PATENTS
Patents are granted for inventions in all technical fields which are new, involve an inventive step and are industrially applicable. Microbiological methods and products obtained through such methods may be applied for patents too.
Exempt of patent protection and not regarded as inventions are discoveries, scientific theories and concepts; mathematical methods; results of artistic work; schemes, rules and methods for performing mental acts, playing games or doing business; computer programs; presentations of information. The human body and embryos, their elements and genes are not patentable.
Patents are not granted for inventions, the publication or exploitation of which would be contrary to public order or morality, including methods for cloning people and using human embryos, methods for therapeutic or surgical treatment of human beings or animals as well as diagnostic methods (this exemption does not apply to substances and compounds used for carrying out of these methods); substances obtained through inter nuclear transformation used for military purposes; plant varieties or animal breeds.
The validity term of a patent is 20 years from the filing date of the patent application or priority date claimed in accordance with the Paris Convention. For pharmaceutical patents this protection term may be extended up-to 25 years on grounds of an issued Certificate for supplementary patent protection (SPC).
European patents are protected on the territory of Bulgaria if translated into Bulgarian language and duly validated.