{"id":148468,"date":"2026-09-09T11:09:20","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T11:09:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=148468"},"modified":"2026-09-09T11:09:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T11:09:20","slug":"romania-intellectual-property","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/romania-intellectual-property\/","title":{"rendered":"Romania: Intellectual Property"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-148468","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-intellectual-property","jurisdictions-romania"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Andronic and Partners<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2025\/08\/Logo_Andronic-and-Partners-1.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Andronic and Partners<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2025\/08\/Logo_Andronic-and-Partners-1.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of Intellectual Property laws and regulations applicable in Romania<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What different types of intellectual property rights exist to protect: (a) Inventions (e.g. patents, supplementary protection certificates, rights in trade secrets, confidential information and\/or know-how); (b) Brands (e.g. trade marks, cause of action in passing off, rights to prevent unfair competition, association marks, certification marks, hallmarks, designations of origin, geographical indications, traditional speciality guarantees); (c) Other creations, technology and proprietary interests (e.g. copyright, design rights, semiconductor topography rights, plant varieties, database rights, rights in trade secrets, confidential information and\/or know-how).<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Inventions are safeguarded by patents, supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) for plant or medical products, utility models, plant variety rights, and trade secrets.<\/p>\n<p>Brands are protected via national and EU trademarks, certification and collective marks, and geographical indications.<\/p>\n<p>Other creations, technology and proprietary interests are covered by copyright and related rights, database rights, national and EU designs, and semiconductor topography rights.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the duration of each of these intellectual property rights? What procedures exist to extend the life of registered rights in appropriate circumstances?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Patents are protected 20 years from filing; SPCs can add a maximum of 5 additional years for medicinal\/plant protection products.<\/p>\n<p>Utility Models can be protected for an initial 6-year term plus two optional 2-year renewals.<\/p>\n<p>Plant variety rights are generally granted for a standard period of 25 years for most plant species in the European Union.<\/p>\n<p>Trade secrets are protected indefinitely, provided that the information continues to meet the requirements for secrecy.<\/p>\n<p>Trademarks, certification marks, collective marks and geographical indications are protected for 10 years from the date of filing and may be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year periods.<\/p>\n<p>Copyright generally lasts for the author\u2019s lifetime plus 70 years, while certain related rights are protected for 50 years.<\/p>\n<p>Database rights are protected for 15 years from the year following the completion of the database.<\/p>\n<p>Designs may be protected for an initial 10-year term followed by three possible 5-year renewals.<\/p>\n<p>Semiconductor topographies are protected for 10 years from the date of first commercial exploitation or registration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Who is the first owner of each of these intellectual property rights and is this different for rights created in the course of employment or under a commission?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Ownership of intellectual property rights depends on the nature of the right and the circumstances in which it was created. Generally, a first-to-file system applies, meaning that the person or entity that first files for registration is generally recognised as the rights holder. However, specific rules apply to intellectual property created in the course of employment or under a commission.<\/p>\n<p>For patents and utility models, the employer generally owns inventions created by an employee in the performance of their employment duties, subject to certain exceptions, including in relation to unclaimed inventions.<\/p>\n<p>For plant variety rights, the breeder is generally entitled to the right. However, this may differ where the employment contract provides otherwise.<\/p>\n<p>For trade secrets, protection generally belongs to the person or entity that has lawful control over the confidential information and is responsible for maintaining its secrecy.<\/p>\n<p>For copyright, the creator is generally the first owner of the copyright. However, economic rights may belong to the employer in certain circumstances, particularly in relation to computer software, or may be transferred pursuant to an assignment agreement.<\/p>\n<p>For database rights, designs and semiconductor topographies, the employer or commissioner generally owns the rights where the relevant work is created in the course of employment or under a commission.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Which of the intellectual property rights described in section A are registered rights?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Registered rights: patents, SPCs, utility models, plant variety rights, trademarks, certification marks, collective marks, geographic indications, designs, semiconductor topography rights.<\/p>\n<p>By contrast, copyright, database rights and trade secrets arise automatically, without the need for registration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Who can apply for registration of these intellectual property rights and, briefly, what is the procedure for registration?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>For most intellectual property rights, applications are filed with OSIM, while applications for plant variety rights are filed with ISTIS. The registration procedure generally involves a formal examination of the application, publication, substantive examination where applicable, an opposition period where applicable, and, ultimately, the issuance of the relevant registration certificate.<\/p>\n<p>Although copyright arises automatically and does not require registration, copyright holders may choose to register their rights for opposability purposes, to facilitate proof of ownership and the date of creation or registration against third parties.