On 1 June 2026, the Republic of Moldova officially became the 40th member state of the European Patent Organization (EPO), marking a significant milestone in the country’s integration into the European intellectual property framework.
The accession follows Moldova’s deposit of its instrument of accession to the European Patent Convention (EPC) on 25 March 2026. As a result, European patent applications filed from 1 June 2026 automatically designate the Republic of Moldova, extending the territorial scope and potential commercial value of European patent protection.
Accession to the European Patent Convention
Membership in the European Patent Organization enables Moldova to participate fully in the European patent system administered by the European Patent Office (EPO). Inventors and businesses seeking patent protection through the EPC will now be able to obtain patent coverage in Moldova through a single European patent procedure.
The accession is expected to simplify access to patent protection, reduce administrative burdens for applicants, and further harmonize Moldova’s intellectual property system with European standards.
Reactions from European and Moldovan Officials
Representatives of both the European Patent Organization and the Moldovan government welcomed the accession as an important step toward strengthening innovation and economic development.
Josef Kratochvíl, Chairman of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organization, noted that Moldova’s accession demonstrates the continued attractiveness of the European patent system and reflects a shared commitment to innovation, competitiveness, and international cooperation.
EPO President António Campinos emphasized that the move builds upon many years of cooperation between the European Patent Office and Moldova’s State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI). According to him, accession will improve access to high-quality patent protection for innovators both in Moldova and across Europe while strengthening the integration of the country’s innovation ecosystem into the broader European landscape.
Moldovan Minister of Justice Vladislav Cojuhari described the accession as a significant achievement for the country, highlighting its potential to strengthen the protection of inventions, support businesses and researchers, and create new opportunities for innovation-driven economic growth.
From Validation Agreement to Full Membership
Moldova’s integration into the European patent system has been developing over several decades.
Cooperation between the European Patent Office and Moldova began in the mid-1990s. A major milestone was reached in October 2013, when the parties signed a validation agreement that entered into force on 1 November 2015.
Under that arrangement, applicants could validate European patents in Moldova without filing separate national patent applications. The validation system served as an intermediate step toward full participation in the European patent framework.
Over the years, the EPO and AGEPI worked closely to align national patent practices with EPC requirements and strengthen institutional capacity. These efforts ultimately paved the way for Moldova’s accession to the Convention.
Practical Implications
For patent applicants, the accession means that European patent applications filed on or after 1 June 2026 will automatically cover Moldova unless the designation is expressly withdrawn.
The expansion increases the geographical reach of European patents and may enhance their value as commercial and investment assets. For Moldovan innovators and businesses, EPC membership provides direct access to one of the world’s most developed regional patent systems and further integrates the country into the European innovation ecosystem.