Global IP Updates: Moldova, Vietnam & Cape Verde
Three jurisdictions introduced significant intellectual property developments during April and June 2026. Vietnam and Cape Verde implemented substantial reforms to their IP legislation, while Moldova officially became a Member State of the European Patent Organisation.
Moldova — Joins the European Patent Organisation
On 1 June 2026, the Republic of Moldova became the 40th contracting state of the European Patent Organisation after depositing its instrument of accession to the European Patent Convention (EPC) on 25 March 2026.
Practical Impact
Moldova previously participated in the European patent system through a validation agreement that had been in place since 2015. Following its accession, European patent applications filed on or after 1 June 2026 will automatically designate Moldova, eliminating the need for a separate validation step. The change simplifies patent protection in the jurisdiction and provides applicants with a more streamlined route to obtaining protection across Europe.
Vietnam Implements Major IP Law Reforms
Vietnam implemented a new Intellectual Property Law on 1 April 2026, introducing substantial reforms aimed at modernising the country’s IP framework, streamlining procedures, and strengthening protection for rights holders.
Key Changes Overview
| Legal Provision | Alteration |
|---|---|
| Opposition periods | Reduced to 3 months (trademarks/designs), 6 months (patents) |
| Trademark examination | Reduced from 9 to 5 months |
| Design examination | Reduced from 7 to 5 months |
| Patent examination | Reduced from 18 to 12 months; deadline to request examination cut from 42 to 36 months |
| Industrial design protection | Expanded to partial and non-physical designs |
| AI inventorship | Only human inventors recognized. However, copyright data may be used for AI training under specific conditions. |
| National-first filing | Requirement abolished for national security reviews except for narrow exceptions |
| Foreign Appeals Process | Eliminated notarization/legalization requirements for Powers of Attorney (POAs) |
Practical Impact
The reforms significantly enhance the efficiency, predictability, and digital readiness of Vietnam’s IP ecosystem. Shorter examination timelines and streamlined administrative procedures accelerate time-to-market for rights holders, while the removal of national-first filing restrictions optimizes global patent strategies. Furthermore, by expanding design protection to digital assets, establishing clear AI-inventorship boundaries, and strengthening online enforcement tools, the updated framework fully aligns Vietnam with international standards and modern commercial realities.
Cape Verde Introduces New Intellectual Property Law
Cape Verde’s new Intellectual Property Law entered into force on 2 June 2026, replacing the Industrial Property Code of 2007. The legislation introduces a more modern and internationally aligned IP framework, incorporating updated procedures, broader rights protection, and increased digitalisation.
Key Changes Overview
| Legal Provision | Alteration |
|---|---|
| Trademark requirements | Graphical representation no longer required for certain non-traditional marks |
| Industrial designs | Automatic protection for unregistered designs (3 years from their first disclosure) |
| Well-known marks | Enhanced opposition and enforcement rights |
| New protections | Plant varieties and traditional knowledge formally recognised |
| Administration | Online filing and digital IP data access introduced |
Practical Impact
These reforms modernize Cape Verde’s IP framework, aligning it with international standards and improving administrative efficiency. The introduction of automatic protection for unregistered designs and enhanced rights for well-known marks offer clearer legal mechanisms for foreign brand owners. Additionally, the transition to online filing is expected to simplify the application process and reduce overall processing times.
What This Means for IP Owners and Attorneys
Applicants with existing or planned filings in these jurisdictions may wish to review their filing and enforcement strategies in light of the recent developments.
For Moldova, the transition from validation to full EPC membership simplifies patent protection through the European patent system. For Vietnam, applicants and their attorneys should take into account the shortened examination and opposition timelines, as well as the updated filing requirements. For Cape Verde, the new protection mechanisms for unregistered designs and well-known marks may create additional opportunities for rights holders.
For fast and accurate quotes for IP filing, use IP-Coster’s budgeting tool to calculate costs across Moldova, Vietnam, and Cape Verde, or contact our team for tailored advice.