Validation states
Since 2010, the European Patent Organisation has signed validation agreements with eight non-member states. Five of these validation agreements are currently in force:
- MA Morocco
- TN Tunisia
- KH Cambodia
- GE Georgia
- LA Lao People's Democratic Republic
As regards the Republic of Moldova (former validation state, current member state), please note that the validation system remains applicable to European and international patent applications filed before 1 June 2026 and to divisional applications derived from earlier applications having a date of filing prior to 1 June 2026, as well as to European patents granted on the basis of such applications.
Complete list of validation agreements signed by the European Patent Organisation:
- Morocco
Official title: Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco and the European Patent Organisation on validation of European patents (Validation agreement)
Agreement signed on: 17.12.2010
Entry into force on: 1.3.2015
Status of the Agreement: in force
- Republic of Moldova
Official title: Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the European Patent Organisation on validation of European patents (Validation agreement)
Agreement signed on: 16.10.2013
Entry into force on: 1.11.2015
Termination of the Agreement: 1.6.2026
N.B.: The Republic of Moldova acceded to the European Patent Convention on 1 June 2026, and European patent applications filed on or after that date include the designation of the Republic of Moldova. The validation agreement between Republic of Moldova and the European Patent Organisation thus terminates and it will no longer be possible to validate European patent applications and patents in the country as of that date. However, the validation system will continue to apply to all European and international patent applications filed before 1 June 2026 and to divisional applications derived from earlier applications having a date of filing prior to 1 June 2026, as well as to all European patents granted in respect of such applications.
- Tunisia
Official title: Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Tunisia and the European Patent Organisation on Validation of European patents (Validation agreement)
Agreement signed on: 3.7.2014
Entry into force on: 1.12.2017
Status of the Agreement: in force
- Cambodia
Official title: Agreement between the Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the European Patent Organisation on validation of European patents (Validation agreement)
Agreement signed on: 23.1.2017
Entry into force on: 1.3.2018
Status of the Agreement: in force
- Georgia
Official title: Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the European Patent Organisation on validation of European patents (Validation agreement)
Agreement signed on: 31.10.2019
Entry into force on: 15.1.2024
Status of the Agreement: in force
- Laos
Official title: Agreement on Validation of European Patents between the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the European Patent Organisation
Agreement signed on: 13.5.2024
Entry into force on: 1.4.2025
Status of the Agreement: in force
- Costa Rica
Official title: Agreement on Validation of European Patents between the Government of the Republic of Costa Rica and the European Patent Organisation
Agreement signed on: 13.12.2024
Status of the Agreement: The modalities for the implementation of the validation agreement are currently being finalised. More information to follow upon entry into force of the agreement.
- Angola
Official title: Agreement on Validation of Patents between the Government of the Republic of Angola and the European Patent Organisation
Agreement signed on: 23.06.2026
Status of the Agreement: The modalities for the implementation of the validation agreement are currently being finalised. More information to follow upon entry into force of the agreement.