The EUIPO strengthened opposition and cancellation practices in trade mark examination in the Republic of Moldova
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) organised a technical workshop on opposition and cancellation procedures in trade mark examination in Chișinău on 13-14 May 2026, in the context of the EU-funded EU4IP project.
The workshop supported the ongoing approximation of the Republic of Moldova’s trade mark legislation and practice with the EU acquis communautaire, thus contributing to the country’s EU accession roadmap. It combined legislative support with practical capacity building to help ensure that new trade mark regulations are effectively implemented and applied in daily examination practice.
Bringing together examiners and representatives of the State Agency on Intellectual Property of the Republic of Moldova (AGEPI), the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova and experts from the EUIPO and the Romanian State Office for Inventions and Trade Marks, the workshop provided a platform to exchange European best practices on opposition and cancellation proceedings.
Over two working days, participants reviewed recent developments in Moldovan trade mark legislation, including progress on the draft implementing regulation on filing, examination and registration procedures. Discussions assessed alignment with Directive (EU) 2015/2436 and Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 and identified areas for further approximation. The programme also addressed the practical application of the organisation and functioning of the Committee on Revocation and Declaration of Invalidity of Trademarks, drafting of decisions, use of IT tools and case-based exercises to promote consistent and compliant reasoning.
By supporting the adoption of EUIPN Common Practices and aligning opposition and cancellation procedures with EU standards, the EUIPO further reinforced institutional capacity at AGEPI. This contributes to greater predictability, transparency and legal certainty for rights holders and businesses operating in the Republic of Moldova.
The activity forms part of the EUIPO’s broader commitment, as the premier implementing agency of intellectual property (IP) rights cooperation projects, to support partner countries in building robust IP frameworks that are aligned with EU rules and practices. Through the EU-funded EU4IP project, the EUIPO continues to facilitate legislative alignment and institutional strengthening in the Republic of Moldova, thus supporting the compatibility of its IP system with the European framework.
The EUIPO, together with the EU’s national and regional IP offices (EUIPN), promotes the convergence of trade mark and design practices internationally, in line with Article 151(2) of the EU trade mark Regulation, by extending the common examination practices beyond the EU, to facilitate a more predictable and user-friendly IP system.
For more information on the EUIPO’s current trade mark and design practice as reflected in the Guidelines on Examination, including on opposition and cancellation proceedings, see: https://guidelines.euipo.europa.eu/.