- Meridia - Patent annuity service

Bulgaria

PATENT ANNUITIES

A Power-of-Attorney is required for payment of patent annuities.
First three years are paid together. The remaining annuities are paid annually on the anniversary of filing.
For PCT applications that have entered the national phase in Bulgaria, the filing date is the date of filing of the PCT applications and annuities are calculated from that date, but are payable from the date of filing in Bulgaria.
For European patents that have been extended to Bulgaria, the renewal fees shall be paid to the Bulgarian Patent Office for each year following that in which the order on the grant of the European patent is published.
Patents are valid 20 years from the date of filing.
Life of a patent can be extended for a maximum period of 5 years, providing a Supplementary Protection Certificate is issued by BPO.
Grace period: 6 months in which the official fees are increased by 50%.

TRADEMARKS

A Power-of-Attorney is required for renewal of trademarks.
Maintenance fees are paid every ten years, starting from the date of filing, but first 10 year period is paid upon grant.
Maintenance fees are paid every 10 years.
Grace period: 6 months in which the official fees are increased by 50%.

DESIGNS

A Power-of-Attorney is required for renewal of designs.
Industrial Designs are valid 20 years from the date of filing.
1-10 years maintenance fees are paid upon grant.
Industrial designs are renewed in five-year intervals.
Grace period: 6 months in which the official fees are increased by 50%.