• Patent fees

Fees associated with Romanian PCT national phase entry as well as other patent fees are available in the fee calculator.

• Deadline for the PCT national phase entry in Romania

The time limit for national phase entry of a PCT application in Romania is 30 months from the priority date. This term may be restored within two months since the cause which hindered the opening of the national phase ended; however not more than one year since the term lapsed.

• Minimum of filing documents

To obtain the date of filing a patent application in Romania should contain:
- description, claims and abstract in any language;
- data on the applicant.

• Language of the Romanian patent application

The official language of the Romanian patent application is Romanian. If the international application is filed in any other foreign language the translation into Romanian should be provided within two months from entering the PCT national stage.

• Power of Attorney requirements

The original Power of Attorney should be provided to the Romanian Patent Office simultaneously with filing or within 4 months from filing the Romanian patent application, or within 2 months from the date on which the applicant is notified by OSIM with reference to the filing of the missing document, whichever expires later. Legalization or notarization is not required.

• Assignment Deed

If the applicant of the Romanian patent application is not the inventor it is necessary to provide the assignment deed. Legalization or notarization is not required. It may be submitted within 3 months from filing.

• Substantive examination request

The substantive examination may be requested for within 30 months from the date of PCT national phase entry in Romania. There is also the possibility to request expedited examination, within 18 months from the Romanian PCT national phase entry.

• Grant and maintenance fees

The grant fee should be paid within four months from the issuance of a decision to grant a patent in Romania. The annuities start from the 3rd year and should be paid within one year from the date of the publication of the mention to grant a patent. The patent for an invention is valid for 20 years from the international filing date. Late payment is possible within 6 months after the due date, with the payment of a surcharge.

• Grace period

The Patent Law provides a grace period of six months for two specific cases of non-prejudicial disclosure:
-an evident abuse in relation to the applicant or its legal predecessor; or
-the invention being displayed at an official or officially recognised international exhibition.

• Representation by a patent attorney

For foreign patent applicants, it is necessary to perform PCT national phase entry in Romania through an agent, a registered Romanian patent attorney.

• Notes

1. Online Search databases: Romanian Patents, European Patents (EPO).
2. The PCT application in Romania may also be nationalised via European route and its further validation in Romania. 

The above information was verified on 30.01.2024
Please contact us if the above information is not in conformity with Romanian IP Laws.