Application success rate at Bulgaria’s BPO: 5-year trend
In Bulgaria, trademark applications are managed by the Bulgarian Patent Office (BPO), operating under the Ministry of Innovation and Growth.
Bulgaria has demonstrated consistently strong trademark registration performance over the past five years, with an overall average success rate of 82.67%.
Applications filed in | Registered | Filed | Success rate |
|---|---|---|---|
2019 | 2,882 | 3,798 | 75.88% |
2020 | 2,761 | 3,428 | 80.54% |
2021 | 2,978 | 3,486 | 85.43% |
2022 | 2,818 | 3,243 | 86.89% |
2023 | 2,832 | 3,308 | 85.61% |
Total (average) | 14,271 | 17,263 | 82.67% |
Comparison to major IP Offices in the region
With an average success rate of 82.67%, Bulgaria stands out as a favorable jurisdiction for trademark protection. It performs significantly above the global average, beating out larger IP markets such as the EUIPO (71.66%) and USPTO (56.91%).
Bulgaria also stands above several neighboring countries, such as Romania (75.55%), Serbia (85.38%), and Turkey (66.09%), and close to other high-performing European nations such as Austria (84.67%), Czech Republic (88.53%), and Slovenia (80.78%). Find out more about how this trademark office compares globally in our full report on trademark success rates worldwide.
Country | Office code | Success rate |
|---|---|---|
Bulgaria | BPO | 82.67% |
Romania | OSIM | 75.55% |
Serbia | IPORS | 85.38% |
The European Union | EUIPO | 90.80% |
The United States | USPTO | 56.91% |
Bulgaria’s strong success rate in trademark registration is the result of several contributing factors:
Efficient Administrative Procedures: The BPO maintains a relatively streamlined process, contributing to fewer procedural rejections and faster examination timelines.
Use of Professional Representation: Many applicants, especially businesses, engage local trademark attorneys, which improves application quality and minimizes avoidable errors.
Moderate Filing Volumes: Compared to larger jurisdictions, Bulgaria sees a manageable volume of applications (under 3,000/month), which may allow examiners more time per file, increasing quality and success outcomes.
How to maximize your chances of registration success in Bulgaria
Despite a relatively high success rate of 82.67%, registering a trademark in Bulgaria requires some preparation and understanding of BPO procedures. To improve your likelihood of approval, it’s recommended to begin with a comprehensive trademark search to identify any potential conflicts. Ensure that your mark is distinctive and not merely descriptive, and clearly define the goods and services associated with your application.
Working with a qualified trademark lawyer is one of the most effective ways to increase your chances. A trademark lawyer can help navigate the complexities of the BPO process, respond effectively to Office Actions, and build a solid filing strategy from the start.
If you are currently preparing to submit your first trademark application, we’ve put together a detailed guide on how to strengthen your chances of success, with multiple pieces of advice directly from our trademark lawyers with years of experience. You can also take advantage of Trama’s free lawyer’s check to receive expert feedback on your trademark and guidance on the best steps forward.