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How long does the registration procedure usually take?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The duration of the registration procedure varies depending on the type of intellectual property right concerned and on the complexity of the applicable registration procedure. Fast-track procedures are not generally available in Romania.<\/p>\n<p>As a general indication, SPCs, utility models, designs and semiconductor topography rights are typically registered within approximately 6\u201312 months, while trademarks, certification marks and collective marks generally take around 8\u201312 months, provided that no procedural incidents arise.<\/p>\n<p>Geographical indications generally require approximately 18\u201324 months, and plant variety rights typically take 2-3 years to register. Patent registration is generally the most time-consuming process and may take two (and as much as up to five) years from filing, even where certain stages are expedited.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Do third parties have the right to take part in or comment on the registration process?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Third parties can file observations or oppositions against applications for the registration of trademarks, certification marks, collective marks, and designs during a specific window after publication. Likewise, for other rights, like semiconductor topography rights and patents, third parties can file revocation actions during a specific window after publication of the application\u2019s admission.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What (if any) steps can the applicant take if registration is refused?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Generally, if an application is refused by OSIM or ISTIS, the applicant can appeal to the relevant authority\u2019s Re-Examination Commission, then to the Bucharest Tribunal, and finally to the Bucharest Court of Appeal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the current application and renewal fees for each of these intellectual property rights?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The application and renewal fees for intellectual property rights vary significantly depending on the specific type of right being registered.<\/p>\n<p>Unregistered rights like trade secrets and database rights do not require any application or renewal fees, while registering copyright costs approx. 10 EUR.<\/p>\n<p>For standard national trademarks, the registration process involves an initial filing fee of EUR 10, a publication fee ranging from EUR 30 to EUR 100, examination fees starting at approx. EUR 110, and an approx. EUR 50 fee for the issuance of the registration certificate. Maintaining the right requires renewal fees starting from approx. EUR 120 plus an additional EUR 50 for issuing the renewal certificate.\u00a0The design fee range is slightly higher than that applicable to trademarks.<\/p>\n<p>The highest costs are incurred for rights such as patents and SPCs, with patent renewal fees reaching EUR 500 and SPC renewals scaling up to EUR 1,400.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the consequences of a failure to pay any renewal fees and what (if any) steps can be taken to remedy a failure to pay renewal fees?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Rights lapse if renewal fees aren\u2019t paid. However, for most IP rights, a grace period of six months is available with a surcharge allowing renewal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the requirements to assign ownership of each of the intellectual property rights described in section A?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Patents and Utility Models: Under Romanian law, patent-related rights include (i) the right to a patent, (ii) the right to be granted a patent, and (iii) the rights arising from a granted patent. These rights may be assigned, in whole or in part, by written agreement. If the applicant is not the inventor, proof of entitlement is required. For the rights described at point (ii) and (iii), assignment must be filed with OSIM for enforcement reasons. All provisions regarding assignment applicable to patents also apply to Utility Models.<\/p>\n<p>Plant Variety Rights: The transfer of rights must be compulsorily registered in the appropriate national registers depending on the timing of the assignment: if the assignment occurs before the patent is granted, it must be recorded in the National Register of Plant Variety Patent Applications (RNCBS), while assignments made after patent grant are registered in the National Register of Plant Variety Patents (RNBSP).<\/p>\n<p>Trademarks: Written assignment signed by parties. Partial assignment allowed but no territorial division within Romania.<\/p>\n<p>Certification marks: Assignment prohibited.<\/p>\n<p>Geographical indications: Cannot be assigned due to intrinsic nature.<\/p>\n<p>Copyright: Written agreement specifying certain mandatory criteria, but only economic rights are assignable, while the moral rights remain with author.<\/p>\n<p>Design: The rights to obtain a registration certificate for a design, the rights arising from the corresponding application, and the rights resulting from a registration can be assigned, in whole or in part.<\/p>\n<p>Semiconductor Topographies: Written assignment signed by the parties is needed.<\/p>\n<p>Database sui-generis rights: Can be assigned under no formal legal requirements.<\/p>\n<p>Know-how and Confidential information: Can be assigned, and depending on the nature of the protected information, different applicable formalities may be triggered.<\/p>\n<p>Trade secrets: trade secrets are not registrable and there are no specific statutory provisions governing their assignment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a requirement to register an assignment of any of these intellectual property rights and, if so, what is the consequence of failing to register?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>For patents, utility models, designs, trademarks, association marks and semiconductor topography rights, an assignment must generally be registered with OSIM and published in the Official Industrial Property Bulletin in order to be enforceable against third parties. Assignments that are not registered and published in this manner are not enforceable against third parties.<\/p>\n<p>Plant variety rights\u2019 assignment should be registered with ISTIS and published in the Official Bulletin for the Protection of New Plant Varieties for enforceability against third parties.<\/p>\n<p>In the case of copyright, no registration is generally required for a transfer to be valid or enforceable. However, where the copyright has been registered with ORDA, the transfer should also be registered in order to ensure its enforceability against third parties.