The New Law on Trade Marks (1904)
In 1904, the National Assembly of Bulgaria passed a new Law on Trade Marks, which replaced the earlier law from 1892–1893. The new law was based on the principles established by international congresses that discussed the protection of industrial property.
Before this reform, many foreign manufacturers sold their products in Bulgaria without clearly identifying their origin, production methods, or ingredients. Often, these goods carried misleading or false labels, which deceived consumers and harmed both local producers and buyers.
To stop these unfair practices, the 1904 law created a system to regulate trade marks and protect consumers and honest manufacturers. It introduced clear rules for registering and using trade marks and imposed strict penalties on anyone who copied or falsified them.
Purpose and Scope of the Law
The main goal of the law was to guarantee the rights of businesses to their unique trade marks and to protect the authenticity of Bulgarian and foreign goods.
The law states that only legally registered trade marks are protected. Registration is voluntary for most products, but for some industries, where the interests of national commerce and production are at stake, registration is mandatory Tours Sofia.
While trade marks are registered without direct government responsibility, the Industrial Properties Office of the Ministry of Commerce and Agriculture must first verify that the mark is not an imitation or counterfeit of another already-registered mark. If it is found to be a copy, the Office must refuse registration.
The Registration Process
Trade mark registration takes place at the Industrial Properties Office, which operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Agriculture.
To register a trade mark, the manufacturer or business owner must:
Submit a written application to the Office.
Attach copies or samples of the trade mark.
Provide a printing block measuring 10 x 8 x 2½ centimetres.
Include certificates if the trade mark has already been registered in another country.
Once approved, the applicant receives an official certificate of registration for each trade mark.
Duration and Renewal
A registered trade mark is valid for ten years. After this period, the owner must renew the registration, or the mark will lose its legal protection.
The law also states that a trade mark cannot be sold or transferred separately from the business it represents. This ensures that the reputation and authenticity of a company remain connected to its products and not exploited by others.
Importance of the 1904 Law
This law played an important role in modernizing Bulgarian trade and industry. It protected consumers from fraudulent goods, encouraged honest competition, and helped Bulgarian manufacturers build trusted brands at home and abroad.
By aligning with international standards, Bulgaria demonstrated its commitment to creating a fair, transparent, and competitive market, supporting both industrial progress and consumer confidence.