Moldova Has Joined the European Patent Organisation: What Patent Applicants Need to Know
Moldova
The Republic of Moldova became the 40th member state of the European Patent Organisation (EPO) on 1 June 2026, following its accession to the European Patent Convention (EPC). It is the first country to move from EPO validation status to full EPC membership.
For applicants, the main change is straightforward: European patent applications filed on or after 1 June 2026 automatically include Moldova.
A separate Moldovan validation fee is no longer required at the application stage. This also applies to international (PCT) applications with an international filing date on or after 1 June 2026 when they enter the European phase
What does Moldova’s EPO membership mean for applicants?
Moldova is now part of the standard European patent designation system. Applicants filing a new European patent application from 1 June 2026 do not need to take separate steps to designate Moldova or pay a validation fee for it.
This can simplify filing and reduce the risk of Moldova being inadvertently omitted from an application. The EPO’s official notice confirms that Moldova is automatically included in European patent applications from the accession date.
Do applicants still need to validate a patent in Moldova?
For applications filed on or after 1 June 2026, a separate validation fee is not required. However, national requirements may still apply after the European patent is granted. These may include filing translations and paying renewal fees to Moldova’s State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI).
Applicants should check the requirements that apply to their specific patent and filing route.
Does the change apply to applications filed before 1 June 2026?
No. The change is not retroactive. European and international applications filed before 1 June 2026, along with divisional applications based on earlier applications, remain subject to the previous validation system. The same applies to European patents granted from those applications. EPO guidance on validation states
Key takeaways
- Moldova became the EPO’s 40th member state on 1 June 2026.
- Moldova is automatically designated in European patent applications filed from that date, and in international (PCT) applications with an international filing date from that date
- No separate Moldovan validation fee is required for those new applications.
- Earlier applications and related divisionals remain under the previous validation requirements.
- National requirements, including translations and renewal fees, may still apply after grant.
Secure Your Patent Protection in Moldova
Speak with our patent team today about how Moldova’s EPO membership affects your applications and the steps needed to secure protection in the jurisdictions that matter to your business. Contact us now info@legacypartners.global
Frequently asked questions
When did Moldova join the European Patent Organisation?
Moldova became the EPO’s 40th member state on 1 June 2026, when its accession to the European Patent Convention took effect.
What does Moldova’s EPO membership mean for patent applicants?
Moldova is now included in the standard European patent designation system. New European patent applications filed from 1 June 2026 automatically designate Moldova.
Do I need to pay a separate validation fee for Moldova?
No separate Moldovan validation fee is required for European patent applications filed on or after 1 June 2026.
Does automatic designation apply to international patent applications?
It applies to relevant PCT applications entering the European phase, subject to the applicable filing-date rules.
Does Moldova’s membership apply to applications filed before 1 June 2026?
No. Applications filed before that date remain subject to the previous validation requirements.
What happens to divisional applications based on earlier filings?
Divisional applications based on applications filed before 1 June 2026 remain under the previous validation system.
Are there still national requirements after a European patent is granted?
Yes. National requirements in Moldova may include filing translations and paying renewal fees to the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI).
Is Moldova the first former validation state to become a full EPC member?
Yes. Moldova is the first country to move from EPO validation status to full membership of the European Patent Organisation
Does automatic designation guarantee patent protection in Moldova?
No. Automatic designation means Moldova is included in the application process. Patent protection still depends on the application being granted and on meeting applicable requirements.
Where can I get advice about patent protection in Moldova?
For guidance on how the change affects your application or wider European filing strategy, contact our patent team.
