AIPPI Bulgaria Criticizes Draft Ordinance On Industrial Property Representatives

The Bulgarian National Group of AIPPI issued an official statement criticizing the draft Ordinance on Industrial Property Representatives, released for public consultation in April 2017, and demanding a law which will adequately regulate the profession and services offered by IP representatives.

AIPPI Bulgaria argues that the draft Ordinance goes beyond the scope of what the Law on Patents and Industrial Designs has defined as a matter to be regulated by an ordinance, as well as that the Ordinance contradicts the Law on Recognition of Professional Qualifications, which requires that professional qualifications are regulated by the Parliament (legislative branch) and not the Council of Ministers (executive branch).

AIPPI Bulgaria also claims that the draft does not regulate the creation and functioning of a self-governing organization of IP representatives, such as a Chamber, and that it also fails to regulate disciplinary liability, as well as the question of keeping an office and adequate communication services.

AIPPI Bulgaria insists on the withdrawal of the draft and the resumption of an open discussion among stakeholders.

Prepared by: Ivan Rainovski and Dimitar Batakliev

For more information, please contact bulgaria@petosevic.com.

Source: AIPPI Bulgaria