• Patent fees

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

• Time limits for Moldovan national phase entry  

The time limit for entering the Moldovan national stage of the PCT application is 31 months from the priority date.

• Minimum filing requirements in Moldova

- A request for entering national phase of a PCT application;
- a copy of the international application;
- a document confirming payment of the filing fee.

• Language of the Moldovan patent application based on PCT

A patent application based on PCT in Moldova should be filed in the Romanian language. If the PCT application is filed in any foreign language, the applicant should provide the Romanian translation within three months from the date of national phase entry.

• 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 following the date of entry into the national phase.

• 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 international filing date anniversary. 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 the 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 protect inventions in Moldova via entering the European PCT regional stage and its further validation in Moldova.
3. Entering the PCT national phase as a utility model in Moldova is not possible.

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