Trademark registration is an essential part of protecting a business and its intellectual property. A trademark distinguishes a company’s goods and services from those of its competitors and helps build a brand identity. But what is the duration of this protection, and how can it be extended?
Trademark Validity Period
According to Bulgarian legislation, a trademark is valid for a period of 10 years, starting from the date of submission of the application for registration. This term is standard and applies to both national trademarks and those registered within the European Union (via EUIPO) or internationally (via WIPO).
Renewal of the Term of Protection
After the initial 10-year period expires, trademark protection can be renewed indefinitely, with each renewal extending the protection for another 10 years. To renew a trademark, an application must be submitted to the relevant office—nationally (the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), or the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Renewal Procedure
The process for renewing a trademark is relatively straightforward, but it’s crucial to meet the renewal application deadlines. Typically, the application must be submitted before the current 10-year term expires. In some cases, renewal can still be done during a grace period after the expiry, although additional fees may apply.
It’s also important that the trademark is actively used. According to the law, if a trademark is not used for 5 consecutive years, it can be canceled at the request of a third party.
A trademark provides protection for 10 years from the date of application. This term can be renewed an unlimited number of times, with each renewal extending the protection by another 10 years. This allows businesses to retain their commercial identity and enjoy the rights associated with the trademark for an extended period. To ensure continuous protection, it’s important to monitor renewal deadlines and maintain active use of the mark.
Consulting with an intellectual property specialist will help ensure proper trademark management and safeguard your business interests. Contact us for more information.
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