• Patent fees

Fees associated with filing patent applications in Moldova as well as other patent fees are available in the fee calculator.

• Term for filing a patent application in Moldova

A patent application claiming conventional priority in Moldova should be filed within 12 months from the priority date. The term may be restored within two months if the applicant fails to file the application in spite of due care or if the failure to file was unintentional.

• Minimum filing requirements

- A request for filing a patent application with indication of the information on applicant(s);
- description of the invention.

• Language of the Moldovan patent application

A patent application in Moldova should be filed in the Romanian language. If the application is filed in any other foreign language, the applicant must provide the Romanian translation within three months from the date of filing.

• Priority document

A certified copy of the priority application along with its Romanian translation should be provided to the Moldovan Patent Office within 16 months from the priority date.

• Power of Attorney requirements

Legalization and notarization of the Power of Attorney is not required. It should be provided simultaneously with filing the application or within three months from filing.

• Substantive examination request

The substantive examination should be requested and corresponding official fee should be paid within 30 months from the filing date.

• Grant and patent maintenance fees

Grant fees are to be paid within six months from publication of the decision to grant a patent. The first maintenance fees for the 1st year till the year when a decision is granted are paid simultaneously with the official grant fees. Further annual maintenance fees should be paid before the beginning of the next year. Late payment is possible within six months from the deadline expiration provided that a surcharge is paid.

• Representation by a patent attorney

For foreigners, it is obligatory to perform patent prosecution in Moldova through an agent, a registered Moldovan patent attorney.

• Notes

1. Online Search Databases: Moldovan Patents and Utility Models, European Patents (EPO).
2. As of November 1, 2015, it is possible to validate European patents in Moldova.
3. Registration of inventions as utility models is not possible in Moldova. Meanwhile, there is a short-term patent for invention which is similar to utility model. The term of validity of the short-term patent in Moldova is 6 years counting from the filing date. This term may be extended by 4 additional years provided that the substantive examination is requested. If no substantive examination is requested, the patent expires after the 6-year term.

Brief summary is based on the information provided by Mikhailyuk, Sorokolat & Partners on 28.02.2023
Please contact us if the above information is not in conformity with Moldovan IP Laws