Please provide links to your website where the requested information can be found in English, French, or Spanish. Alternately, you may provide text responses instead of URLs if desired. If the information is not available on your website in an ATR language, then please provide text.
URLs in responses should meet the following requirements:
Information on the following topics is desired:
Outline of main policies and plans aimed at development of patent information activities and expected time frames for their realization
In 2024, BPO used the following databases and tools to perform patent prior art searches:
BPO Online - https://portal.bpo.bg - online search tool for national published patent applications, granted patents, registered utility models and validated European patents searchable by different criteria- by the name of the applicant, inventor, filing date, name of the invention, registry number, application number, status, IPC class, CPC class, term of protection, etc. The data is connected to the administrative system and database;
IPAS - administrative management system storing the bibliographic data and patent specification of the application. All the documents are scanned and attached to the electronic dossier of the patent application.
Espacenet - European Patent Office (EPO) database with free access to search granted patents, registered utility models and published patent applications;
EPOQUENET - EPO's paid searchable specialized database for patent and non-patent literature. Тhis searching instrument was decommissioned in the last quarter of 2024;
ANSERA Search Tool - EPO's specialized database for searching patent and non-patent literature;
PATENTSCOPE - WIPO's free access database for searching granted patents, registered utility models and published patent applications.
Publications of information for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) – the purpose of this section is to raise SMEs' awareness on industrial property and the institutions related to its protection; to promote the experience of SMEs (both domestic and foreign) for the active use of the industrial property system and to stimulate the innovation activity of SMEs in order to increase their competitiveness in national and international terms.
New projects launched or resumed this year in the context of the policies and plans mentioned above, short description: aims, partners, tasks.
In 2024, continued the maintenance of the registers and information systems of the Bulgarian Patent Office.
Information on the activities of BPO, law and regulations, instructions and links to guidelines for filing various types of documents in connection with patent and utility model procedures is available in Bulgarian and English at www.bpo.bg.
Patent and utility model applications are classified under IPC and CPC.
English translation of abstracts for patent and utility model applications.
BPO offers the option of filing patent and utility model applications in paper format and/or via electronic filing through the electronic services portal https://portal.bpo.bg/pt-efiling.
The submission of patent applications for inventions and utility models via the e-services portal of BPO is contingent upon prior registration within the portal.
It is not necessary to register in the e-services portal when requesting a preliminary examination and/or a reference for an industrial property object.
An electronic calculator is available which has functions to automatically calculate the fees payable in patent and utility model application proceedings for services provided electronically - https://portal.bpo.bg/tax-calculator/.
Main areas of patent information activities and related information and communication technology (ICT) practices which were in the focus of attention last year
Information materials were published – official announcements, news related to the activity of the Office, statistical information, information on the state of various projects in which the Office participates, information related to the protection of industrial property and other useful information.
Statistics
In 2024, 186 patent applications were filed of which 7 by foreign applicants and 179 by Bulgarian applicants.
A total number of 192 applications for patents have been resolved, while 92 patents have been granted.
Statistics are available at the following URLs:
https://www.bpo.bg/en/about/statistika
https://www.bpo.bg/en/about/otcheti/godishen-otchet
Information on the following topics is desired:
The BPO information and support options in 2024 included:
Availability of the application dossier in electronic form
Customers using the BPO Online have access to the application files sent by them electronically to the Office. Also all the documents related to the application can be seen electronically by the applicant.
Classification, preclassification (if applicable), reclassification activities; classification system used (e.g., International Patent Classification (IPC)), matters concerning indexing of patent information
Classification: https://www.bpo.bg/en/obekti/patenti-za-izobreteniya/klasifikatsii-patenti-za-izobretenia
Abstracting, reviewing, and translation of the information contained in patent documents
English translation of abstracts for patent and utility model applications is available.
Other activities
General information: https://www.bpo.bg/en/obekti/patenti-za-izobreteniya
Information on the following topics is desired:
The Official bulletin is published electronically twice a month. It may be accessed at: https://portal.bpo.bg/bpo-journal/ .
The content of the Official bulletin includes:
The State Register of BPO is available in electronic format at:
Information products (coverage, medium, etc.) and services available to external users; conditions of access (e.g., free of charge, subscription, etc.)
BPO Online – https://portal.bpo.bg/
BPO also provides access to patent data in the reading room where external users can search in online databases and databases on storage drives.
Paid information services on request available to the public through the Patent Office.
The patent information is accessible on the World Wide Web of BPO through the online search system for patents – "BPO ONLINE".
The Central Patent Library provides to the public access to the Official Bulletins from foreign countries, to the CD collections and Internet databases containing patent information.
Legal status information (kind of information, coverage, medium, etc.)
In order to make entries on the legal status of exclusive rights protected on the territory of Bulgaria, every person should submit relevant application and pay a fee to the account of the Office. People (clients, customers, users) can also obtain excerpts from the register.
