Context: designs in 2026
Industrial design protection covers the visual appearance of a product — shape, contour, ornamentation, texture — not the technical function as such (that usually falls under patents or trade secrets). For manufacturers, retailers, and product studios in Moldova, 2026 brings both European-level clarifications (EUIPO) and reasons to align local strategy with Law No. 161/2007 and AGEPI procedures.
An unprotected design may be copied lawfully if there are no registered rights or clear evidence of priority and controlled disclosure.
National framework (Moldova)
Law 161/2007 governs:
- national industrial designs and models;
- terms of protection (up to 25 years depending on renewals);
- novelty and individual character requirements;
- relationship with international treaties to which the Republic of Moldova is party.
Filing with AGEPI grants a national title effective in Moldova. For EU export, entrepreneurs often evaluate Community registration or a phased extension strategy.
EUIPO 2026 reform — what changes for businesses
The reform of the Community design system (being implemented and communicated by EUIPO) targets, among other things:
| Element | Practical impact |
|---|---|
| Centralized filing | More uniform digital flow, fewer procedural fragments |
| Up to 50 variants per application | Product families (colors, finishes) in one coherent dossier |
| Video files | Dynamic representations for interfaces, product motion |
| Digital designs | Clarifications for UI iconography, on-screen graphic elements |
| 12-month grace period | Controlled disclosure before filing without destroying novelty (within EU rules) |
The grace period does not replace strategy: document the first disclosure date and avoid unqualified global disclosures before advice.
Recommended steps for Moldovan companies
- Record the first disclosure date — trade fairs, crowdfunding, social posts, prototypes sent to clients.
- Choose territory — national only (AGEPI) vs. European Union (Community design) vs. phased combination.
- Prepare representations — 2D/3D renders, neutral photos, short clips where UI is essential.
- Check exceptions — spare parts, shapes dictated solely by function, designs with no aesthetic freedom.
- Integrate in contracts — design rights assignment from freelancers and confidentiality before launch.
Relationship with other IP rights
- Trademark — protects origin sign, not necessarily product shape.
- Copyright — may cover artistic 2D works but does not replace industrial design for commercial product form.
- Patent — protects the technical invention, not aesthetics as such.
Conclusion
In 2026, Moldovan entrepreneurs selling products with strong visual identity should treat industrial design as a strategic asset: grace periods, multi-variant filings, and digital representations become routine tools, not exceptions. Align your launch calendar with your filing calendar.
Resources
The materials above are for informational purposes only and do not constitute personalized legal advice. For specific situations, consult a lawyer or an AGEPI-authorized intellectual property advisor.