Bulgaria: Eurovision hit “Bangaranga” targeted in gambling trademark filing

After Bulgarian singer Dara won Eurovision with song “Bangaranga,” an application has been filed with the EUIPO to register it's name as a trademark for gambling-related products and services.

There is no information on the identity of the applicant, only that it is a Bulgarian company, and this will remain confidential until relevant fees are paid and the submitted documents are verified.

The development was announced on social networks by the attorney Diana Popova, who works in the field of intellectual property.

At this stage, the application remains under review. The mark has been filed as a figurative trademark, meaning the applicant is not only seeking to register the word itself but also a specific graphic design and visual identity that has yet to be launched on the market.

The materials are visible on the EUIPO website. The filing also states that the “Bangaranga” trademark will be used for slot machines, gambling chips and other gambling-related services.

A review of the EUIPO website shows that the application was filed by lawyer Ralitsa Zayakova-Krushkova.

In a statement published by local media, Krushkova said the application had been submitted by a Bulgarian company with an international presence rather than a foreign entity seeking to profit from Bulgaria’s cultural success.

Krushkova stated: "It is important to note that from a legal point of view, the popularity of a word does not automatically make it someone's exclusive property.

"Copyright protects the song… copyright and related rights do not grant an automatic monopoly on an individual word as a trademark, even more so for one or all economic sectors.’’

Krushkova added that the applicant company is open to discussions with Dara’s team should they choose to get in touch. However, she declined to disclose the company’s identity due to confidentiality requirements.

Meanwhile, lawyer Popova warned that Dara should move quickly to register “Bangaranga” as a trademark to prevent misuse of the song’s success.

She argued that the application could be challenged in court on the grounds of bad faith, as EU case law considers factors such as awareness of prior use and attempts to benefit from another party’s popularity.

Any objection to the trademark registration must be filed within three months, meaning by mid-August.

In separate earlier news from the country, the Bulgarian Government launched a campaign against gambling addiction, with snowboarders Malena Zamfirova and Tervel Zamfirov named as ambassadors.