the actions taken in the previous years to develop, maintain and upgrade the Portal for electronic services and registers of the Patent Office, at the end of 2022 it became a fully electronic institution offering around 200 electronic services. In 2024, efforts were made to comprehensively develop and improve the informational infrastructures and the front office system. For all existing services, new functionalities have been created and integrated, aimed both at facilitating users and precisely directing incoming correspondence to specific files in the Department, in order to speed up the document turnover and increase the quality of service.
Statistics: changes in terms of application filings and registrations with respect to previous year; trends or areas experiencing rapid changes
In 2024, the Bulgarian Patent Office received in total 3 923 trademark applications under national procedure. The applications from domestic applicants are 2 925 and 998 are from foreigners.
The BPO has sent 281 applications for international registration of Bulgarian trademarks under the Protocol to Madrid Agreement and 5 applications for designations subsequent to registration.
In 2024, the Bulgarian Patent Office received in total 221 oppositions, 202 of which are against national registrations and 19 - against international registrations designating Bulgaria.
After completing formal examinations the Office issued 3 318 positive decisions concerning the grant of trademark protection rights under national procedure. The Office issued 1 015 final decisions concerning the grant of protection of international registrations designating Bulgaria.
Other matters and useful links (URLs): annual report of the Office, news page, statistics, etc.
https://www.bpo.bg/en/about/otcheti/godishen-otchet
Information on the following topics is desired:
The BPO information and support options in 2024 included:
Availability of the application dossier in electronic form
Customers using the BPO On-line have access to the application files sent by them electronically to the BPO. Also all the documents related to the application can be seen electronically by the applicant.
Matters concerning classifying
Goods and services for the registration of marks and the figurative elements of marks are classified by our Office using the Nice International Classification of Goods and Services and the Vienna International Classification of the Figurative Elements of Marks in their latest editions. They are maintained and used electronically. During the procedure, the Office's staff amends the goods and services.
The use of pre-defined terms of the Nice classification is only recommended when applying for registration of marks and geographic indications.
Information on the following topics is desired:
The Official bulletin is published electronically twice a month. It may be accessed at: https://portal.bpo.bg/bpo-journal/
The Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria (BPO) publishes applications for national trademarks and registered national trademarks as well as international trademarks designating the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Official Bulletin. From October 2017, the Official Bulletin of the Office is published two times a month. As from April 2009 the paper version of the Bulletin has been discontinued and nowadays it is published exclusively in electronic form on the Office's official web site.
The publications in the Official Bulletin comprise bibliographic data and images (in color, if claimed) of national trademark applications and registrations as well as international trademarks registrations designating Bulgaria. For the year 2024, 24 Official Bulletins were published.
Information products (coverage, medium, etc.) available to examiners, including external documentation and databases
Internal databases (online/offline):
External databases:
Information products (coverage, medium, etc.) and services available to external users; conditions of access (e.g., free of charge, subscription, etc.)
BPO Online – https://portal.bpo.bg/
BPO also provides access to trademark data in the reading room where external users can search in online databases and databases on CD and DVD.
Paid information services on request available to the public through the Patent Office are as follows: Identity and similarity search; Searches related to the legal status; Searches on names; Complex searches, Number search on mark, Search on CTMs and marks under the Madrid Agreement and Protocol; Issuing of certificates for legal status.
All the searches are carried in house and in the available collections of national marks, international marks and CTMs, 6 ter, etc. The security is based on a different level of access.
The trademark information is accessible on the World Wide Web of BPO through the online search system for Trademarks – "BPO ON-LINE".
The Central Patent Library provides to the public access to the Official Bulletins from foreign countries, to the CD collections and Internet databases containing trademark information.
Legal status information (kind of information, coverage, medium, etc.)
In order to make entries on the legal status of exclusive rights protected on the territory of Bulgaria, every person should submit relevant application and pay a fee to the account of the Office. Clients, customers and/or users can also obtain excerpts from the register.
Information on the following topics is desired:
Specific software tools supporting business procedures within the Office: general description, characteristics, advantages, possible improvements
Industrial Property Administration System (IPAS) is software developed and owned by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). At the same time, it is constantly being upgraded with new functionalities to facilitate the work of experts in the office.
