Europe

Romania

Patent system, trademark registration, annuity management, and renewals in Romania.

Authority

OSIM

PCT

31 mo

Madrid

Member

OSIM Online Database

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Before You Start

Before filing or quoting, you'll typically confirm these first

1
Whether to pursue the Paris route, PCT national phase, or start with trademark registration in Romania
2
Which of patent filing, trademark registration, annuity, or renewal is the most urgent priority
3
Whether to verify the official portal, search system, and key deadlines before moving to a quote or engagement

The sections below cover each module — use the navigation to jump directly to what you need.

Patent System & Process

Patent System in Romania

Romanian invention patents can be obtained through OSIM (national route) or the European Patent Office (EPO). Romania is an EPC member state and an EU member — European patents designating Romania take effect after grant and validation; the Unitary Patent also covers Romania. The standard patent term is 20 years from the filing date.

Patent Filing Routes ▾

1. **RO national patent** — Filed in Romanian with OSIM; Romania-only protection; 2. **European patent (EPO)** — Filed via EPO, designating Romania; validated after grant; 3. **Unitary Patent** — Unitary effect request after EPO grant covers all participating states; 4. **PCT route** — PCT applications can enter the European phase via EPO.

Source: OSIM; EPO official website

Unitary Patent Coverage ▾

Romania participates in the EU Unitary Patent system. After EPO grant, requesting unitary effect covers all participating states without per-country validation, reducing IP maintenance costs.

Source: EPO Unitary Patent information

Patent Term ▾

Romanian patents have a standard term of 20 years from the filing date, subject to annual maintenance fees.

Source: OSIM; EPO

Utility Model ▾

Romania has a utility model system with a simpler examination process, suitable for inventions needing faster protection. Refer to OSIM for specific term and renewal details.

Source: OSIM official website

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Romania

Romanian trademarks can be registered nationally via OSIM, obtained as an EUTM via EUIPO, or designated in a Madrid international application.

Trademark Filing Routes ▾

1. **RO national trademark** — Filed in Romanian with OSIM; Romania only; 2. **EU Trade Mark (EUTM)** — Filed with EUIPO; covers all 27 EU states including Romania; 3. **Madrid application** — Romania can be designated; OSIM handles examination.

Source: OSIM; EUIPO; WIPO Madrid

Registration Term and Renewal ▾

Romanian national trademarks are valid for 10 years, renewable every 10 years indefinitely.

Source: OSIM official website

EUTM Efficiency ▾

The EUTM covers all 27 EU member states in one application — generally more economical than separate national filings for multi-country EU coverage.

Source: EUIPO official website

Patent Annuity

Romania Patent Annuities

Romanian patent annuities: European patents (including Unitary Patent) pay to EPO; national patents pay to OSIM. Engage a local representative to manage your annuity schedule.

Source: OSIM; EPO

Annuity Reference → Managed Annuities

Trademark Renewal

Romania Trademark Renewals

Romanian trademarks are valid for 10 years, renewed with OSIM (national) or EUIPO (EUTM), every 10 years.

Source: OSIM; EUIPO

Renewal Reference → Managed Renewals

FAQ

Common Questions — Romania IP

Does Romania participate in the Unitary Patent? ▾

Yes. Romania participates in the Unitary Patent system. A unitary effect request after EPO grant covers Romania and other participating states.

Does an EUTM cover Romania? ▾

Yes. An EUTM covers all 27 EU member states, including Romania.

Can Romania be designated in a Madrid trademark application? ▾

Yes. Romania can be designated in a Madrid application; OSIM handles examination.

How long does a Romanian invention patent last? ▾

20 years from the filing date, subject to annual maintenance fees.

What is the PCT national phase deadline for Romania? ▾

Typically 31 months from the priority date (via the EPO European phase).

How long is a Romanian trademark valid? ▾

10 years, renewable indefinitely.

Does Romania have utility model protection? ▾

Yes. Romania has a utility model system with simpler examination, suitable for inventions needing fast protection.

What language is required for Romanian IP filings? ▾

Romanian national applications must be filed in Romanian.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

OSIM Official Website www.osim.ro/en/ European Patent Office (EPO) www.epo.org EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) euipo.europa.eu WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide — Romania (RO) www.wipo.int/pct/en/appguide/

Content based on official sources above, last reviewed: 2026-04. In case of discrepancy with the latest official publications, official sources prevail.

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