Europe

Bulgaria

Patent system, trademark registration, annuity management, and renewals in Bulgaria.

Authority

BPO

PCT

31 mo

Madrid

Member

BPO Patent/TM Search

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Before You Start

Before filing or quoting, you'll typically confirm these first

1
Whether to pursue the Paris route, PCT national phase, or start with trademark registration in Bulgaria
2
Which of patent filing, trademark registration, annuity, or renewal is the most urgent priority
3
Whether to verify the official portal, search system, and key deadlines before moving to a quote or engagement

The sections below cover each module — use the navigation to jump directly to what you need.

Patent System & Process

Patent System in Bulgaria

Bulgarian patents via BPO or EPO validation. EU and PCT member; 31-month PCT deadline. 20-year term. Utility models available (10 years, no substantive examination). EU Unitary Patent covers Bulgaria.

Bulgarian Patent Protection Routes ▾

**BPO National**: Bulgaria only; Bulgarian language; substantive examination. **EPO Validation**: Bulgarian translation at grant. **Utility Model**: 10-year term; no examination; fast. **EU Unitary Patent**: Bulgaria is a participating state.

Source: BPO; EPO; EU Unitary Patent

PCT National Phase — Bulgaria ▾

Deadline: 31 months. Bulgarian translation required (or EPO route). Local Bulgarian patent attorney required.

Source: WIPO PCT Guide — BG

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Bulgaria

Bulgarian trademarks via BPO or EUIPO (EUTM). 10-year term, renewable. EUTM automatically covers Bulgaria.

Trademark Protection ▾

**BPO National**: ~12–18 months; Bulgarian language. **EUIPO EUTM**: ~4–6 months; covers all EU states incl. Bulgaria.

Source: BPO; EUIPO

Patent Annuity

Bulgaria Patent Annuities

BPO national patent annuities start from year 3; annual until expiry. Grace period for late payment with surcharge.

Source: BPO fee schedule

Annuity Reference → Managed Annuities

Trademark Renewal

Bulgaria Trademark Renewals

Bulgarian trademark: 10-year term; renew before expiry; 6-month grace period with surcharge.

Source: BPO trademark renewal rules

Renewal Reference → Managed Renewals

FAQ

Common Questions — Bulgaria IP

Does Bulgaria support PCT? ▾

Yes, 31-month PCT national phase deadline from priority date.

Does an EUTM cover Bulgaria? ▾

Yes, Bulgaria is an EU member; EUTMs automatically cover Bulgaria.

Does Bulgaria have utility model protection? ▾

Yes. 10-year term; BPO; no substantive examination.

Is Bulgaria covered by the EU Unitary Patent? ▾

Yes, Bulgaria is a participating state for the EU Unitary Patent.

What language is needed for PCT entry in Bulgaria? ▾

Full Bulgarian translation required (or EPO route with validation after grant).

Is there a grace period for late annuity payments in Bulgaria? ▾

Yes, a grace period applies with a surcharge; confirm timing with BPO.

Is there a use requirement for Bulgarian trademarks? ▾

Yes. Non-use within 5 years of registration can lead to revocation.

Does Bulgaria accept Madrid trademark designations? ▾

Yes. Bulgaria joined Madrid Protocol in 2001; international designations accepted; BPO examines.

Must Bulgarian trademark applications be in Bulgarian? ▾

BPO national applications: Bulgarian language. EUIPO EUTM: any EU official language.

Does Bulgaria support WIPO DAS? ▾

Yes, BPO participates in WIPO DAS.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

BPO Official Website www.bpo.bg EUIPO www.euipo.europa.eu EPO www.epo.org WIPO — Bulgaria www.wipo.int/members/en/details.jsp?country_id=27

Content based on official sources above, last reviewed: 2026-04. In case of discrepancy with the latest official publications, official sources prevail.

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