Previously, patenting in Europe resembled assembling a building block set: you would file a single European patent application, but for certain countries (such as Moldova), you had to undergo a separate bureaucratic procedure known as “validation.”

Your single European application covered 39 states. This included all 27 EU member states (Germany, France, Italy, etc.), as well as non-EU countries, such as the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, and Türkiye. In these countries, a patent entered into force automatically upon payment of the required fees and, if necessary, submission of a translation.

Separate “validation” was required for states that were not members of the organization but had signed a commercial agreement with it. Until June 1, 2026, Moldova was on this specific list. Along with it, countries like Georgia, Morocco, Tunisia, Cambodia, and Laos remain in validation mode, while Bosnia and Herzegovina holds “extension” status. For a patent to be valid there, a separate fee had to be paid for each individual country.

As of June 1, 2026, everything changes. Moldova officially becomes the 40th full member state of the European Patent Organisation (EPO).

What does this mean in practice?

Now, any international or European patent application filed on or after June 1, 2026, automatically includes protection within the territory of Moldova. No more additional intermediary procedures.

Furthermore, for citizens and residents of Moldova, this is fantastic news: they can now file international applications directly through the European Patent Office, which significantly opens the doors to the global innovation market for them.

What does this news mean for those looking to patent an invention?

If you plan to patent your invention in Europe, Moldova’s transition brings several very specific, practical consequences for you:

• Simplified logistics and time savings: If your business interests cover Eastern Europe, you no longer need to conduct a separate “validation” procedure for Moldova. A single application to the European Patent Office (EPO) now automatically protects your rights in 40 countries, including Moldova.

• Increased investment attractiveness of the region: For startups and technology creators, this is a signal that the integration of the European space continues. Patenting in Europe is becoming increasingly cost-effective, as the geographical coverage of a single European patent continuously expands, protecting your investments from plagiarism under unified, rigorous standards.

Founder of Research & Patent group Intectica, author of patent algorithms for solving problems in the pharmaceutical industry, patent attorney certified in all intellectual property objects (Patents, Design, TM), with education in chemistry and law, chief expert of the patent institution of Ukraine UKRPATENT (1997-2004). Member of international organizations, including ECTA, PTMG, UAM, lecturer and blogger.