Which is the competent authority for patent applications for inventions in Bulgaria

It is protected for 10 years from the date of application, and can be renewed for 3 times, each time for 5 years, with a maximum protection of 25 years.

The initial protection period is 4 years, which can be extended for two consecutive three years, and the maximum protection period is 10 years.

4-6 months

• via Paris Convention : 6 months from earliest priority date.
• The way of the Hague Agreement: The Hague Agreement will automatically take effect in Bulgaria after 6 months from the registration of the Hague Agreement.
• EU appearance route: 6 months from the earliest priority date.

The BPO conducts formal and substantive examinations of invention patent applications. The BPO will complete the formality examination within 1 month from the filing date, and then the BPO will verify the Certified Priority Document and its related fees, and will conduct a preliminary substantive examination and unity examination of the patent application within 3 months after the end of the preliminary examination. A patent application that has paid the search fee and publication fee is published within 18 months from the filing date/priority date, and the opposition period is 3 months from the publication date. Search reports, written opinions on patentability and third-party opinions will be conveyed to the applicant no later than 6 months after the expiration of the 3-month opposition period. Can be authorized.

20 years

Reinstatement of priority on grounds of "due care" and "unintentional/due care" accepted.

no

Reinstatement of priority on grounds of "due care" and "unintentional/due care" accepted.

The BPO conducts formality examination of design patent applications.