A trademark is a valuable asset for any business, symbolizing its identity and value in the market. Protecting your trademark is essential to secure your rights and prevent misuse or unauthorized use by third parties. It is important to understand that trademark protection is only effective within the territory of the country or countries for which registration has been applied. The relevant intellectual property office determines this protection. Here are the main ways to protect your brand:
- National Protection
National trademark registration provides protection within the borders of a specific country, such as Bulgaria. This type of protection is suitable for businesses that primarily or exclusively operate in the domestic market of a particular country. Registration is conducted with the relevant national intellectual property authority— in Bulgaria, this is the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria. - European Protection
For businesses that want to operate and protect their brand across the entire European Union (EU), there is an option to register a trademark at the EU level. This is achieved by submitting a single application to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), which automatically grants protection in all 27 EU member states. This form of protection is ideal for companies seeking broader territorial coverage within the European market. - International Protection
If your goal is to secure trademark protection in multiple countries outside the EU, you can utilize the international registration system. By filing a single application under the Madrid System, you can select the countries in which you wish to have your trademark protected. This system currently covers up to 93 countries worldwide, providing flexibility and extensive protection tailored to your business needs and plans.
How to Choose the Right Protection?
Selecting the appropriate form of protection depends on the territorial scope of your business activities and strategic development plans. If your business is focused on the local market, national protection may be sufficient. For larger markets, such as the European Union or international markets, European or international protection offers the necessary security and peace of mind.
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