Intellectual property in Bulgaria

Boyanov & Co.

The highly regarded intellectual property department at Boyanov & Co. is engaged by domestic and foreign clients from the technology, pharma, banking and finance, and food and beverages sectors. The firm offers a comprehensive range of IP services, including representing clients in alternative dispute resolution and litigation proceedings relating to the infringement of trade marks, patents, copyright and industrial designs, and in transactions related to IP agreements, IP licensing and the transfer of copyright. Practice head Stela Sabeva has extensive experience across a host of IP matters and leads on various patent prosecution cases for pharma clients. Other key practitioners in the practice area are expert litigator Kina Chuturkova and Marina Mollova, who covers a range of IP issues across the consumer goods, life sciences, industrial products and entertainment industries.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stela Sabeva


Autres avocats clés:

Kina Chuturkova; Marina Mollova


Les références

‘A high level of understanding of the business and efficiency in providing legal advice. Practical and action oriented. Operates as a trusted partner and demonstrates an exceptional level of ownership and quality of advice.’

‘Excellent trade mark practice that consistently provides sound professional advice in a timely way.’

‘All of the people I have worked with at Boyanov & Co. are knowledgeable, professional, and courteous. Marina Mollova is a particular standout – she has good business sense as well as in-depth legal expertise, and her thorough command of English is quite impressive.’

Principaux clients

Pepperstone Group Limited


Eurobank Bulgaria


Porsche Design


Philip Morris


Chanel


F. Hoffmann–La Roche


Jacobs Douwe Egberts


Novartis


Tech Data Corporation


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting as a trade mark agent for Eurobank Bulgaria AD.
  • Successfully represented Jacobs Douwe Egberts in administrative court proceedings related to an opposition to the registration of a competitor’s trade mark, which is similar to the client’s mark for coffee.

Dimitrov, Petrov & Co

Dimitrov, Petrov & Co is regarded by clients as a ‘reliable, creative and efficient partner’ in the field of IP law, where notable domestic and international companies, including household-names such as Google, Pfizer and mobile.de, make up the client roster. The team has expertise in trade mark-related transactions, patent litigation for pharmaceutical companies, representation before the administrative courts in trade mark disputes and day-to-day consultancy regarding marketing promotions, branding strategy and advertising. Specialising in the areas of IP, life sciences, arbitration and data protection, Martin Zahariev leads the practice. The team’s senior ranks were strenghtened by the promotion of Zahariev to partner and Yana Georgieva to senior associate in March 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Martin Zahariev


Autres avocats clés:

Yana Georgieva


Les références

‘If I may use only one word, I would say “brilliant”. What I like most is their availability at any time and the fact that they always find solutions to our problems. They have a really business-oriented approach. I have no worries about our IP rights as long as DPC take care of them.’

‘Martin Zahariev is a bright lawyer with in-depth knowledge in several legal areas. He is reliable and commercially savvy. I think Yana Georgieva is also a very good and reliable IP lawyer.’

‘What makes the practice unique is the exceptional professionals that comprise it. Their availability, engagement and overall level of service is excellent.’

Principaux clients

Novomatic


mobile.de GmbH


Pfizer Luxemburg SARL, Bulgaria Branch


Google


Yettel Bulgaria


Zakłady Farmaceutyczne Polpharma S.A.


Hell Energy


Hack Soft


NAOS


Securax


Britos


DEV CRAFT EOOD


Julia Kontogruni


RPH Bulgaria EOOD


Amare Est EOOD


Leadfit Global OOD


Vaglishtak EOOD


Nova Kletka – BG


PhoneArena


Zona Pharma & Zonapharm


Fintech Services


Al-Furat for Tobacco and Cigarettes Industry Co.


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisting Novomatic AG in trade mark opposition and cancellation proceedings.
  • Providing legal assistance with regard to the protection of the mobile.de trade mark in the territory of Bulgaria.
  • Advised Polpharma with regard to a potential infringement of a competitor’s registered European patent.

Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov

Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov‘s ‘outstanding IP team’ covers the full suite of IP matters related to patents, trade marks, designs, copyright and the negotiation and execution of IP licensing. The practice group offers representation in related civil and administrative court cases and transactions and provides expert advice on portfolio structuring to international corporate clients. Kalina Tchakarova is well versed in trade mark-related cases and also frequently appears before the Bulgarian Patent Office and other courts. Dessislava Iordanova is a key advisor in the department, specialising in trade mark and industrial designs disputes and unfair competition cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kalina Tchakarova


Autres avocats clés:

Dessislava Iordanova; Anna-Maria Sabeva; Yoanna Penteleeva


Les références

‘Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov and Velichkov is a national law firm with a strong foothold in the local Bulgarian market, but with an excellent international network and an outstanding IP team. We particularly appreciate their prompt, extremely competent handling of cases and the trustworthy way in which they deal with our clientele at all times. One can completely rely on the team at Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov and Velichkov.’

‘The IP team, led by the extremely experienced and competent, always independent, reliable and trustworthy Kalina Tchakarova, is strengthened in a very pleasant way by young, dynamic and highly responsive employees.’

‘The individuals I have had dealings with have been knowledgeable, clear and impressive.’

Principaux clients

1PAX SAS


Avia International


Bunge Romania S.R.L.


INSAIT Computer Science Institute with the Sofia University


Consortium Deutscher Baumschulen GmbH


Economedia AD


Eljoy AD


Instagram LLC


Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook, Inc.)


Tick42


Principaux dossiers


  • Providing the full scope of legal services for all trade marks of the portfolio of Bunge Romania S.R.L. and its Bulgarian subsidiary Kaliakra AD.
  • Providing the full scope of legal services in relation to the trade mark portfolio of Economedia AD.
  • Advised 1PAX SAS in relation to the conclusion of a subcontracting agreement with IPA EOOD.

Georgiev, Todorov & Co

Domestic and international clients turn to the IP team at Georgiev, Todorov & Co for comprehensive advice on patents, trade marks, copyright, industrial property and database rights. The firm's client portfolio demonstrates the range of sectors the team excels in, from technology and publishing to healthcare and fashion. Ivan Todorov and Arno Mamasyan jointly lead the practice and are supported by Tsvetelina Dimitrova, who ‘stands out as extremely knowledgeable and capable in intellectual property’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ivan Todorov; Arno Mamasyan


Autres avocats clés:

Tsvetelina Dimitrova; Tsvetelina Mileva


Les références

‘The whole team at Georgiev, Todorov & Co. is outstanding. However, we work mostly with Tzvetelina Dimitrova – she is an amazing lawyer with strong knowledge of intellectual property.’

‘Georgiev, Todorov & Co. stands out as one of the top law firms in the Bulgarian market. The essence of our business requires strong knowledge in intellectual property and Georgiev, Todorov & Co. has proven its expertise in the matter. But what makes them really stand out from the competition is the expertise and dedication of their team of lawyers. The firm has strong team of experts, not only in IP but in other fields as well.’

‘The IP practice at Georgiev, Todorov & Co. is strong because of the team and level of expertise, and especially because of Tsvetelina Dimitrova, who is an amazing lawyer.’

Principaux clients

Alliance Print


Ciela Norma


On Clinic


EvrosK&P


Experian Bulgaria


Farant


Finance Group 2013 EOOD


Backbar Club


Dench eGaming Solutions


Duplex International


NEXO CAPITAL INC.


Software Point


Hill Clinic


Principaux dossiers


  • Provided full legal support to Ciela Norma in relation to obtaining a licensing agreement for the transfer of software rights for machines intended for machine voting for elections.
  • Representing Farant AD in the procedure for the international application for a patent registration.
  • Provided consultation to BORICA in relation to its registration as a national electronic identification scheme.

Kambourov & Partners

Kambourov & Partners provide legal advice on the full range of day-to-day IP matters, as well as acting in contentious matters and administrative procedures before the Bulgarian Patent Office and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, where the firm particularly impresses with its expertise in copyright and trade marks. The media, entertainment and film industry is where the firm excels, but the team is increasingly approached by companies in the fashion, luxury goods and life sciences sectors. Margarita Guigova leads the practice and is praised for her ‘profound mastery of intellectual property lawand is supported by Yana Todorova.

