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Bulgaria applies a limited examination system for Bulgarian trademark applications. The Bulgarian Patent Office (BPO) examines a trademark application only on formalities and absolute grounds (e.g. correctly filed application, whether the sign is distinctive enough to be a trademark, etc.). If the application passes this stage, it is published in the Bulgarian trademark register for a three-month opposition period.

After publication, any holder of earlier rights can object to the trademark's registration by filing an opposition. If no opposition has been filed, the trademark is registered. In case of opposition, the BPO grants the parties an opportunity to settle the dispute via negotiations. If a settlement cannot be reached, the BPO will examine the dispute and rule on whether the trademark should be registered.

A registered Bulgarian trademark has effect in Bulgaria only.

The Bulgarian Patent Office does not inform trademark holders if new and potentially conflicting trademark applications are filed. It is the responsibility of trademark holders to monitor such applications and file oppositions where appropriate.

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The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) applies a limited examination system, i.e. the EUIPO examines a trademark application only on formalities and absolute grounds (correctly filed application, whether the sign is distinctive enough to be a trademark, etc.). If the application passes this examination, it is published in the European trademark register.

After publication, any holder of earlier rights can object to the trademark's registration by filing an opposition. If no opposition has been filed, the trademark is registered. In case of opposition, the EUIPO grants the parties an opportunity to settle the dispute via negotiations. If a settlement cannot be reached, the EUIPO will examine the dispute and rule on whether the trademark should be registered.

A registered EU trademark has unitary effect in al EU member states.

The EUIPO informs trademark holders if new and potentially conflicting European trademark applications are filed. It is the responsibility of trademark holders to monitor such applications and file oppositions where appropriate.

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In Ukraine, the examination system for TM registration is applied. This means that the expert institution ("UKRNOIV") shall examine if the trademark application meets the criteria for registration, including features of novelty and similarity with respect to the trademarks already registered or filed. This procedure quite efficiently assists trademark holders in preventing other persons from registering identical or confusingly similar trademarks for identical and similar goods and services. In addition the trademark holder can also independently file an opposition against a trademark application.

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The United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) applies a limited examination system, i.e. the UKIPO examines a trademark application only on formalities and absolute grounds (correctly filed application, whether the sign is distinctive enough to be a trademark, etc.). If the application passes this examination, it is published in the UK trademark register.

After publication, any holder of earlier rights can object to the trademark's registration by filing an opposition. If no opposition has been filed, the trademark is registered. In case of opposition, the parties may request to be given time to settle the dispute via negotiations. If a settlement cannot be reached, the UKIPO will examine the dispute and rule on whether the trademark should be registered.

A registered UK trademark has unitary effect in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as certain territories and dependencies such as the Isle of Man and the Falkland Islands. For other territories, such as Gibraltar, an additional local registration is required, on top of the UK registration.

It is the responsibility of trademark holders to monitor such applications and file oppositions where appropriate.

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Registration of international trademarks is handled by the International Bureau at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in accordance with the Madrid Agreement and the Madrid Protocol – which unite 125 countries and territories as of 2021.

The advantage of using the international trademark system is that with one central application, using one attorney from the home jurisdiction, and paying a centralised fee, an applicant can achieve trademark registration in multiple territories. Otherwise, separate local attorneys must be hired to file national applications and follow separate procedures in each territory, which is more complicated and more expensive.

An international trademark application is filed on the basis of a "Basic" trademark, through the applicable IP office of a Madrid system member. In order to be eligible to file an international application, the applicant must be a national or resident of a Madrid system member state, or have a real and effective industrial or commercial establishment in a member state. When the application is filed, a fee is paid to the International Bureau, in accordance with the number of countries indicated for protection.

WIPO conducts a formal examination of the international application. Once approved, the mark is published on the Register of international trademarks and the International Bureau passes the application on to the patent offices of the territories where protection is sought.

Each national authority examines the International application in accordance with the relevant local legislation. Based on the results of the examination by the International Bureau of WIPO, an applicant receives a notice on trademark registration or a provisional refusal to register the trademark.

A provisional refusal of the trademark registration may be full or partial and may be contested in the relevant authority, usually by engaging a national patent attorney.

An international registration can be renewed by submitting a request for the renewal to the International Bureau of WIPO and after paying the due fee.

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Patent Bureau "Dr. Emil Benatov & Partners" maintains partner relations with leading patent companies of all countries. We can register your trademark in even the most distant parts of the world.

With us, you will get quick and reliable service for the protection of your trademarks worldwide!