Engineer Tyanko Stoilov is industrial property representative to the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria to the European Patent Office and the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (for trademark and design). It is not only a patent specialist, but also of those rare people who selflessly dedicated and used force and energy to help the artists. So one of his advice to those entering a profession is „treat with patience and respect to every artist or candidate for such“.
Mr. Stoilov, you’re one of the industrial property representatives with the longest experience in Bulgaria. How you start dealing with the problems in this area?
In 1959 I started working in the management of the canning, respectively in the food industry in Plovdiv, which at that time was one of the most developed industries nationwide. The problems which should be improved are concerning the safety and labor productivity, product quality and the many other shortcomings in this area and it provokes me to look for their solution through the use and development of new techniques and technologies. In this respect, I acted to attract specialists and workers exported as lectures, talks and consultations in order to facilitate their development. An important aspect in that work was the topic of preserving the rights of artists. So they did and then occupied by me over the years various positions. At that time I had the active support and leadership of INRA. Unfortunately, after the conversion of that institution in the Patent Office this assistance is minimal and sporadic.
What in your opinion are the most significant changes in the system of industrial property, which have witnessed in recent years?
The most significant changes in the system of industrial property in Bulgaria in recent years occurred in the overall harmonization of Bulgarian legislation with international treaties and agreements in this field in recent years with the European Union. Unfortunately, the transition to the late, but immediate changes are accompanied by the creation of a vacuum in collaboration between artists in technique and technology on the one hand, and the absence of financial assistance from the state and an active policy for use by government and business possibilities of these artists and their works for the good of the country.
You’re one of the founders of the Union of inventors and the Regional Union of inventors to RNTU in Plovdiv. Are they able to manage these organizations helping inventors not only to protect their inventions, but also to find a market for them?
Attempt to even partially fill this vacuum was the establishment of a public organization Union of inventors to the Federation of Scientific Technical Unions. Mainly through lectures, consulting, informing the public of valuable new developments, we seek to help artists. The lack of special attention and financial support from the government and business, now do not allow these efforts to be utilized in the desired extent. Often these developments are at risk and their right not expected achieved rapid economic outcomes. And the business in our country strives to achieve faster and through trade rather than introducing new or significantly improved products. Maybe that is why firms and banks do not finance innovative projects. If it really want the existing vacuum to be reduced and even eliminated, it is desirable as soon as possible state legislation to create special conditions for persons and organizations that invest in creative solutions that are the subject of industrial property-based innovation.
Is the way of the research laboratory to the marketing of an invention too long?
The length of the road from the research laboratory to the realization of a creative solution, either with the subject of industrial property or know-how, largely depends on the joint work of the investigator with companies and professionals from production, which will be implemented. Often in this respect may be concluded and contracts. Terms are not usually short, and in many cases the development did not come to realization, especially when the artist was only after their creation begins to seek means and conditions for their implementation.
Is the long-immediate work in the field of intellectual, industrial property, respectively, helping you in your practice of industrial property?
Long direct work in the field of innovation by artists from many different professions, public bodies and administrative leaders all that helping me to work as industrial property. Especially valuable for me is the experience gained from the large number of free consultations in this area, including those more than two decades I gave during the two annual fairs in Plovdiv my lectures, and as director of branch of the Patent Office for the Plovdiv region and as a member of the leadership of the Union of inventors.
Mr. Stoilov, you tirelessly strive to transmit your rich professional experience to the younger generation. What advice you will give to those who now make their first steps in the field of industrial property?
Advices to young representatives in industrial property: be fair to your colleagues as implemented competition law, treat with patience and respect for every artist or a candidate, striving to retain their rights regardless of their financial capabilities; consult business leaders and state institutions to properly implement the laws on industrial property and competition law.