Responsables de la pratique:

Margarita Guigova


Autres avocats clés:

Yana Todorova


Les références

‘The team stands out due to its collective strengths and capabilities, marrying profound expertise in intellectual property law with a proactive stance towards innovation and strategy. Most notably, they excel in both IP advisory and IP litigation, offering comprehensive legal services to meet all the client’s needs. Effective communication, within the team and with clients, nurtures trust and guarantees the safeguarding of intellectual property rights.’

‘Margarita Guigova excels at cultivating enduring client relationships and consistently demonstrates a business-oriented mindset in her case handling. She possesses a profound mastery of intellectual property law, which she materializes by offering cutting-edge solutions to complex IP issues. Yana Todorova is a well-rounded IP expert, adeptly managing patent, trade mark and copyright matters, with a firm understanding of IP regulations and a commitment to staying abreast of this ever-evolving legal landscape.’

‘The team is highly professional, knowledgeable and resourceful.’

Principaux clients

Schwarz Global Services Bulgaria


Sustainable Energy Supply Ltd.


Chivas


BY FAR


Strobails


End Insomnia


Devil Walking


Lidl


Nexo


Vivacom


Motion Picture Association (MPA)


Nova Broadcasting Group


Prestige-96


Mlin-97


Kamenitza AD


Kaufland


Maria Consulting EOOD


Motion picture ‘SpeculatorS’


Alians-DN


Radio Veselina/Magic FM & TV/The Voice Radio & TV/Radio Vitosha


Meat Revolution/Tandem Popovo


City Build OOD


Vestnik Telegraf EOOD


Principaux dossiers


  • Provided representation to Vivacom Bulgaria EAD as the defendant in copyright litigation initiated by the Bulgarian collective management organisation.
  • Provided representation to a prominent energy company as the respondent in a BGN 1 million trade mark dispute involving a conflict between a trade mark and a similar company name.
  • Providing continuous assistance to Lidl on strategic brand development and ensuring minimal risk of trade mark infringement allegations relating to the client’s nationwide advertising campaigns across TV, online and print platforms.

CMS

CMS is well versed in the full spectrum of IP matters, offering legal services related to the entire lifecycle of IP assets, including trade marks and passing-off, related litigation matters, and copyright and patent law. The team is especially active in the media, healthcare, IT, energy and consumer products sectors and often acts on cross-border matters in conjunction with its global offices. Nevena Radlova and Antonia Kehayova are joint practice heads, with the former specialising in competition and the full range of IP law matters, and the latter covering IP-related disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nevena Radlova; Antonia Kehayova


Autres avocats clés:

Anna Tanova; Eva Petrova


Principaux clients

Alliance of the Technology Industry


The Association of Bulgarian Broadcasters


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting as exclusive legal advisor to the Alliance of the Technology Industry, advising on IP matters including complex negotiations with the collective management organisations of copyrights and neighbouring rights holders.
  • Acting as exclusive legal advisor to the Association of Bulgarian Radio and TV Broadcasters.

Gugushev & Partners Law Office

Gugushev & Partners Law Office‘s IP and data protection department is active across the food, media, retail and e-commerce sectors, where clients praise the team as a ‘premier choice’ for the complete range of IP matters. Yoanna Ivanova is a seasoned professional in the field with nearly 18 years of experience advising on IP matters, especially in the media sector, where she has frequently represented her clients before the Bulgarian authorities. Senior partner Victor Gugushev assists the team on related commercial and corporate cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

Yoanna Ivanova


Autres avocats clés:

Victor Gugushev; Tsvetelina Paskova; Vilimira Murleva


Les références

‘Gugushev & Partners Law Office is an exceptional legal partner for us. What truly sets them apart is their ability to not only defend our intellectual property but also drive important changes in our legal system. They are particularly strong in navigating complex legal matters and advocating for positive legal reforms.’

‘Yoanna Ivanova and Vilimira Murleva stand out because they have deep knowledge, smart strategies, and a strong commitment to protecting our ideas and creations. They are very good at handling complex intellectual property issues and even pushing for important changes in the law, when needed. Yoanna and Vilimira’s proactive approach to protecting our interests has been a big help many times so far.’

