Patent Application Encyclopedia

• via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
• via Nationalization of PCT : 30 months from the earliest priority date.
• Validation of European Patent in EPO member states: 3 months from the date of European patent grant

yes

1-1.5 years

• Authorization Fee: None
• Annual Fee: None

Reinstatement of priority is accepted on the grounds of "due care".

Accept priority restoration. Please consult ICPR for specific applicable standards and charges.

The novelty grace period is 12 months before the filing date/priority date.

6 months before the filing date/priority date.

no

10 years.

not applicable.

no

yes

Reinstatement of priority on grounds of "due care" accepted.

• Licensing Fee: None.
• Annuity: The application fee includes the official fee for the first 5 years. The first renewal fee must be paid within 5 years from the filing date.

2-3 years

DIP only conducts formality examination for utility models, and the documents can be authorized if they meet the formality examination standards. If litigation or evaluation of the stability of utility model Claim is required, the applicant may submit a request for substantive examination within one year after the granted announcement.

• 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.