Moldova joins the European Patent Convention
The Republic of Moldova has announced its accession to the European Patent Convention (EPC). From June 1, 2026, the country will become the 40th member state of the Agreement.
The Republic of Moldova has announced its accession to the European Patent Convention (EPC), which will enter into force on June 1, 2026. As a result, the country will become the 40th member state of the Agreement.
As from that date, protection conferred by European patents may be extended to this territory through the ordinary EPC system, and European patent applications will automatically include the designation of Moldova as a new contracting state. However, it will not be possible to designate the country retroactively in applications filed before that date.
The European Patent Office (EPO) will exceptionally allow applications filed in May 2026 to be accorded a filing date of June 1, 2026, provided that the applicant expressly requests it.
International PCT applications will be affected in several respects:
- Nationals and residents of Moldova will be able to file PCT applications with the EPO acting as Receiving Office.
- PCT applications filed from June 1, 2026, onwards will automatically designate Moldova for the purposes of a European patent.
- International applications filed before that date will not be capable of resulting in European patents valid in Moldova.
Regarding validations, June 1, 2026, will mark the end of the possibility of validating European patents in Moldova, although the validation system will continue to apply to European and international applications filed before the accession date, to divisional applications derived therefrom, and to patents granted on that basis.