Document Management System (DMS) is a system used to administer incoming, outgoing and internal documents, while at the same time it is linked to IPAS. It manages correspondence with applicants and other activities related to the work of the office.
Hardware used to supporting business processes of the Office
Internal databases: coverage, updates, interlinks with external sources
Internal databases are created form IPAS and DMS. Data is extracted and updated simultaneously from the systems. A structured backup regime is in place to ensure preservation of the information.
The systems are connected to external sources such as EPO, WIPO, Espacenet, TMView, etc.
Establishment and maintenance of electronic search file: file building, updating, storage, documents from other offices included in the search file
File Building
The electronic search file includes documents from national applications for all IP objects created by the e-filing system and atomatically generated into the back office system as a electronic dossier with application number and any other relative information.
Applications made in paper format from the applicants are also uploaded into the back office systems manually.
Updating
The files are regularly updated via automatic services or manually when needed.
Storage, including mass storage media
All documents are stored on secure servers and exernal storage devices (backup servers) with backup copies and indexing mechanisms.
Old (paper) dossiers related to IP objects are scanned and processed with OCR and uploaded into internal search tool, making it possible for the experts to search directly into the document text if needed.
Administrative management electronic systems (register, legal status, statistics, and administrative support)
In the field of all IP objects, BPO uses IPAS as an administrative management system which function also like Register system, Legal status module, Statistics module and Administrative support tools.
The system is completely internal resource, with secure user access and audit trails. It updates the data in the public registry via API’s, which helps the applicants and users see public information about the IP objects.
Information on the following topics is desired:
In order to support the development of initiatives in the field of industrial property, BPO is engaged in a number of joint projects and seminars aimed at a variety of target groups. In addition to this, the Office also facilitates the exchange of information and provides access to relevant data on industrial property objects.
On 8 February 2024, ECTA, in collaboration with the Bulgarian Patent Office, hosted a webinar on the topic of trade secrets and the practical application of the EU Directive in different jurisdictions. The event gathered over 150 participants, mainly business representatives. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/predsedatelyat-na-patentno-vedomstvo-prof-borisova-i-parviyat-vitseprezident-na-ecta-g-zha-karina-gomers-otkriha-uebinar-za-targovskite-tayni
On 29 March 2024, the Bulgarian Patent Office, in collaboration with the EUIPO and Greek designer John Pan, organized a FightFake fashion show during Sofia Fashion Week, highlighting the dangers of counterfeits in the fashion industry and the value of intellectual property rights. The event targeted a young audience and gathered over 500 participants from the fashion sector. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/vpechatlyavashto-fight-fake-shou-na-sofia-fashion-week-sreshtu-falshifikati-v-modnata-industriya
On 10 April 2024, the Bulgarian Patent Office, in collaboration with the EUIPO, the Fund of Funds, and the Faculty of Economics at Sofia University, under the patronage of the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, held a webinar titled “Industrial Property – The Key to a Successful Startup.” The event introduced over 30 startup representatives to trademarks, industrial designs, patents, and utility models as vital tools for innovation and competitiveness. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/patentno-vedomstvo-provede-uebinar-na-tema-industrialnata-sobstvenost-klyuchat-kam-uspeshniya-startap
On 26 April 2024, the Bulgarian Patent Office, in collaboration with the Council on Innovation, Digitalization and New Technologies at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organized a ceremony marking World Intellectual Property Day and awarding the winners of the “Innovative Enterprise 2023” competition. The event, held under the theme “Brighter Future with Innovation and Creativity,” featured expert presentations on industrial property and honored three outstanding Bulgarian companies for their innovation achievements. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/patentno-vedomstvo-i-saveta-po-inovatsii-digitalizatsiya-i-novi-tehnologii-kam-btpp-otbelyazaha-svetovniya-den-na-intelektualnata-sobstvenost
On 27 June 2024, the Bulgarian Patent Office participated in the Ideas Powered for business webinar, organized by the EUIPO, on the importance of intellectual property for SMEs, featuring expert insights on the conection between SMEs and IP, the SME Fund, IP Scan services, IP enforcement tools, and the Ideas Powered for business platform. The event targeted SMEs and startups and was held online. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/registratsiya-za-uchastie-v-uebinar-znachenieto-na-intelektualnata-sobstvenost-za-msp
