Penkov, Markov & Partners maintains a strong position in the market, spanning the full range of IP assets such as trade marks, patents, copyright and industrial designs. The practice is well-known for its work in cross-border trade mark enforcement and litigation, and represents clients across the technology, pharmaceuticals and defence industries. Smilena Hrusanova spearheads the team, with extensive experience before the Bulgarian Patent Office and European Union Intellectual Property Office. The group also includes Ana Krusteva, who has in-depth knowledge of the digital IP space.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The team is very forthcoming. What is really valuable is that the team is covering all legal areas, and I do have all the expertise. We have great collaboration with all the team members who are supporting us.
- We are working with Roman Stoaynov, who is our primary counterpart. Roman is a trusted advisor and very knowledgeable in commercial law. He can be counted on to provide expert advice and to organize the team to support us in every other area of law. Ana Krusteva has supported us through the process of TM registration, and she handled the whole process with professionalism and care.
- 'Compared to other firms I have worked with, Penkov, Markov & Partners distinguished themselves through their responsiveness and their collaborative style. They consistently anticipated potential risks before they emerged and presented solutions that were not just legally compliant but commercially advantageous. In effect, they operated less like external counsel and more like an integrated extension of our leadership team.'
- 'The individuals at Penkov, Markov & Partners consistently stand out for their combination of technical expertise, strategic insight, and client-focused approach. Each team member brings a deep understanding of intellectual property law, paired with the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice.'
- 'Working with the team at Penkov, Markov & Partners has been exceptional not only because of the firm’s collective capabilities but also because of the distinct qualities of the individuals I had the privilege to collaborate with. Each of them brought something unique to the table.'
- 'Ana Krusteva is a leading trade mark practitioner: responsive, commercially pragmatic and a fine lawyer.'
Key clients
- Mercury Pharma Group Limited
- Naturprodukt OOD
- Sportforia AD
- Vazovski Mashinostroitelni Zavodi EAD
- Opticoelectron Group AD
- Profil Klett d.o.o.
- 4smart OOD
- Stamh OOD
- Nikolay Jaramlakov, architect
- Match More OOD
- Flyr Inc.
- Skin Systems AD
Work highlights
Advising Skin Systems Clinic on comprehensive IP and branding strategy, including trade mark registrations and IP structuring related to the sale of the business, post-closing employee contributions, and the transfer of proprietary methodologies.
Representing Klett Group in trade mark invalidation proceedings involving issues of registrability and procedural fairness, with successful outcomes before the Bulgarian Patent Office and first-instance court, and ongoing representation following remand by the Supreme Court.
Advised Sportforia on a project involving the licensing and exploitation of live and recorded sports content under the umbrella of the EU’s Digital Single Market regulatory framework.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Smilena Hrusanova
Other key lawyers
Ana Krusteva