Cooperation between the European Patent Organization (EPO) and the Republic of Moldova started in the mid-1990s and developed significantly with the signing of an agreement on the confirmation of European patents in October 2013, the State Intellectual Property Agency (AGEPI) said in a statement. The confirmation agreement, which entered into force on November 1, 2015, allowed applicants interested in obtaining patent protection to extend the validity of European patents to the territory of Moldova without the need to file an additional application.
Since then, the EPO has been working closely with AGEPI in the confirmation mechanism, paving the way for the country’s accession to the EPC.
Moldova submitted its formal application to join the EPC on February 13, 2019. And on December 13, 2022, the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organization formally invited Chisinau to start the accession process.
On February 5, 2026, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova approved accession to the EPC, which will enter into force on June 1, 2026, in accordance with Article 169(2) of the Convention.
European Patent Cooperation
From seven founding States in 1977 to 40 Member States by 1 June 2026, the European Patent Organization is a successful example of international cooperation supporting innovation and economic growth across Europe.
The accession of the Republic of Moldova to the EPO marks an important step in strengthening European patent cooperation and developing the national intellectual property protection system. It also represents a new step towards European integration after the start of accession negotiations with the European Union in June 2026, AGEPI said.