‘Extremely loyal team of lawyers. Fast and timely resolution of cases. Very competent, knowing exactly how to approach any situation.’

Principaux clients

Konservinvest Ltd.


Mag Invest Ltd.


Rozaimpeks Ltd.


Efficiency First Media Jsc.


Residence City Garden


Atana


Kidso.bg


Just Juice


Endeavor Bulgaria


Reflection


Techceramic AD


Online Dress


Nexbasket


AUBG


Alfastar Venture JSCo.


KGK Law Firm

KGK Law Firm has a strong reputation for advising technology and software companies on innovative developments in the field, where the team’s extensive offering in the full suite of IP matters is advantageous. The team covers patents, copyright, neighbouring rights, licensing and trade marks, and is well versed in IP disputes. Trayan Kosev is a regarded by clients as the ‘best in his field’ and in addition to providing legal services, he is often consulted on new legislative amendments in the field of IP.

Responsables de la pratique:

Trayan Kosev


Autres avocats clés:

Goran Kotsev


Les références

‘The team is amazing. No matter how hard the case is, they always find a solution. Although I am not based in Bulgaria, it is really easy to communicate with them. They assist with everything. I feel my business is safe with this team.’

‘When dealing with a case, you want Trayan Kosev to be on your side. A very competent and trustworthy professional. I truly believe Trayan is best in his field.’

‘Trayan Kosev has all the qualities that a good attorney should have. When there is a difficult, Trayan just solves it. He has been protecting our interests for many years, and during that period, he has always found time to assist us. Especially in the field of intellectual property, Trayan is KGK’s ace.’

Principaux clients

Uber B.V.


Carlsberg Bulgaria


NIK Electronics


NIK Agro


Sunday Media


C W Agency


Fast AI


Algera Health


Corporate Travel Bulgaria


Zvuk.io


Premio Travel Bulgaria


4Digit


7Digit


Neuronics Inc


ihot@l


Meliora Web


Smokini Restaurant


Andy Studio


Laura Catering


Flumen


Edelvais Bansko


Poseidon Holidays


Building Box


New Sun Travel


Glorier


Diliyana Florentin


Risa Systems


Mazno


Extra Clean


Rush


Lorex Group


Ruko Bulgaria


Funiz


Simplaphi


OnTopGX


Polonia Travel


Ivet Fashion


Vapex


Trap 19 Connection


Beyond Work


Sotirovi Projects


SVM Solutions


Sierra Media


Principaux dossiers


  • Provides advice to Carlsberg Bulgaria on a wide range of matters concerning intellectual property.
  • Advised Neuronics Inc. and FAST AI Ltd. on the international acquisition of IP rights.
  • Advised Beyond Work on a variety of IP matters related to the creation of new software using AI algorithms.

Penkov, Markov & Partners

Software, consumer goods and pharmaceutical companies are just some of the clients that Penkov, Markov & Partners supports in IP matters, among which are industrial property infringements, copyrights and neighbouring rights issues, as well as representing clients in proceedings before the Bulgarian Patent Office and the European Union Intellectual Property Office. Smilena Hrusanova is well versed in complex infringement cases and frequently acts for her clients before the courts and arbitration bodies. Ana Krusteva is also a standout member of the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Smilena Hrusanova


Autres avocats clés:

Vladimir Penkov; Ana Krusteva


Les références

‘Throughout our engagement, the team at PMP consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism and responsiveness. Their promptness in returning emails and phone calls, as well as their willingness to address my concerns and answer my questions, made me feel like a valued client. What truly sets PMP apart is their ability to strategise and offer creative solutions.’

‘Ana Krusteva has in-depth knowledge of intellectual property laws and an ability to explain complex legal matters in a clear and understandable manner. Her guidance was invaluable, making sure that every step was taken with precision and attention to detail.’

‘Over the years we have developed a great partnership with Penkov, Markov and Partners and their dedication to our business is evident in all aspects of their work.’

