In Moldova, similar to the Utility Model is what is called the Short-Term Patent for minor inventions/minor improvements of existing products with less rigid requirements for patentability.
Priority Deadline: For filing of a Short-Term Patent Application in Moldova with claiming priority, the application would have to be filed within twelve (12) months from the priority date.
Novelty Period: The novelty grace period for a Short-Term Patent in Moldova is twelve (12) months after the disclosure of the Utility Model and before application filing or date of earliest priority if priority is claimed.
Representation: A foreign client must be represented at the Moldovan Patent office by a registered Moldovan Patent Attorney.
Translation: Application materials should be translated and filed in the Romanian language.
Formal Examination: The process for the examination of Short-Term Patent Applications in Moldova includes a formal examination for the crosschecking of required documentation and also for any similar existing or pending patents/short-term patents. In the case of accurate documentation and if the utility model meets the requirements of the examination, the grant decision will be issued under the responsibility of the applicant.
Substantive Examination: A substantive examination can be requested by the applicant within the first six (6) months of the sixth year of the patent validity. If a positive result is received from the examination, then the patent validity can be extended another four (4) years.
Duration: The procedure for registration usually takes twelve (12) months in case of smooth registration.
Maintenance: Maintenance fees are required to be paid annually with annuity for the following year being made in the current year of validity. A failure to pay maintenance fees can result in the cancellation of the patent.
Fees: The patent is issued after payment of the relevant issuance and publication fees. The term for payment is two (2) months after the date of the receipt of the decision.
Validity: In Moldova a Short-Term Patent is valid for six (6) years from the date of filing, extendable by four (4) years.
Required documents for Filing a Short-Term Patent Application in Moldova:
