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Mikhailyuk, Sorokolat and Partners is an IP law firm in Moldova, providing guidance to clients ranging from innovative startups to multinational corporations on intellectual property and regulatory matters. As part of a long-standing patent and trademark law firm, we follow a consistent and methodical approach to the protection, management, and enforcement of IP rights across multiple jurisdictions.
Our Chișinău office, established in 2017, enhances our presence among international law firms in Moldova and enables the efficient handling of both local and cross-border intellectual property matters.
Moldovan IP: Key Highlights
The Republic of Moldova is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) since 1991, the Paris Convention, the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), the Madrid Protocol, and has acceded to the Hague Agreement and the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement. As of June 1, 2026, it becomes the 40th European Patent Organization (EPO) member state, providing a stable framework for national and cross-border IP protection.
- European Integration Path: Moldova is modernizing its IP legislation and enforcement in line with EU norms and the Moldova–EU Association Agreement, making it attractive for businesses targeting both domestic and European markets.
- Specialized IP Institutions: AGEPI (State Agency on Intellectual Property) oversees registration of patents, trademarks, designs, geographical indications, and copyrights, supported by courts and customs enforcement.
- Digital IP Services: AGEPI provides e-filing, WIPO-integrated Madrid/Hague/PCT applications, online registers, and public databases for transparent, efficient procedures.
Years of presence
Active in Moldova since 2003, with a local office since 2017
Patents
Cumulative number of applications filed by our firm with the Moldovan IP office
Trademarks
Cumulative number of applications filed by our firm with the Moldovan IP office
New clients
Consistent growth of our client portfolio year by year
Our services in Moldova
Our Moldova office provides a full range of intellectual property services to both local and international clients. We assist with patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyrights, and the registration and protection of pharmaceuticals and medical products, guiding clients through every stage of IP protection, management, and enforcement. Discover how our expertise helps safeguard and maximize the value of your intellectual property in Moldova.
In-House Patent Attorneys: Chisinau Office
Intellectual property matters in Moldova are handled by our team of experienced IP attorneys, who provide legally robust guidance in full compliance with Moldovan legislation and international IP standards. Combining in-depth knowledge of local procedures with extensive experience in international filings, including under the Patent Cooperation Treaty and Madrid System, we ensure reliable protection, management, and enforcement of our clients' intellectual property rights.
Since 1997
Valentin Foksha
Practice Areas: Comprehensive IP protection, including patent prosecution across all technical fields, industrial designs, and trademarks.
Core Focus: National and international filings, IP audits, and enforcement strategies in Kazakhstan.
Moldova IP news update
International Recognition of Our Expertise in Intellectual Property
Our firm is consistently recognized for excellence in intellectual property, receiving accolades from respected global publications and annual rankings such as WTR 1000, Legal 500, and IAM Patent 1000. These honours reflect our ongoing dedication, professional expertise, and the trust clients place in us for high-quality IP services across multiple jurisdictions.
WTR 1000 – Trademark Professionals 2025
Patent Law Magazine – In the top 10 IP Law Firms
Legal 500 – EMEA 2024 Intellectual property tier 1
The Lawyers Global – 2024 Recommended & Awarded Law Firms in Central Asia and Eastern Europe
Frequently asked questions
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What types of intellectual property can be protected in Moldova?Moldova provides protection for patents (inventions, utility models, short-term patents), industrial designs, trademarks, copyrights and related rights, geographical indications and appellations of origin, plant varieties, and selection achievements.
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Do foreign applicants need a local patent attorney to file IP in Moldova?Yes. A foreign applicant who has no residence or registered legal address in Moldova must appoint a local representative or patent attorney to file and prosecute IP applications and to receive official communications from the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI).
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Is it possible to enter the national phase of a PCT application in Moldova?Yes. As a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), Moldova allows entry into the national phase within 31 months from the priority date. Required translations and appointment of a local agent are necessary.
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How long does it take to register a trademark or patent in Moldova?Trademark registration takes 12–14 months (accelerated: 6–9 months). Invention patents require 24–48 months; short-term patents 12–24 months; industrial designs 6–12 months.
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What are the official fees for IP registration in Moldova?Official fees vary depending on the type of IP, number of classes (for trademarks), and whether accelerated procedures are requested. Exact amounts are published by AGEPI. For a detailed calculation of the registration costs for your specific intellectual property, please contact our specialists.
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Are there specialized IP courts or institutions in Moldova?While Moldova does not have a fully separate IP court, AGEPI is the specialized state institution responsible for the examination, registration, and administration of IP rights. Disputes on registration decisions can be reviewed by AGEPI's Chamber of Appeals and, subsequently, by general courts.
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Is it mandatory to use a trademark after registration in Moldova?No. There is no immediate statutory requirement to use a newly registered trademark. However, trademarks may be challenged for non-use if they have not been used continuously for five years after registration.
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How does IP border protection work in Moldova?Moldova allows rights holders to record their IP rights with customs authorities. Customs can suspend the import or export of goods suspected of infringing registered IP rights for up to 10 working days (possibly extended), and rights holders can initiate enforcement actions, including simplified destruction procedures or court proceedings.
