Intellectual Property Opportunities for SMEs in Bulgaria and Eastern Europe

The South-East Asia IP SME Helpdesk supports small and medium-sized enterprises from the European Union (EU) and the other countries of the Single Market Programme (SMP)* to both protect and enforce their Intellectual Property (IP) rights in or relating to South-East Asian countries, through the provision of free information and services. These take the form of jargon-free, first-line, confidential advice on intellectual property and related issues, plus training, materials and online resources.

The Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria is the national authority responsible for the protection of industrial property rights, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, utility models, and geographical indications. Established as the successor of Bulgaria’s industrial property institutions dating back to 1904, the Office examines applications, grants protection titles, maintains official registers, resolves disputes, and represents Bulgaria in international industrial property organizations. It also promotes innovation, public awareness, and professional training in the field of intellectual and industrial property rights.