Article
Happy 40th! Moldova Becomes 40th EPC Contracting State
The Republic of Moldova has officially joined the European Patent Organisation as its 40th member state, fundamentally changing the patent validation process for applicants. This development eliminates the additional validation fee previously required and automatically includes Moldova in European Patent applications filed after 1 June 2026. With over 400 UK-owned European Patents already validated in Moldova, the accession raises questions about how this streamlined process will impact future patent protec
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