Intellectual Property Rights and Their Trend Analysis in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Intellectual property is widely recognized as a driver of enterprise growth, promoting innovation and competitiveness. This paper analyzes the trends in intellectual property rights registrations and granted protections for Republic of Moldova residents over the past 10 years. Based on statistical data analysis of the World Intellectual Property Organization, the State Agency for Intellectual Property, and the Global Innovation Index Report, the study reveals a notable dominance of trademark applications, accounting for 84.9% of the total applications. Conversely, patent and utility model filings, on the other hand, experienced significant declines of 41.5% and 29.7%, respectively. This gap reflects an overwhelming trend towards brand protection and not technological development in Moldova. While industrial designs and trademarks reveal highest success rates for registration, the underutilization of such valuable innovation tools as patents and utility models indicates underlying structural challenges, i.e., low investment in research and development, insufficient incentives for innovation, and potential weaknesses in the commercialization of research outcomes. Furthermore, underrepresentation of geographical indications and traditional specialties indicates untapped potential for leveraging Moldova's unique heritage. JEL: O31, O34.