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The Republic of Moldova is set to become the 40th contracting state of the European Patent Organisation on June 1, 2026. This transition from a validation state to a full member state simplifies the process of obtaining patent protection in the jurisdiction, allowing applicants to secure their rights through the standard European patent system.
PROCEDURAL UPDATE: The applicable procedure depends on the filing date of the European patent application. For applications filed before June 1, 2026, Moldova continues to act as a Validation State (requiring explicit validation). For applications filed on or after June 1, 2026, Moldova acts as a Member State (covered by the standard designation).
A European patent granted by the European Patent Office (EPO) can provide protection in up to 46 countries, including EPO member states, extension, and validation states. Under the London Agreement, the validation process is significantly simplified in certain jurisdictions; for instance, countries such as Germany, France, and Switzerland no longer require a translationof the patent specification to maintain the patent's effect. However, in most other jurisdictions, including Moldova, specific national validation procedures must be completed within prescribed deadlines to ensure enforceable legal rights.
Validation Procedure
Our company offers the European patent validation service in the Republic of Moldova. The deadline for filing a validation request to Moldovan Patent Office is 3 months from the publication of mention of grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin. The translation may still be validly filed within an additional period of three months provided that a 100% surcharge on the publication fee is paid within this additional period.
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1Step 01Designation of Moldova
Validation of the European patent in Moldova requires the payment of the designation fee.
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2Step 02Mention of Grant Publication
Official publication of the mention of grant in the European Patent Bulletin.
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3Step 03Validation of European Patent
Preparation of the Romanian translation and submission of the validation request to the Patent Office.
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4Step 04Full Protection
Maintenance of the patent's legal force and monitoring of renewal fees.
Note for Step 01: Validation of the European patent in Moldova may be obtained only in case the required designation fee for this country in the amount of 200 EUR is paid within 6 months from publication of the European search report in respect of the European patent application for conventional applications, while for PCT applications the designation should be made simultaneously with filing.
Note for Step 03: Preparation of the high-quality Romanian translation of the specification by technical experts and submission of the validation request together with the payment of the official fees to the Patent Office of Moldova within 3 months from the publication of mention of grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin.
Validation Requirements
OFFICIAL FEES
For European patent validation in Moldova the required designation fee in the amount of 200 EUR is
paid in respect of a European patent application within 6 months from the publication of a European
search report for conventional applications, or within the basic period for entry into the European
phase for PCT applications.
Additionally, the prescribed validation fees must be paid to the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI) within 3 months of the publication of the mention of grant. Annual renewal fees for a validated European patent are payable to AGEPI starting from the year following the mention of the grant to maintain the patent's validity. As Moldova becomes the full EPC member-state on June 1, 2026, please contact us for a precise calculation based on your filing date.
TRANSLATION
There are also translation requirements for validation of European patent in the Republic of Moldova.
It is necessary to submit the full text translation of a patent into the Romanian language to AGEPI.
While notarization is not required, the translation must be performed by a qualified patent translator
as the Office checks its conformity with the authentic text of the EP patent.
LOCAL REPRESENTATION
In accordance with national law, foreign applicants must be represented by a registered Moldovan
patent attorney. Our firm provides full legal support and handles all communication with AGEPI on your
behalf.
THE POWER OF ATTORNEY
The Power of Attorney signed and stamped by a patent proprietor has to be filed to the Patent Office
for further proceedings in respect of European patent validation in Moldova.
UNITARY PATENT (UP) COMPLIANCE
Note that the Republic of Moldova is not a member of the EU. Consequently, it is not
covered by the Unitary Patent system. Patent protection in this jurisdiction must be secured through
the national validation or designation process.
If you have any questions regarding European patent validation in Moldova, please feel free to contact us.
