Bulgaria - Amended Trademark and Geographical Indications Law

Bulgaria has introduced a number of amendments to its Trademark and Geographical Indications Law (discussed in our February 2002 Newsletter), the most important of which include the following changes:

1) Trademark applications are published, following formal examination, for a two-month opposition period, following which a substantive examination is carried out;

2) Owners of earlier marks that are well-known in Bulgaria may object to the use and registration of a similar mark, even for non-similar goods or services, where use of the latter would take unfair advantage of, or be detrimental to, the distinctive character or repute of the earlier mark;

3) Trademarks may be used as collateral.