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

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

• via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
• via Nationalization of PCT : 31 months from earliest priority date.

yes. Designs in the same category, or belonging to the same set or combination of articles, may contain several designs in one design (this condition does not apply when the product containing or attached to the design is an ornament).

The BPO conducts formality examination of design patent applications.

no

• via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
• via Nationalization of PCT : 31 months from earliest priority date.
• Validation of European Patent in EPO member states: 3 months from the date of European patent grant

yes. For an invention with the same subject matter, the applicant may file a patent type conversion request within 2 months from the date of receiving the patent application decision, but no later than 10 years from the application date, and change the patent type from invention to utility model .

4-6 months

A 12-month novelty grace period is available if:

• The applicant authorizes others to use
• manifest misuse by a third party

no