13.04.2023 BDB hosted a meeting on protection of the intellectual property of businesses

A meeting was held at the Bulgarian Development Bank on the occasion of the "Ideas Powered for Business" initiative of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). At the invitation of BDB’s Supervisory Board, EUIPO’s Executive Director, Andrea Di Carlo, explained the opportunities that the European programme provides to small and medium-sized businesses in Bulgaria. The president of the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria, Prof. Vladya Borisova, was also present.

"Entrepreneurs can apply for grants to protect their intellectual property. Patenting costs can be covered under the EUIPO programme,” said Di Carlo.

The meeting was also attended by representatives of the nationally represented employers' organizations that are members of BDB’s Advisory Board. They will inform their members about the opportunities for assistance under the programme.

"One of the main tasks of BDB is to support the technological growth and innovation of Bulgarian businesses. It does this not only through financial products and programmes but also through consultations," said Stamen Yanev, a member of the bank's Supervisory Board.

The European initiative "Ideas Powered for Business" aims to increase business competitiveness through better protection of intellectual property rights. Under the programme, small and medium-sized enterprises can recover from 50 to 90 percent of the costs incurred in fees for applications for trademarks, designs and inventions, as well as for electronic filing of plant variety applications within the EU. The project also covers supporting services, such as a preliminary study of intellectual property protection needs.

The "Ideas Powered for Business" programme has an increased budget and is open for applications until December 2023.