Trademark renewal Moldova

Maintaining a registered trademark is essential for preserving exclusive rights in the Republic of Moldova. Under Moldovan law, trademark protection does not last automatically – the owner must renew the registration periodically. This guide explains the validity period of a Moldovan trademark, when to start the renewal process, the documents and forms that must be submitted, official fees, grace‑period rules, and the procedure for filing a renewal with the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI).

Validity period and basic principles

Ten‑year term and unlimited renewals

Moldovan trademarks are registered for ten years from the filing date of the application. The country’s trademark law expressly states that a trademark registration is valid for ten years and may be extended for consecutive ten‑year periods an unlimited number of times. Renewal is therefore not a one‑time requirement but a recurring obligation: a mark remains protected only if the owner files a renewal request and pays the prescribed fee. Failure to renew results in loss of rights.

Vulnerability to non‑use cancellation

Although the use of a trademark is not required to renew the registration, a registered mark becomes vulnerable to cancellation if it is not put to genuine use. Moldovan law provides that if a trademark is not used for any continuous five‑year period, or if its use is suspended for five years, any interested party may seek to have the mark cancelled. The owner can avert cancellation by resuming genuine use before a cancellation action is filed. Renewal does not cure non‑use; owners must monitor their marks to avoid abandonment.

Renewal fees and payment options

Official fee structure

AGEPI’s Classified List of Fees establishes the official charges for renewing a trademark. As of 2025, the fees are:

The commission of Pocket IP for trademark application service is 220 EUR per trademark.

Payments are accepted in USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, and PLN (at the client’s request). Both bank payment and card payment are available.

When to start the renewal process

Regular renewal window

The law allows the owner or an authorized person to request renewal during the final six months of the registration’s term. AGEPI advises trademark holders to prepare well in advance by checking the expiration date on the registration certificate or in the public database. Filing early avoids last‑minute problems and ensures that the rights remain uninterrupted. Beginning the process several months before expiration also leaves time to remedy any formal irregularities.

Grace period and late renewal

If the owner misses the regular window, Moldovan law provides a six‑month grace period after expiry. A renewal filed during this period keeps the original filing date and priority but is subject to an additional fee. The Classified List of Fees published by AGEPI specifies that if an additional six‑month period is requested for payment of fees, the applicant must pay a 50 % surcharge on the renewal fee. Once the grace period ends, the registration lapses, and the rights are lost; the only way to regain protection is to file a new trademark application, which gives competitors an opportunity to obtain rights to the same or similar mark.

Recommendations for timing

AGEPI does not automatically send renewal reminders to foreign owners. Owners should therefore implement internal docketing systems or use alert services to monitor expiration dates. Because the renewal window is relatively narrow, beginning preparations six to eight months before the ten‑year term ends is prudent. Engaging a local attorney early helps ensure that documents and fees are filed correctly and on time.

Required documents and forms

Standard renewal form

AGEPI provides a standard renewal application form for renewing national trademarks. The form must be completed in Romanian – Moldova’s official language – using a computer or typewriter. The Guidelines for completing the renewal application explain that the form must include:

• Reference information – an internal reference number and date for the applicant’s records.
• Identification of the owner – full name (for individuals) or official company name (for legal entities), complete address, nationality, and contact details. Natural persons and legal entities must indicate their state identification number (IDNP/IDNO).
• Representative details – if a representative or patent attorney is appointed, their name, address and contact information.
• Trademark details – the registration number and filing date of the trademark to be renewed. The applicant must indicate whether renewal is sought for all goods/services or only for specific classes.
• List of documents – identification of attached documents and the number of pages.
• Signatures – the owner or representative must sign the application and indicate their name and date.

Supporting documents

AGEPI’s renewal regulations require the following documents to accompany the application:

1. Power of attorney – if the renewal is filed through a representative, the application must include a power of attorney signed by the holder. Foreign applicants must appoint a Moldovan patent attorney to act on their behalf.
2. Proof of fee payment – a receipt or evidence showing payment of the prescribed renewal fee must be attached.
3. Identification documents or additional attachments – if space in the form is insufficient, additional pages may be appended; each must be signed.

Submission methods

The guidelines note that the renewal application may be filed directly at AGEPI, by post, by fax, or e‑mail, or through the online e‑filing system. When filing by fax or e‑mail, the original application must reach AGEPI within one month; otherwise, the filing date will be considered the date the original is received. Each applicant should maintain a record of submissions to avoid disputes over deadlines.

Grace period and penalties

The Moldovan trademark law and the Classified List of Fees collectively establish the rules for late renewal. Owners must submit the renewal application and pay the renewal fee within the final six months of validity. If they miss this period, a six‑month grace period begins immediately after the expiry date; during this time, the owner can still renew the mark by paying the base fee plus a 50 % surcharge. Renewal filed after the grace period is not accepted, and the mark is removed from the Register. To regain protection, the owner would need to file a new application, potentially losing priority and facing new conflicts.

How to submit a renewal application

The process for renewing a Moldovan trademark is governed by the trademark law, the Regulations on the Procedure for Filing, Examining, and Registering Trademarks, and AGEPI’s guidelines. The key steps are:

1. Check the expiry date and classes. Confirm the ten‑year expiration date and identify the goods or services for which renewal is sought (it is possible to renew only some of the classes). Renewal is valid only for the classes specified in the application.
2. Complete the renewal application form (F‑02‑TM‑002). Provide the owner’s details, representative’s details (if any), the trademark registration number and filing date, and specify the classes to be renewed. If the renewal covers all classes, tick the appropriate box; if it covers only some classes, list them.
3. Prepare supporting documents. Attach a power of attorney if a representative files the application, and include proof of fee payment. Keep copies of the application and receipt for your records.
4. Submit the application. File the renewal directly at AGEPI’s headquarters, by mail, via fax/e‑mail or through the e‑filing system. If filing by fax or e‑mail, send the original within one month. Foreign applicants must act through a registered Moldovan patent attorney.
5. Pay the renewal fee. Transfer the appropriate fee (with any discount or surcharge) to AGEPI’s account. For late renewals, include the 50 % surcharge. Submit proof of payment with the application.
6. Respond to any irregularity notices. AGEPI examines renewal applications within three months. If formal deficiencies are found, the agency sends a notification and grants the applicant two months to correct them. Failure to remedy irregularities leads to rejection, which can be appealed.
7. Receive the renewal certificate. When the application meets all requirements, AGEPI issues a certificate of renewal with the same registration number preceded by “R”, “2R”, “3R”, etc., depending on the number of renewals. Information about the renewal is entered into the National Register of Trademarks and published in the Official Bulletin of Industrial Property (BOPI). The renewal takes effect from the day following the expiry of the previous term.

Conclusion

Renewing a trademark in Moldova is an essential administrative task for brand owners. The law provides a clear framework: registrations last for ten years and can be renewed indefinitely. Owners must file a renewal request and pay the official fee during the six months before expiry; a six‑month grace period exists, but late filings attract a 50 % surcharge. Filing the correct form, submitting a power of attorney and proof of payment, and responding promptly to any AGEPI notices ensures a smooth renewal process. Failure to renew ends protection, exposing the brand to cancellation and forcing the owner to start over. Therefore, maintaining a docketing system or using professional services is crucial to safeguarding trademark rights in Moldova.