How to register a trademark in Moldova to save money and legally? The following article will analyze in detail: the trademark registration process in Moldova, notes and procedures for trademark registration in Moldova to protect trademarks for businesses.
Moldova is one of a number of countries that apply the “first to file” principle, so registering a trademark in this country is mandatory in order to be granted the right to a trademark. Only in exceptional cases can an unregistered well-known mark be protected. Trademark applications must be filed with the State Office of Intellectual Property (AGEPI).
Moldova is also a party to the Madrid Protocol. Therefore, it is possible to renew the international registration of the mark through the Madrid System in this country.
Requirements for trademark registration in Moldova
An application for international trademark registration in Moldova must contain the following documents:
- Trademark selected for registration;
- Trademark registration required
- Details of the applicant;
- List of goods and/or services registered for the mark.
- Payment of application fee.
Certified copies of priority documents and Romanian translations must be submitted within three months of the priority claim date.
Requirements for Power of Attorney
A copy of the simply signed Power of Attorney may be filed concurrently with the filing of the trademark application or within two months of the filing date.
Examination, publication, and objection to trademark applications in Moldova
Trademark applications in Moldova will go through a process of examination of form and content.
An objection to the registration of a trademark may be filed within a period of three months from the date of publication of the trademark.
Validity period and renewal of trademarks in Moldova
The official fee for trademark registration in Moldova must be paid within 3 months from the date of the decision to register the mark. The term of a trademark registered in Moldova is 10 years from the date of registration and can be renewed every 10 years. Renewal applications must be filed within 6 months prior to the expiration date of the mark, but can also be filed within 6 months after the expiration of the trademark for an additional fee.
An expired trademark can be reinstated within one year after the expiration of the renewal period if an additional fee is paid and documentation is provided to substantiate the force majeure circumstances leading to the missed period.
Usage requirements for trademarks
Trademarks in Moldova after being granted a Certificate may be canceled if not used for a continuous period of 5 years after the mark is registered.
Trademark registration representative in Moldova
For international trademark application applicants in Moldova, a trademark search in Moldova should be performed through a Moldova-based intellectual property agent and law firm.