On 19 September 2024, the Bulgarian Patent Office presented a webinar for SMEs on the SME Fund and how it supports the protection of industrial property, aiming to help SMEs make the most of the available financial support for IP protection by the end of 2024. The event was held online. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/uebinar-za-msp-zashtitete-svoyata-industrialna-sobstvenost-s-pomoshtta-na-fond-za-msp
On 25 September 2024, the Municipality of Stara Zagora together with the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria organized an “Information Day” to present the project “European Network of Authentic Cities,” co-financed by the EU Intellectual Property Office. The event was held at the Regional Library “Zahariy Knyazheski” in Stara Zagora and aimed at raising public awareness about the benefits of intellectual property and combating counterfeit goods. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/obshtina-stara-zagora-i-patentno-vedomstvo-dadoha-start-na-proekta-evropeyska-mrezha-za-avtentichni-gradove
On 17 October 2024, the EUIPO, held the first webinar in a series dedicated to the implementation of the Trade Mark Directive across EU Member States. The webinars are part of EUIPO’s ECP7 project. Each session focuses on national implementation practices and is delivered in the national language with simultaneous English interpretation. The opening webinar featured experts from the BPO and was streamed live via Zoom. https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/uebinari-za-prilaganeto-na-direktivata-za-targovskite-marki
On 17 October 2024, the Bulgarian Patent Office organized a training seminar for high school students and teachers on the topic “Trade Marks and Industrial Designs as Business Identifiers”, held at the Central Patent Library in Sofia. The event was part of the cooperation agreement with the EUIPO. The training involved over 80 students and teachers from ZPG “Kliment Timiryazev” (Sandanski) and 90th Secondary School “Gen. José de San Martín” (Sofia). Experts from the BPO delivered sessions on trademark and design registration, enforcement and commercialization. A practical session followed, where students worked in teams to create and present business plans and solve IP-related case studies. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/patentno-vedomstvo-provede-obuchenie-za-uchenitsi-i-uchiteli-na-tema-targovskata-marka-i-promishleniyat-dizayn-kato-biznes-identifikatori-na-firmata
On 24 October 2024, the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria, in collaboration with the EUIPO, organized a webinar on "Absolute and Relative Grounds for Refusal of Trademark Registration," aimed at explaining key concepts in intellectual property and the grounds for trademark registration refusal. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/registratsiya-za-uchastie-v-uebinar-na-tema-absolyutni-i-otnositelni-osnovaniya-za-otkaz-na-registratsiya-na-marka
On 31 October 2024, the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria, together with the Commission for Consumer Protection and the European Consumer Centre – Bulgaria, organized a roundtable on “Internet Scams – The New Pandemic.” The event featured special participation from the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (GDBOP) and focused on topics such as internet fraud, counterfeit goods, unfair commercial practices, and the role of intellectual property in combating these issues. The discussion aimed to raise public awareness and explore potential solutions. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/pokana-za-uchastie-v-kragla-masa-na-tema-izmamite-v-internet-novata-pandemiya
On 7 November 2024, the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria, organized an informational webinar titled “Geographical Indications: Introduction to the Latest Updates on Registration and Protection.” The event aimed to present the new Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 on the legal protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products across the EU. Experts explained the basics of geographical indications, including designations of origin, changes in the registration process, usage rights, and validity periods. The webinar also clarified the inclusion in the European Register of Protected Designations of Origin and Protected Geographical Indications, as well as the Register of Traditional Speciality Guaranteed foods. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/registratsiya-za-uchastie-v-uebinar-na-tema-geografskite-ukazaniya-vavedenie-v-novostite-pri-registratsiyata-i-zashtitata
On 19–21 November 2024, experts from the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria participated in the Annual Meeting of the Executive Agency for Variety Testing, Field Inspection and Seed Control (EAVTFISC) held in Lukovit. The event aimed to strengthen cooperation and share knowledge on the legal protection of new plant varieties and the procedures for registering trademarks and geographical indications. The participation of the Patent Office representatives helped enhance the expertise of EAVTFISC staff and foster collaboration between the two institutions in accordance with the Law on the Protection of New Plant Varieties and Animal Breeds. https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/eksperti-ot-patentno-vedomstvo-vzeha-uchastie-v-godishnata-sreshta-na-izpalnitelnata-agentsiya-po-sortoizpitvane-aprobatsiya-i-semekontrol
