Best E-commerce & Internet Law Lawyers in Sevlievo

About E-commerce & Internet Law in Sevlievo, Bulgaria

This guide provides an overview of key legal topics for anyone involved in online business, websites, digital services, or internet activities in Sevlievo, Bulgaria. E-commerce and internet law in Bulgaria is shaped by both national legislation and European Union rules. Important themes include consumer protection for distance sales, data protection and privacy, electronic contracts and signatures, platform and hosting liability, intellectual property, taxation of online sales, and rules on advertising and unfair commercial practices. While the legal framework is national and EU-wide, practical matters - such as court venue, local registration and business support - may involve institutions or service providers based in Sevlievo or the Gabrovo region.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Online business and internet activity can raise legal issues that benefit from specialist advice. Situations where you may need a lawyer include:

- Setting up an online store or digital service and drafting terms and conditions, privacy policy, cookie policy, and return/refund rules.

- Ensuring compliance with GDPR and national personal data protection rules when you collect, store or process customer data.

- Responding to consumer complaints, handling withdrawal or return disputes, and representing you in administrative procedures with consumer authorities.

- Dealing with intellectual property claims, takedown requests, or defending against allegations of copyright or trademark infringement.

- Managing liability issues for hosted user content, marketplace responsibilities, or third-party payment processors.

- Structuring cross-border sales, VAT and tax compliance for digital services, and registering for the relevant tax schemes such as VAT or the EU One-Stop Shop obligations.

- Responding to fraud, cybercrime, phishing or data breach incidents, including notification obligations and remediation planning.

- Representing you in litigation or settlement negotiations before district or regional courts and in alternative dispute resolution procedures.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal areas and rules to consider when operating in Sevlievo, Bulgaria include the following:

- Consumer protection for distance and online contracts - Bulgarian law implements EU rules on distance selling, including pre-contractual information duties, the right of withdrawal, and clear rules on delivery, refunds and returns. Businesses must present mandatory information to consumers before a contract is concluded.

- Electronic commerce rules - national rules that transpose the EU E-Commerce Directive set out obligations for online service providers, including information duties, commercial communications, and intermediary liability for hosting and caching providers under defined conditions.

- Data protection and privacy - GDPR applies across the EU and is enforced in Bulgaria by the national supervisory authority. Businesses must have appropriate legal bases for processing personal data, keep records, implement security measures, and in many cases appoint a data protection officer or representative. Special rules apply to marketing and profiling.

- Electronic signatures and e-documents - electronic signatures and electronic documents are legally recognised following EU rules. Electronic identification and trust services are governed by EU eIDAS standards and national implementing rules.

- Intellectual property - copyright, database rights and trademark law protect original content, product names and logos. Online use of third-party content requires proper licenses or rights clearance. The national patent and trademark office handles registrations; infringement claims can be enforced in court or by administrative procedures.

- Advertising, unfair commercial practices and promotions - rules prohibit misleading advertising and set transparency standards for paid promotions, influencer marketing, and comparative ads.

- Platform and intermediary liability - hosting providers and online marketplaces have limited liability when they act as neutral intermediaries, provided they follow notice-and-takedown procedures and do not have actual knowledge of illicit content.

- Taxation and VAT - online sellers must comply with Bulgarian tax law and EU VAT rules. Cross-border digital supplies to consumers in the EU can trigger VAT registration obligations or the use of special schemes such as the One-Stop Shop for VAT reporting.

- Cybersecurity and reporting - data breaches and incidents affecting personal data may trigger notification obligations to the supervisory authority and to affected individuals. Serious cybercrimes are prosecuted by national law enforcement bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register my online business in Bulgaria if I operate from Sevlievo?

Yes. If you sell goods or services through an online store from Bulgaria, you normally need to register the business with the national Commercial Register and follow tax registration requirements. The legal form you choose - sole trader, limited liability company or other - affects registration, reporting and liability. For specific steps, consult a local lawyer or an accountant familiar with Bulgarian corporate and tax rules.

What information must I display on my e-commerce website?

You must provide clear and easily accessible information about the seller - business name, legal form, registration details, contact information, tax number where required, total price with taxes and fees, delivery costs and times, payment methods, and terms for withdrawal and returns. Consumer rights and mandatory contract terms must be provided before purchase.

How long can a consumer return a product bought online in Bulgaria?

For most consumer distance contracts, the buyer has a 14-calendar-day right of withdrawal without giving a reason, starting from receipt of the goods. There are exceptions - for example for personalized goods, sealed goods that cannot be returned for health or hygiene reasons once unsealed, certain digital content, and urgent goods. Clear instructions and procedures for returns must be provided to consumers.

