As of 1 November, it will be possible for patent applicants to validate their European patent applications and patents in Moldova. After validation, these patents will confer the same rights and legal protection as national patents granted in Moldova.

"This agreement will simplify access to patent protection in Moldova," said EPO President Battistelli. "It will open up new business opportunities for European companies and will help to strengthen innovation in the country. At the same time, it shows the enduring attractiveness of the European patent system for economies across Europe."

The entry into force of the validation agreement with Moldova will bring to 42 the number of countries for which patent protection can be obtained simultaneously with a single European patent application. These include the 38 EPO member states, the two extension states Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro, and Morocco, with which the EPO also has a validation agreement.

The validation agreement is a further significant step for Moldova, following the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) negotiated as part of the association agreement signed by the EU and the Moldovan government in June 2014.

Co-operation between the EPO and Moldova dates back more than 15 years. The EPO has supported AGEPI in enhancing the skills of its staff in the areas of patent administration and examination, and more recently, by providing technical and legal assistance for the implementation of the validation system.

Further information

• International co-operation
• AGEPI website