On 26 November 2024, the Patent Office, in cooperation with the Technical University of Sofia, organized a seminar titled “Basics of Industrial Property – Trademarks and Industrial Designs.” Around 200 students from TU-Sofia, UNIBIT, UNSS, HTMU, and VUTP participated in the training delivered by experts from the Patent Office. The seminar covered topics including registration procedures, rights, scope, dispute resolution, and protection of trademarks and industrial designs. The event was held in the “Prof. Tsvetan Lazarov” Hall at the Center for Excellence at TU-Sofia, attracting great interest from the academic community and young innovators eager to learn about intellectual property as a key business asset. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/studenti-ot-tu-sofiya-unibit-unss-htmu-i-vutp-uchastvaha-v-seminara-osnovi-v-industrialnata-sobstvenost-marki-i-promishleni-dizayni
On 12 December 2024, the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria signed a Memorandum of Anderstanding with the University of National and World Economy (UNWE). The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in intellectual property education and technology transfer. It includes joint initiatives such as student training, public lectures, conferences, internships, information exchange, and collaborative projects. The partnership highlights the importance of developing young professionals in the IP field and fostering close ties between the Patent Office and academic institutions. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/patentno-vedomstvo-podpisa-memorandum-za-satrudnichestvo-s-unss
Information on the following topics is desired:
International exchange of trademark information in machine-readable form (e.g., Official Gazettes)
The activity of the Bulgarian Patent Office in terms of international cooperation is directly related to Bulgaria's membership in international organizations in the field of intellectual property protection – the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the European Patent Office (EPO) and the European Union Office for Intellectual Property (EUIPO). Enhanced bilateral cooperation with institutions in the field of intellectual property of other countries has also been carried out.
Participation in international or regional activities and projects related to trademark information.
The Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Industrial Property Office of the Czech Republic signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Munich, at the European Patent Office headquarters. The agreement aims to establish a framework for regular exchange of information and best practices to support innovation, creativity, and development of national intellectual property systems.
Note: For each Standard listed below, please enter one of the following values:
WIPO Standard ST.3: Two-letter codes for the representation of states, other entities and organizations
Implemented
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.13: Numbering of applications for IPRs
Implemented
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.60: Bibliographic data relating to marks
Please enter one of the following values: "Implemented", "On implementation phase", "Planning to implement", and "No plan to implement"
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.61: The exchange of trademark legal status data
Please enter one of the following values: "Implemented", "On implementation phase", "Planning to implement", and "No plan to implement"
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.63: Content and layout of trademark gazettes
Please enter one of the following values: "Implemented", "On implementation phase", "Planning to implement", and "No plan to implement"
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.66: Processing of trademark information using XML
Please enter one of the following values: "Implemented", "On implementation phase", "Planning to implement", and "No plan to implement"
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.67: Electronic management of the figurative elements of trademarks
Please enter one of the following values: "Implemented", "On implementation phase", "Planning to implement", and "No plan to implement"
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.68: Electronic management of sound marks
Please enter one of the following values: "Implemented", "On implementation phase", "Planning to implement", and "No plan to implement"
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.90: Recommendation for processing and communicating Intellectual Property data using Web APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)
Please enter one of the following values: "Implemented", "On implementation phase", "Planning to implement", and "No plan to implement"
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.91: Recommendations on digital three-dimensional (3D) models and 3D images
Planning to implement
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.96: Processing of Industrial Property information using XML
Please enter one of the following values: "Implemented", "On implementation phase", "Planning to implement", and "No plan to implement"
Please provide more details based on your selection
Note: Please list any other WIPO Standards related to trademarks (not mentioned above) that your Office or Organization has implemented, is currently in the process of implementing, or plans to implement in the future. For each Standard, please indicate the implementation status with an option: Implemented, On implementation Phase or Planning to Implement.
Please provide more details
Please insert links to specific pages on your website where the above information is posted in English, French, or Spanish. See other requirements above. You may also provide text instead of links. Please provide more details based on your selection
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