What GDPR obligations apply to my online store?

If you collect any personal data - names, emails, payment details, IP addresses - you must comply with GDPR. Key obligations include having a legal basis for processing, providing a privacy notice, ensuring data security, keeping processing records where required, implementing data protection by design, and handling data subject rights such as access, erasure and portability. Certain activities may require a data protection impact assessment or the appointment of a data protection officer.

What rules apply to cookies and tracking technologies?

Cookies that are not strictly necessary for the functioning of the website generally require informed consent from users. You should provide clear information about the types and purposes of cookies and allow users to accept or refuse non-essential cookies. Consent must be freely given, specific, informed and revocable.

Who is responsible for user-generated content or third-party listings on a marketplace?

Liability depends on the role you play. If you are a neutral host offering technical storage for third-party content, you may benefit from limited liability provided you act upon obtaining actual knowledge of unlawful content and remove or disable access promptly. If you exercise editorial control, moderate listings in a way that goes beyond neutral hosting, or act as a trader on the platform, you may face greater responsibilities. Clear contractual terms and moderation policies are important.

How do I handle intellectual property complaints or takedown notices?

Have a defined procedure for receiving and responding to rights holders' claims. If you host content, act quickly to remove infringing material when valid notices are received. Conversely, if you receive takedown notices affecting your own content, you may be able to send a counter-notice. A lawyer can help assess claims, prepare responses and, when needed, represent you in negotiations or court.

What taxes do I need to consider for cross-border digital sales?

Cross-border sales to consumers in the EU generally require compliance with VAT rules. Digital services supplied to consumers are taxed where the consumer is located, which may trigger VAT registration in other EU countries unless you use the One-Stop Shop reporting mechanism. Local corporate tax, income tax for sellers and social security rules may also apply depending on the business structure.

What should I do if my customer complains to a consumer protection authority?

Respond promptly and professionally. Review the complaint, gather relevant documentation - order records, terms and communications - and seek legal advice. Administrative authorities can start investigations and impose remedies or fines for breaches of consumer rules. Early legal help can improve the chance of an amicable resolution or a robust defense.

Can I use electronic signatures and electronic contracts in Bulgaria?

Yes. Electronic signatures and electronic contracts are recognised under EU eIDAS rules and national legislation. Qualified electronic signatures have the highest legal weight and may be required for certain types of transactions. For many standard e-commerce contracts, clear consent and confirmation of terms can be sufficient when combined with good record-keeping practices.

Additional Resources

Useful institutions and resources to consult when you need more information or assistance include national regulators, industry support bodies and local organisations. Consider contacting or researching the following types of entities:

- The national supervisory authority for data protection, which enforces GDPR and provides guidance on personal data processing.

- The national consumer protection authority, which handles complaints about unfair commercial practices and distance selling issues.

- The national Registry Agency and Commercial Register for company registration and filing requirements.

- The National Revenue Agency for tax registration, VAT rules and guidance on cross-border e-commerce taxation.

- The national patent and trademark office for intellectual property registration and guidance.

- The communications regulator or body that oversees electronic communications and aspects of online services.

- Local Chamber of Commerce and business associations in the Gabrovo region or Sevlievo for practical business support and networking.

- The national bar association and local law firms with specialists in e-commerce, data protection and IP law for legal representation and tailored advice.

- Law enforcement cybercrime units for reporting serious fraud, hacking or criminal misuse of systems.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with e-commerce or internet law in Sevlievo, consider these steps:

- Clarify your needs - list the issue, desired outcome, key dates and the documents or evidence you have. This will help any lawyer assess your case quickly.

- Seek a lawyer with relevant experience in e-commerce, data protection or intellectual property. Verify their credentials and standing with the national bar association and ask for examples of similar matters they have handled.

- Prepare documents before your first meeting - business registration, terms and conditions, privacy and cookie policies, invoices, contracts, correspondence with customers or platforms, technical logs and any notices you received.

- Ask about fees and how the lawyer charges - hourly rates, fixed fees for specific services, or a combination. Request a clear engagement letter that sets out scope, fees and confidentiality terms.

- Consider alternative dispute resolution - many consumer disputes can be resolved through mediation or administrative procedures without court. A lawyer can advise the best route.

- Act promptly on urgent issues - data breaches, takedown notices, preservation of evidence and compliance deadlines often require immediate steps to limit liability and preserve legal rights.

- Keep records of compliance efforts - demonstrating that you took reasonable steps to comply with law can be important if a dispute or investigation arises.

Disclaimer - This guide is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal help, consult a qualified lawyer licensed to practice in Bulgaria who can assess your particular situation.