Information on the following topics is desired:
Information on the following topics is desired:
All patent applications are stored in both paper and electronic formats. BPO uses an internal, specialized, unified industrial property information and administrative management system designated IPAS, which is linked to the e-services portal and the publications in the Official Bulletin of the Office. IPAS is an administrative management system that stores all data on the stages of patent proceedings - filing, formal examination, substantive examination, decisions and/or litigation. All patent documents are scanned and attached to the electronic patent file.
BPO offers more than 120 e-services related to all IP objects.
Information on the following topics is desired:
In order to support the development of initiatives in the field of industrial property, BPO is engaged in a number of joint projects and seminars aimed at a variety of target groups. In addition to this, the Office also facilitates the exchange of information and provides access to relevant data on industrial property objects.
On 10 April 2024, the Bulgarian Patent Office, in collaboration with the EUIPO, the Fund of Funds, and the Faculty of Economics at Sofia University, under the patronage of the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, held a webinar titled “Industrial Property – The Key to a Successful Startup.” The event introduced over 30 startup representatives to trademarks, industrial designs, patents, and utility models as vital tools for innovation and competitiveness. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/patentno-vedomstvo-provede-uebinar-na-tema-industrialnata-sobstvenost-klyuchat-kam-uspeshniya-startap
On 26 April 2024, the Bulgarian Patent Office, in collaboration with the Council on Innovation, Digitalization and New Technologies at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organized a ceremony marking World Intellectual Property Day and awarding the winners of the “Innovative Enterprise 2023” competition. The event, held under the theme “Brighter Future with Innovation and Creativity,” featured expert presentations on industrial property and honored three outstanding Bulgarian companies for their innovation achievements. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/patentno-vedomstvo-i-saveta-po-inovatsii-digitalizatsiya-i-novi-tehnologii-kam-btpp-otbelyazaha-svetovniya-den-na-intelektualnata-sobstvenost
On 27 June 2024, the Bulgarian Patent Office participated in the Ideas Powered for business webinar, organized by the EUIPO, on the importance of intellectual property for SMEs, featuring expert insights on the connection between SMEs and IP, the SME Fund, IP Scan services, IP enforcement tools, and the Ideas Powered for business platform. The event targeted SMEs and startups and was held online. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/registratsiya-za-uchastie-v-uebinar-znachenieto-na-intelektualnata-sobstvenost-za-msp
On 19 September 2024, the Bulgarian Patent Office presented a webinar for SMEs on the SME Fund and how it supports the protection of industrial property, aiming to help SMEs make the most of the available financial support for IP protection by the end of 2024. The event was held online. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/uebinar-za-msp-zashtitete-svoyata-industrialna-sobstvenost-s-pomoshtta-na-fond-za-msp
On 16 October 2024, the Technical University – Sofia (TU Sofia) and the Bulgarian Patent Office signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. The agreement aims to support TU Sofia’s educational, scientific research, and development activities through the expertise of the BPO, based on national industrial property policies. This partnership seeks to foster collaboration between academic and state institutions to promote innovation and the protection of intellectual property in engineering fields. The cooperation also focuses on enhancing the professional capacities of both institutions. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/tehnicheski-universitet-sofiya-i-patentno-vedomstvo-podpisaha-memorandum-za-satrudnichestvo
On 17 October 2024, Medical University – Pleven and the Bulgarian Patent Office held a seminar titled “Protection of Applied Scientific Research in Medicine as Industrial Property.” The event was organized by the project team of “Research University: Medical University – Pleven,” with the support and participation of leading BPO experts. The seminar focused on patent and utility model protection of medical research innovations, including the legal framework and specific challenges related to patentability in medical science. Special emphasis was placed on additional protection certificates (SPCs) important for pharmaceutical and biotech products. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/meditsinskiyat-universitet-pleven-i-patentnoto-vedomstvo-provedoha-seminar-na-tema-zakrila-na-nauchno-prilozhnite-izsledvaniya-v-meditsinata-kato-industrialna-sobstvenost
On 21 October 2024, the Bulgarian Patent Office, in collaboration with WIPO, held a webinar to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Bulgaria’s accession to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).The online event featured expert speakers from both WIPO and the BPO, who presented on the implementation of the PCT, recent updates and standards, and the use of digital tools for applicants and offices. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/uebinar-po-povod-40-godishninata-ot-prisaedinyavaneto-na-balgariya-kam-dogovora-za-patentno-kooperiranen
On 22 October 2024, the Bulgarian Patent Office participated in the online event titled “Patents and Innovation in European Universities”, organized by its Patent and Technology Observatory by EPO. The event highlighted the pivotal role of universities in driving innovation in Europe and marked the launch of the first EU-wide study on university patenting. It also featured the latest version of the Deep Tech Finder tool and brought together key stakeholders in dynamic panel discussions. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/evropeyskoto-patentno-vedomstvo-s-onlayn-sabitie-patenti-i-inovatsii-v-evropeyskite-universiteti
