The BPO only conducts formality examination of utility model patent applications. The formality examination takes 3 months, and the content of the examination includes whether the applied for utility model patent application belongs to the object of protection, the issue of unity, etc. If the granted conditions are met, the patent is authorized.
A 12-month novelty grace period is available if:
- The applicant authorizes others to use
- manifest misuse by a third party
1 month
no
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.
The BPO conducts formality examination of design patent applications.
no
2-5 years
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.
Filing Language: Bulgarian Necessary documents:
- Exterior Design Picture (Six Views)
- A Brief Description
Attachments (if any):
- Power of Attorney
- Certified Priority Document
- Declaration of Ownership/Certification of Employment/Assignment of priority
- Assignment for Patent Right Transfer
- Application fee payment certificate
A 12-month novelty grace period is available if:
- The designer, his legal successor, or a third party arising from the information or activities of the designer or his legal successor
- Third party that harms the interests of the designer