Intellectual Property Laws at Moldova
Moldova's intellectual property (IP) legal framework is robust and aligns with international standards, providing comprehensive protection across various domains. Here's an overview of the key aspects:
🏛️ Legal Framework
Moldova's IP laws are governed by
Copyright and Neighbouring Rights: Law No. 230
Trademarks: Law No. 38-XVI of February 29, 2008 (as amended
Patents: Law No. 50-XVI of March 7, 2008 (as amended
Industrial Designs: Protection under the Law on the Protection of Invention These laws are administered by the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI), the central authority responsible for promoting and implementing activities in the field of legal protection of intellectual property related to industrial property rights, copyright, and related rights
📚 Copyright Protection
Automatic Protection Arises automatically upon creation of an original work fixed in a tangible medium of expression.
Registration Not mandatory but can be done with AGEP.
Duration: For literary, artistic, and musical works: Life of the author plus 50 year. For films, sound recordings, and broadcasts: 50 years from the year of first publication.
Neighbouring Rights Protection for performers, producers of sound recordings, and broadcasting organization.
🛡️ Trademark Protection
*System: First-to-fie.
*Duration: 10 years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely.
*Requirements: The mark must be distinctive and not identical or confusingly similar to existing mars.
*Infringement: Only registered trademark owners can initiate legal action for infringement.
💡 Patent Protection
*Eligibility: Inventions that are novel, involve an inventive step, and are industrially applicable.
*Duration: 20 years from the filing date.
*Utility Models: Protected for 10 years, renewable for two consecutive terms of five years each, subject to se.
*International Applications: Moldova is a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), allowing for international patent applications.
🖼️ Industrial Designs
Protection Perio: 5 years from the filing date, renewable for additional five-year terms, up to a maximum of 25 years.
Requirement: The design must be new and possess individual character.
🌍 International Treaties
Moldova is a member of several key international IP treaties:
Paris Convention: For the Protection of Industrial Property.
Berne Convention: For the Protection of Literary and Artistic orks.
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PC): Facilitates international patent applications.
Madrid Protocol: For the International Registration of arks.
Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIP): Sets minimum standards for IP regulation.
⚖️ Enforcement and Protection
Enforcement Agencies: AGEPI, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the National Customs Service.
Remedis: Injunctions, damages, account of profits, and seizure of counterfeit goods.
Penaltis: Fines and imprisonment for infringement.
📌 Contact Information
*State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI)
Address: 1, Ștefan Cel Mare și Sfânt Boulevard, Chisinau, oldov
Phone: (+373-22)40050
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