Accession takes effect on 1 June
Munich, 1 June 2026 – The Republic of Moldova today became the 40th member state of the European Patent Organisation. This follows the deposit of its instrument of accession to the European Patent Convention (EPC) on 25 March 2026.
As of 1 June, European patent applications will automatically include the designation of the Republic of Moldova. This further extends the potential economic value of European patents as intangible assets.
On this occasion, Josef Kratochvíl, Chairperson of the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation, said: “The accession of the Republic of Moldova reflects the continued appeal and strength of the European patent system. It demonstrates our shared commitment to fostering innovation, supporting economic development and deepening co-operation across Europe at a time when resilience and competitiveness are more important than ever.”
António Campinos, President of the European Patent Office, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Republic of Moldova as our newest member state. Building on many years of close co-operation with the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI), this step will further enhance access to high-quality patent protection for innovators in the Republic of Moldova and across Europe, while strengthening the integration of the country’s innovation ecosystem into the European landscape.”
Vladislav Cojuhari, Moldovan Minister of Justice said on the occasion of the accession: “The Republic of Moldova is honoured and privileged to become a member state of the European Patent Organisation. This important milestone will significantly enhance the system for patent protection in our country. Accession to the European Patent Convention will create more favourable conditions for innovation and provide new opportunities and increased support for businesses, inventors, and researchers by continuously aligning the national intellectual property system with European standards.”
A long-standing partnership: from validation to EPO membership
Co-operation between the EPO and the Republic of Moldova dates back to the mid-1990s. A pivotal milestone was reached in October 2013 with the signing of a validation agreement, which entered into force on 1 November 2015 and which enabled patentees to extend their European patent protection to the country without the need to file a separate application. For the Republic of Moldova, validation served as a stepping stone towards deeper integration with the European patent system. The EPO has worked closely with AGEPI to help align practices and build technical capacity, paving the way for the country’s accession to the EPC.
A success story of European co-operation
The European Patent Organisation supports innovation and economic growth across Europe. Since the signing of the EPC in 1973 by 16 states, the organisation has grown to 40 member countries. These include all 27 EU Member States as well as Albania, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
European patent protection for a market of over 715 million people
The EPO applies a centralised procedure to examine European patent applications for the Organisation's 40 member states, one extension state (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and five validation states (Morocco, Tunisia, Cambodia, Georgia and Lao People’s Democratic Republic). This enables inventors, researchers and companies from around the world to obtain high-quality patent protection for their inventions in up to 46 countries, covering a market of more than 715 million people. Set up in 1977, the EPO is headquartered in Munich, with offices in The Hague, Berlin, Vienna and Brussels, and employs almost 6 300 staff.
Further information
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Republic of Moldova to become 40th EPO member state [2] (News of 25 March 2026)
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The Republic of Moldova accedes to the European Patent Convention (OJ EPO 2026, Article 25) [3]
About the EPO
With 6 300 staff members, the European Patent Office (EPO) [4], the executive arm of the European Patent Organisation, is one of the largest public service institutions in Europe. Headquartered in Munich with offices in Berlin, Brussels, The Hague and Vienna, the EPO was founded with the aim of strengthening cooperation on patents in Europe. Through the EPO's centralised patent granting procedure, inventors are able to obtain high-quality patent protection in up to 46 countries, covering a market of more than 715 million people. The EPO is also the world's leading authority in patent information and patent searching.
About the AGEPI
The State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI) [5] is the administrative authority of the Republic of Moldova, under the Ministry of Justice, responsible for promoting and implementing policies in the field of legal protection of intellectual property, including industrial property, copyright, and related rights.
AGEPI represents the Republic of Moldova in international, regional, and intergovernmental organizations in the field of intellectual property, including the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), maintains and develops cooperative relationships with relevant institutions and international partners to strengthen the national intellectual property system and promote European integration.
Media contacts European Patent Office:
Roberta Romano-Götsch
EPO spokespersonEPO press desk
press@epo.org [6]
Media contacts AGEPI:
Liliana Vieru
Head, Promotion and International Relations Department
AGEPI press desk
press@agepi.gov.md [7]
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