Bosnia and Herzegovina

A PCT application may enter the national phase in Bosnia and Herzegovina to pursue patent protection, provided the invention meets national patentability requirements.

National phase entry deadline

34 months from the priority date for entry into the national phase in Bosnia and Herzegovina (per WIPO PCT Applicant’s Guide for BA).

Representation requirements

Foreign applicants must appoint a locally registered patent attorney.

Language and translation requirements

A translation of the international application into Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian is required, typically including:

  • description,
  • claims,
  • abstract,
  • drawings (if any).

Examination

National phase applications proceed under the national patent procedure, typically including:

  • formal examination, and
  • substantive examination.

Office actions may be issued, and responses must be filed within the prescribed time limits.

Term and maintenance

Baseline term: 20 years from the international filing date, subject to annual maintenance fees.

SPC may be available for qualifying medicinal/plant protection products, but no more than 5 years.