Trademark Registration in Moldova

Moldova is a member of the Madrid Protocol. Applications can be filed either through the Madrid Protocol or directly through a local attorney in the country. A simply signed power of attorney is required. Applications by legal entities require a company stamp. (If the applicant claims at least 1 color as a distinctive element, 5 black-and-white and 5 color specimens of the trademark must be submitted. If no distinctive color is claimed and the mark is a word mark, 5 black-and-white specimens must be submitted. If no distinctive color is claimed and the mark is not a word mark, 1 black-and-white specimen must be submitted.) The list of classes in which the trademark will be used must be submitted in Romanian. A multi-class system is used. More than one class can be selected in a single application. The international Nice Classification applies. A specimen of the trademark to be used must be submitted. The term of protection for a trademark is 10 years. The trademark can be maintained indefinitely by renewal every 10 years. After examination, the trademark is published in the Official Gazette for 3 months. Third parties may file an opposition during this period. Third parties may file a cancellation action against trademarks that have not been used for 5 years from the date of last use. Renewal is required every 10 years.