In order to obtain a filing date, the design application must contain:

1. request for registration;
2. the name and address of the applicant;
3. one or more graphic or photographic images which clearly and completely reveal the design for which protection is sought.

In order to initiate the expert procedure in the Patent Office, in addition to the mandatory documents, the application must also contain:

1. priority certificate where reference is made to a convention priority;
2. copies of the design image;
3. document for paid fees for application, expertise and priority.

The necessary documents, as well as detailed instructions for the procedure for registration of an industrial design, are published on the website of the Patent Office.

One of the legal requirements for registration of an industrial design is that the device to which the design is included or applied can be reproduced repeatedly in a craft or industrial way. Obviously, a unique product that is unique does not meet this requirement and therefore cannot receive legal protection through registration of an industrial design.

The registration of an industrial design abroad can be done in three ways:

1. Using the Community design system, which makes it possible to obtain protection throughout the European Union with a single application, which can also be submitted in Bulgarian. Detailed information on the Community design registration procedure can be found on the OHIM website.
2. Using the system of the Hague Agreement for the international registration of industrial designs, if the interests of the applicant require protection, both in the Member States of the European Union and outside it in the Member States of the Agreement. More details on the requirements for processing applications for international registration can be found on the WIPO website - http://www.wipo.int/hague/en/forms/index.html - Explanatory Notes on the Official Application form DM/1.
3. In countries that are not members of the European Union and are not parties to the Hague Agreement, industrial design can be protected by applying under the national order.