On 27.09.2023 the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of training and dissemination of knowledge on intellectual property and technology transfer.

The organizations open together a new Joint Master's Degree Program in Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer (MIPTT) starting from October 2023. The new program marks WIPO's first graduate offering with a specialization in technology transfer.

With the signing of the Memorandum, the activities of the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Hub, established in early 2023, jointly with the European Patent Office, are expanded. Through the established cooperation of the Patent Office and Sofia University, access is provided to all WIPO electronic resources in the field of intellectual property and technology transfer, created in partnership with other organizations from the organization's member states. In this way, conditions will be created for real expert exchange of knowledge and practices.

Leading professors from Sofia University, alongside experts from WIPO and the Bulgarian Patent Office will support students through their learning journey.

On September 27, 2023 Mr. Sherif Saadallah, Executive Director of the WIPO Academy, Professor Anastas Gerdjikov, Rector of Sofia University, and Professor Vladia Borissova, President of the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria, signed an agreement to offer this new program in a virtual ceremony.

“The Bulgarian Patent Office is privileged to connect and be part of the agreement between WIPO Academy and Sofia University. It is an essential step ahead for better capacity building through education in the field of intellectual property and particularly in economic aspects related to technology transfer and commercialization. We believe that the joint program will contribute to the sustainability of the IP and innovation system, as well as will increase awareness among the stakeholders in order to boost IP activity for economic growth”, said Professor Vladia Borissova, Dr. President of the Bulgarian Patent Office.

“Sofia University is happy with the agreement to fortify our mutual collaboration in the field of intellectual property education and training. By disseminating knowledge jointly with WIPO Academy, together we will create solutions for the good of society and its active participation in the innovation ecosystem”, said Professor Anastas Gerdjikov, Dr. Rector of Sofia University.

“Together we will build this Joint Master's Degree Program in IP and Technology Transfer with a curriculum that will address all areas of IP and, examine the ways in which businesses, entrepreneurs and creators can use technology transfer to support economic growth and development more broadly. Technology transfers supports the life cycle of technology, from inception to market diffusion and commercialization bringing additional benefits by driving economic and social development“, said Mr. Sherif Saadallah, Executive Director of the WIPO Academy.