Principaux clients

The Coca Cola Company


Upton


TecAlliance


American Bulgarian Business Association


Pension Assurance Company Doverie/Vienna Insurance Group


Tiger Technology


Karelia Tobacco Company


Berlin-Chemie/A. Menarini


BuildeX


4smart


Wealthlock


Arteks Engineering


Our Home is Bulgaria Foundation


Production House Spirit


Naturprodukt


LD Marketing


Klett Publishing House


Titan Cement Company


Pierre Fabre


Skin Systems


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising TecAlliance on actions against seven infringers of the copyright over TecAlliance’s database for auto parts.
  • Advising Berlin-Chemie/A. Menarani on a complex trade mark infringement dispute, regarding the parallel import of medicinal products done by a parallel importer replacing the trade mark of the imported product with a trade mark of the client.
  • Acting for LD Marketing Solutions OOD in a dispute regarding the nullity of registered Community website designs.

Popov, Arnaudov & Partners

Popov, Arnaudov & Partners provides daily IP assistance to various clients, with an emphasis on the media industry, as well as assisting with copyright disputes and infringement cases. Some of the matters covered by the practice include the registration of trade marks, reviews of contracts and patent rights issues. Emiliyan Arnaudov leads the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Emiliyan Arnaudov


Les références

‘The entire team works very well. I would also like to highlight my work with Emiliyan Arnaudov, who is very aware of changes to the regulatory framework.’

‘Professional, great expertise, but very friendly and open to help and support.’

‘Very well-organised team that works quickly and professionally in any situation. They are a reliable partner.’

Principaux clients

Global Web


Accellion/Kiteworks USA


ALPEN PHARMA Ltd.


HD Media Ltd.


Moviestar Ltd.


PROPHON


Ministry of Culture


Nedelya Ltd.


Petar Barbalov


New Bulgarian University


Prima Chitecks Ltd.


Geobrugg AG


Cremio Ltd.


The Executive Agency National Film Center


Principaux dossiers


  • Providing legal assistance to Prophon on a day-to-day basis.
  • Advising on a copyright dispute regarding the Khan Asparukh film trilogy, directed by Ludmil Staikov.

Schoenherr

The Schoenherr IP team’s broad expertise covers copyrights, designs, patents and trade marks. The team is involved in IP litigation and licensing matters, in addition to assisting with the IP aspects of M&A transactions, trade mark prosecution cases and day-to-day IP advice. Companies from the TMT and retail sectors, as well as oil and gas businesses, make up the bulk of the team’s client portfolio. Ventsislav Tomov leads the practice and is praised by clients for his ‘in-depth knowledge of all legal matters concerning intellectual property.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ventsislav Tomov


Autres avocats clés:

Kristina Bozhinova


Les références

‘The main strength is the international team of professionals whom you have easy access to, in case you need it.’

‘Ventsislav Tomov is the expert that we work with. He’s been very diligent and thoughtful during our interactions and has provided deep insight on our specific case. He’s been quite responsive and very clear in his communication in order for us to know where we stand regarding trade mark registration and oppositions.

‘The team possesses experienced experts in all legal matters, delivering a quick and efficient service.’

Principaux clients

KiK Textilien und Non-Food GmbH


Subway International B.V.


Robert Bosch


Car-Data Ltd.


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Subway International B.V. on the termination of the respective franchise agreements with Bulgarian franchisees.
  • Successfully advised Car-Data Ltd. on distribution and licensing agreements.
  • Advised KiK Textilien and Non-Food GmbH and its Bulgarian subsidiary on the IP aspects of cosmetic product labelling and advertising of non-food issues.

Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds Sutherland assists national and international companies, most notably AstraZeneca, on a whole host of IP matters, ranging from day-to-day consultancy on the IP aspects of marketing activities to representing clients in court and arbitration proceedings and before the EUIPO and the Bulgarian Patent Office. Nikolay Bebov and Philip Kiossev jointly lead the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nikolay Bebov; Philip Kiossev


Principaux clients

Alpi Digital Commerce


AstraZeneca


Green Innovation


Japan Tobacco International Bulgaria


Momos Bulgaria


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Alpi Digital Commerce EOOD in the acquisition of the intellectual property of a Bulgarian company, related to the operation of the business on the website kompoti.bg.
  • Providing all-round legal advice to Green Innovation, including on the protection of the IP rights developed by the company.
  • Assisted Momos Bulgaria EOOD with the IP aspects of the drafting and negotiation of a franchise agreement with a Greek counterparty.

