Decision of the Supreme Administrative Court for recognition of the mark METRO as well-known for the territory of Bulgaria
The Supreme Administrative Court of the Republic of Bulgaria (SAC) upheld Decision No. 2076/02.05.2011, issued by the Administrative Court of the City of Sofia (ACCS). The court of first instance overruled, on the grounds of irregularity, a decision of the Patent Office, which rejected a petition for recognition of the mark METRO as well-known for the territory of Bulgaria, and returned the case to the administrative body with mandatory instructions for grant of the petition.
The SAC supports the conclusion of the court of first instance that the mark METRO has been famous for the territory of Bulgaria since 18.03.1999, the date on which the first two stores of the retail chain opened their doors, as well as due to the intense advertising campaign which started as early as October 1998.
