Europe

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Patent system, trademark registration, annuity management, and renewals in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Authority

IPO BH

PCT

21 mo

Madrid

Member

IPO BH Search

Get a Bosnia and Herzegovina Quote Ask an Expert

Before You Start

Before filing or quoting, you'll typically confirm these first

1
Whether to pursue the Paris route, PCT national phase, or start with trademark registration in Bosnia and Herzegovina
2
Which of patent filing, trademark registration, annuity, or renewal is the most urgent priority
3
Whether to verify the official portal, search system, and key deadlines before moving to a quote or engagement

The sections below cover each module — use the navigation to jump directly to what you need.

Patent System & Process

Patent System in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnian patents examined by IPO BH; invention patents 20 years; utility models 10 years. PCT member with a **21-month** national phase deadline (note: different from most European countries). Madrid Protocol member since 2009. Bosnia is an EU candidate country but has not joined EPO.

Bosnian Patent System ▾

IPO BH conducts substantive examination; invention patents 20 years; utility models 10 years (no examination). PCT deadline is only 21 months — note difference from the standard 30/31 months. Applications in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian. EPO patents cannot be validated in Bosnia (not EPC member).

Source: IPO BH; WIPO PCT Guide — BA

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnian trademarks examined by IPO BH; 10-year term; renewable. Madrid designations accepted. EUTM does NOT cover Bosnia (not EU member).

Trademark Application ▾

IPO BH national: ~12–18 months; BHS language. Madrid designations of BA accepted. EUTM does NOT cover Bosnia.

Source: IPO BH

Patent Annuity

Bosnia and Herzegovina Patent Annuities

Bosnian patent annuities from year 1 after grant; annual until expiry. Grace period with surcharge.

Source: IPO BH fee schedule

Annuity Reference → Managed Annuities

Trademark Renewal

Bosnia and Herzegovina Trademark Renewals

Trademark: 10-year term; renew before expiry; grace period with surcharge.

Source: IPO BH

Renewal Reference → Managed Renewals

FAQ

Common Questions — Bosnia and Herzegovina IP

What is the PCT deadline for Bosnia and Herzegovina? ▾

Bosnia's PCT national phase deadline is **21 months** — different from the standard 30/31 months in most countries. This requires special attention.

Does an EUTM cover Bosnia and Herzegovina? ▾

No. Bosnia is not an EU member; EUTMs do not cover Bosnia. File with IPO BH or designate via Madrid.

Does Bosnia accept Madrid trademark designations? ▾

Yes, Bosnia joined Madrid Protocol in 2009; international designations accepted.

Is Bosnia an EPO member? ▾

No, Bosnia is not an EPO member; European patents cannot be validated in Bosnia. File directly with IPO BH.

Does Bosnia have a utility model? ▾

Yes, 10-year term; no substantive examination; faster grant.

What language is needed for Bosnian patent applications? ▾

Applications must be in Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian (BHS).

Does Bosnia support WIPO DAS? ▾

IPO BH has not yet formally participated in WIPO DAS; confirm current status with your local agent.

Is there a use requirement for Bosnian trademarks? ▾

Yes, non-use within 5 years can lead to revocation.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

IPO BH Official Website www.ipr.gov.ba WIPO — Bosnia and Herzegovina www.wipo.int/members/en/details.jsp?country_id=23 WIPO Madrid — BA www.wipo.int/madrid/en/members/

Content based on official sources above, last reviewed: 2026-04. In case of discrepancy with the latest official publications, official sources prevail.

Need IP assistance in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Use our quote tool for an estimate, or contact our experts directly.

Get a Quote → Contact Us