Kinstellar

Kinstellar covers various IP matters but has particular expertise in advising on the IP rights of UK and US companies outsourcing work to Bulgarian subcontractors, for example copyrighted works such as software solutions. To this end, the firm is frequently approached by tech companies, but also works with cryptocurrency exchanges and gaming companies, which is an area of expertise for Georgi Kanev, who also frequently covers IP issues relating to M&A matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Georgi Kanev


Les références

‘They were fast, competent and correct in their answers to my questions.’

‘Communication with the customer and the quality of their legal advice was of an extremely high level.’

Principaux clients

Chaos Group


Launcher Inc


Covantis


KASTA CCHS LTD


52 Entertainment


Financial Times


ZOO Group Stefanov LLC


UKG Inc.


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised 52 Entertainment on the acquisition of Bulgarian gaming company Casualino AD and its subsidiary Zariba EOOD.

Pavlov & Co

'Boutique IP law firmPavlov & Co offers a range of advice in the field of IP law, including on IP rights in cases of acquisitions, enforcement and litigation proceedings, as well as being well versed in IP property protection. ‘PowerhouseVasil Pavlov is a patent and trade mark expert with a wealth of experience in intellectual property protection cases. Pavlov leads the practice group alongside Momchil Lazarov and Sevdalina Drehemova.

Responsables de la pratique:

Vasil Pavlov; Momchil Lazarov; Sevdalina Drehemova


Les références

‘Pavlov & Co is a boutique IP law firm. What differentiates them from the full-service law firms is their strong focus on all aspects of intellectual property law and their in-depth expertise on all matters in relation to the lifecycle of IP assets.’

‘Vasil Pavlov is one of the most energetic lawyers on the market, very passionate about his work and when defending his client’s IP rights. A great expert.’

‘This is the most dedicated IP team I know on the Bulgarian market. It is a small team but they are full of energy. In addition to their strong knowledge of IP, they have very good skills in unfair competition regulations.’

Principaux clients

Bristol-Myers Squibb


Pfizer


Lacoste


Societe BIC


Devin


BMW


EPAY


EASYPAY


Black Sea Gold


Assa Abloy Open Solutions Bulgaria


E.J. Papadopoulos S.A.


Nuhealth


Fitspo Global


Polmos


Meridyen Gida Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sikreti


KING.COM.LIMITED


Black Swan Technologies


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Polmos in an opposition case against a local wine producer before the Bulgarian Patent Office and in an infringement case before the court.
  • Represented Devin in opposition proceedings against a competitor and in appealing the decision of the Bulgarian Patent Office before the court.
  • Represented Arena Com in opposition proceedings before the Bulgarian Patent Office based on the use of a non-registered trade mark.

Wolf Theiss

Wolf Theiss advises diverse clients across the telecoms, technology, financial services, food and beverages, healthcare and BPO fields in the area of IP law, including the IP aspects of commercial contracts and disputes before the Bulgarian courts. Managing partner Anna Rizova leads the IP and data protection practice group.

Responsables de la pratique:

Anna Rizova


Autres avocats clés:

Richard Clegg


Les références

‘The practice has diverse knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, and is capable of digging into the details while keeping the big picture in mind. They are very collaborative and have excellent communication skills. They are punctual and clear, and experienced in complex transactions.’

Principaux clients

Jagex


Intuitive Surgical Operations


Dentsply Sirona


Nidec Corporation


NIK Electronics


Apollo Global Management


Eleven


Edgecap Partners


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Intuitive Surgical Operations on all legal matters pertaining to its EUR 40 million investment in a manufacturing facility in Bulgaria, including providing IP support pertaining to copyrights over architectural works.
  • Advising EdgeCap on the IP and data protection aspects of the acquisition of Comac Medical.
  • Advising Jagex on the acquisition of Gamespires, including providing IP and data protection advice pertaining to the copyrights of the buyer.