site.btaEconomy Minister Dilov Meets with European Patent Office President Campinos

The development of new technologies and their integration into the economy were discussed at a meeting between the Minister of Economy and Industry Petar Dilov and a delegation of the European Patent Office (EPO), which is visiting Bulgaria, led by EPO President Antonio Campinos, the Economy Ministry said in a press release on Friday. 

The meeting discussed key issues related to the sustainability of the patent system, the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises, the role of universities and individual applicants, the support of intellectual property, as well as future opportunities for bilateral cooperation.

"Small and medium-sized enterprises, universities and individual applicants are a priority not only for the European Patent Office, but also for Bulgaria," Minister Dilov is quoted as saying. He expressed confidence that the partnership between Bulgaria and the EPO will continue to develop, targeting new promising sectors and forms of interaction.

Dilov stressed that his Ministry remains committed to actively supporting business and creating favourable conditions for the development of Bulgaria's innovation potential, as well as reducing bureaucratic barriers that can hinder the implementation of new ideas.

Campinos stressed that Bulgaria is an important participant in the Unitary Patent, which is strongly supported by small and medium-sized enterprises, research centres and universities. The Unitary Patent is a very important tool for small and medium-sized enterprises, and smaller enterprises benefit from the system and use it very actively, he said.

It became clear at the meeting that more than 50% of Bulgaria's GDP is generated by enterprises that actively use intellectual property, including patents, trademarks and geographical indications. Businesses that make intensive use of intellectual property, such as patents, are the ones that generate higher GDP and create jobs with higher salaries, Campinos noted.

He expressed gratitude to Bulgaria for its efforts to retain its patent experts, in supporting universities, research centres and small companies that need support for new technologies and innovations. Campinos said that the Bulgarian Patent Office is one of the most active in Europe.

The meeting was also attended by the President of the Bulgarian Patent Office, Eng. Olya Dimitrova.