PCT Newsletter
May 2026 | No. 05/2026
Republic of Moldova joining European Patent Organisation – more information
Previous validation agreement to cease effect from 1 June 2026
As reported in last month’s edition of the Newsletter, the Republic of Moldova is acceding to the European Patent Convention (EPC) and will become the 40th Contracting State of the European Patent Organisation on 1 June 2026.
The European Patent Office (EPO) has now published a notice confirming the effect of the Republic of Moldova’s accession to the EPC.
Any international application filed on or after 1 June 2026 will include the designation of the Republic of Moldova for a European patent. From that date, nationals and residents of the Republic of Moldova will be able to file international applications with the EPO as receiving Office, in addition to the International Bureau of WIPO.
The validation agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the European Patent Organisation will terminate with the entry into force of the EPC in the Republic of Moldova on 1 June 2026. From that date it will no longer be possible to validate European patent applications and patents in the Republic of Moldova. The validation system will, however, continue to apply to European and international applications filed prior to 1 June 2026, as well as to European patents granted in respect of such applications.
(Updating of PCT Applicant’s Guide, Annexes B (MD), B (EP) and C (EP), and National Chapter, Summary (EP))
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