On 31 October 2024, the president of the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria participated in a roundtable discussion titled “100 Years of Katzaroff’s Patent Directory: The Future of Patent Information,” The academic forum, organized by New Bulgarian University’s Department of Law and the Konstantin and Zinovia Katzarovi Foundation, Geneva, celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first edition of Professor Konstantin Katzaroff’s “Patent Directory.” The event featured the presentation of the digitized 1926 edition and brought together notable speakers from WIPO, the European Patent Court, and IP Bulgaria, highlighting the lasting impact of Katzaroff’s work and the importance of preserving Bulgarian scientific heritage. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/v-nbu-se-provede-kragla-masa-na-tema-100-godini-katzaroffs-patent-directory-badeshteto-na-patentnata-informatsiya
On 12 December 2024, the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of National and World Economy (UNWE). The agreement, signed by Eng. Olya Dimitrova, President of the Patent Office, and Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, Rector of UNWE, aims to strengthen collaboration in intellectual property education and technology transfer. It includes joint initiatives such as student training, public lectures, conferences, internships, information exchange, and collaborative projects. The partnership highlights the importance of developing young professionals in the IP field and fostering close ties between the Patent Office and academic institutions. - https://www.bpo.bg/bg/novini/2024/patentno-vedomstvo-podpisa-memorandum-za-satrudnichestvo-s-unss
Information on the following topics is desired:
Gazettes)
The activity of the Bulgarian Patent Office in terms of international cooperation is directly related to Bulgaria's membership in international organizations in the field of intellectual property protection – the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the European Patent Office (EPO) and the European Union Office for Intellectual Property (EUIPO). Enhanced bilateral cooperation with institutions in the field of intellectual property of other countries has also been carried out.
Participation in international or regional activities and projects related to patent information.
The Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Industrial Property Office of the Czech Republic signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Munich, at the European Patent Office headquarters. The agreement aims to establish a framework for regular exchange of information and best practices to support innovation, creativity, and development of national intellectual property systems.
Note: For each Standard listed below, please enter one of the following values:
WIPO Standard ST.3: Two-letter codes for the representation of states, other entities and organizations
Implemented
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.6: Numbering of published patent documents
Implemented
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.9: Bibliographic data on and relating to patents and SPCs
Implemented
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.10/C: Presentation of bibliographic data components
Implemented
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.13: Numbering of applications for IPRs
Implemented
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.14: References cited in patent documents
Implemented
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.16: Identification of different kinds of patent documents
Implemented
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.18: Patent gazettes and other patent announcement journals
No plan to implement
The gazette is electronic and provides rich search functionalities that go beyond the Table of contents concept.
WIPO Standard ST.26: Presentation of nucleotide and amino acid sequence listings using XML
Implemented
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.27: Recommendation for the Exchange of Patent Legal Status Data
Implemented
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WIPO Standard ST.36: Processing of patent information using XML
Implemented
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WIPO Standard ST.37: Recommendation for an Authority File of Published Patent Documents
Implemented
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WIPO Standard ST.50: Corrections, alterations and supplements relating to patent information
Please enter one of the following values: "Implemented", "On implementation phase", "Planning to Implement", and "No plan to implement"
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.90: Recommendation for processing and communicating Intellectual Property data using Web APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)
Please enter one of the following values: "Implemented", "On implementation phase", "Planning to Implement", and "No plan to implement"
Please provide more details based on your selection
WIPO Standard ST.91: Recommendations on digital three-dimensional (3D) models and 3D images
Planning to implement
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WIPO Standard ST.92: Recommendations on the Data Package Format for the Electronic Exchange of Priority Documents
Planning to implement
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WIPO Standard ST.96: Processing of Industrial Property information using XML
Please enter one of the following values: "Implemented", "On implementation phase", "Planning to Implement", and "No plan to implement"
Please provide more details based on your selection
Note: Please list any other WIPO Standards related to patents (not mentioned above) that your Office or Organization has implemented, is currently in the process of implementing, or plans to implement in the future. For each Standard, please indicate the implementation status with an option: Implemented, On implementation Phase or Planning to Implement.
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Please include any other relevant information here.
N/A
1.Classification is allotting one or more classification symbols (e.g., IPC symbols) to a patent application, either before or during search and examination, which symbols are then published with the patent application.
2. Preclassification is allotting an initial broad classification symbol (e.g., IPC class or subclass, or administrative unit) to a patent application, using human or automated means for internal administrative purposes (e.g., routing an application to the appropriate examiner). Usually preclassification is applied by the administration of an office.
3. Reclassification is the reconsideration and usually the replacement of one or more previously allotted classification symbols to a patent document, following a revision and the entry into force of a new version of the Classification system (e.g., the IPC). The new symbols are available on patent databases.
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