04.11.2025
On October 27, 2025, at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” the lectures of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) began as part of the third edition of the joint master’s program “Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer” of Sofia University, the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria, and WIPO.
The Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Assoc. Prof. Atanas Georgiev, PhD, opened the event by emphasizing the role of intellectual property as a key factor in the development of the economy, innovation, and education. He expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the master’s program, which provides students with opportunities for international learning, internships, and exchange of experience. In his speech, he highlighted that the program has great potential. The joint work with the Patent Office and WIPO demonstrates that cooperation between academia and institutions can create real added value.
He thanked the team supporting the program’s development – Assoc. Prof. Todor Yalamov, PhD, Vice-Dean for Research, Innovation and Projects; Chief Assist. Prof. Kiril Velichkov, PhD, Director of the Master’s program; and Assist. Prof. Nikoleta Voynova, PhD, Program Administrator.
The President of the Patent Office of the Republic of Bulgaria, Ms. Olya Dimitrova, emphasized that knowledge has the power to change the world, but in order to lead to real change, it must be protected, supported, and shared responsibly. She noted that intellectual property is the tool that turns ideas into solutions and knowledge into value, and assured that the Patent Office will continue supporting universities, researchers, and innovators. She reaffirmed her support for the development of the joint master’s program. Among the official guests was Ms. Zlatina Slavcheva, Director of the Directorate “International Cooperation and Projects” at the Patent Office.
The Counsellor Academic Institutions and Executive Program at the WIPO Academy, Mr. Victor Owade, expressed gratitude to Sofia University and the Patent Office for the successful partnership and highlighted that we live in a time of rapid technological change in which intellectual property plays a key role in promoting innovation. He expressed confidence that through this program, students will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to protect and commercialize innovations and stated that WIPO will continue to support the initiative.
Dr. Dimitar Gantchev, Head of the Creative Industries Department at the World Organization and lecturer for a third consecutive year in the master’s program, emphasized that although the program is young, it already shows strong potential for progress and sustainable development. He noted that WIPO encourages practical approaches with real economic and social impact that transform knowledge into a driver of development. In conclusion, he thanked the Patent Office and Sofia University for the partnership and expressed confidence that the master’s program will continue to develop successfully and prepare specialists with a key role in the innovation economy.
Dr. Kiril Velichkov was the moderator of the event, which gathered significant interest from lecturers, alumni, current students of the master’s program, and students from the Faculty of Law of Sofia University.