<\/p>\n<p>Trade secrets and database sui-generis rights are not subject to registration as such, and therefore no registration of their assignment is required.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the requirements to licence a third party to use each of the intellectual property rights described in section A?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In general, IP rights may be licensed on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis, with the licence generally being made in writing.<\/p>\n<p>Geographical indications cannot be licensed, as their use is subject to the applicable geographical-origin requirements rather than individual licensing arrangements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a requirement to register a licence of any of these intellectual property rights and, if so, what is the consequence of failing to register?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>While registration is not a validity requirement, failure to register a licence can result in limited enforceability, weaker protection against third parties, and loss of procedural rights, especially in the context of litigation or rights transfer.<\/p>\n<p>For patents, utility models, plant variety rights, semiconductor topography rights, designs and trademarks and similar rights, registration is required for the license to be enforceable against third parties but does not affect the effectiveness of the license.<\/p>\n<p>Registration of copyright licenses is not mandatory. Nevertheless, where collective management organisations are involved, registration of rights and uses may be necessary for royalty collection and enforcement purposes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are exclusive and non-exclusive licensees given different rights in respect of the enforcement of the licensed IP, and if so, how do those rights differ?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In Romania, exclusive licensees generally have broader enforcement rights, including the ability to initiate infringement proceedings in their own name, provided that the licence is in writing, registered, and the owner has been notified and failed to act.<\/p>\n<p>In contrast, non-exclusive licensees do not have standing to sue unless the licence explicitly grants enforcement rights or the right-holder consents. This distinction applies across industrial property rights such as patents, trademarks, and designs. For copyright, enforcement powers depend on express contractual terms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there criminal sanctions for infringement of any intellectual property rights, and if so, what are they and how are they invoked?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The infringement of patents, utility models, plant variety rights, semiconductor topographies is punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment or fine for falsely claiming inventorship or counterfeiting.<\/p>\n<p>Trademark, geographical indications, design infringement is punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment or fine for counterfeiting and unauthorized circulation.<\/p>\n<p>Copyright infringement: 1-7 years\u2019 imprisonment depending on acts (reproduction, distribution, piracy).<\/p>\n<p>For database rights, unlawfully making a protected database available to the public is punishable by up to 3 years of imprisonment or fine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What other enforcement options are available for each of the intellectual property rights described in section A? For example, civil court proceedings, intellectual property office proceedings, administrative proceedings, alternative dispute resolution.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In Romania, intellectual property rights can be enforced through civil court proceedings, administrative procedures, customs enforcement and alternative dispute resolution, depending on the nature of the right and the circumstances of the infringement.<\/p>\n<p>Civil court proceedings are the primary means of addressing infringement, with IP owners able to seek remedies such as injunctions, damages and the destruction of infringing goods. Such cases are handled by designated intellectual property panels in competent courts.<\/p>\n<p>Administrative proceedings are available in certain areas, with authorities such as ORDA for copyright and OSIM for most other IP rights handling matters such as registration, oppositions, and compliance. The competent authority may issue fines or revoke rights where appropriate, but substantive infringement disputes go to the competent courts of law.<\/p>\n<p>Customs enforcement also provides a mechanism for preventing the circulation of infringing goods, as Romanian Customs may detain or seize suspected infringing goods at the border, particularly in cases involving counterfeit trademarks or copyright infringement.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, mediation and arbitration may be used to resolve intellectual property disputes, particularly contractual disputes concerning matters such as licensing and know-how. These mechanisms can provide a quicker and less adversarial alternative to court proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the length and cost of such procedures?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Civil court proceedings typically last between one to two years at first instance, with appeals potentially extending the process to three or four years. Costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand euros, depending on court fees, attorney fees, and expert involvement.<\/p>\n<p>Administrative procedures before OSIM or ORDA are generally quicker and more affordable, often resolved within six to eighteen months at a lower cost.<\/p>\n<p>Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation or arbitration, are typically faster and less formal, with varying costs depending on the chosen forum and complexity of the dispute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Where court action is available, please provide details of which court(s) have jurisdiction, how to start proceedings, the basics of the procedure, the time to trial, the format of the trial, the time to judgment and award of relief and whether any appeal is available.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Intellectual property disputes in Romania are generally heard at first instance by specialized IP panels within the competent tribunals, with appeals heard by the relevant courts of appeal and, where permitted, final appeals before the High Court of Cassation and Justice.<\/p>\n<p>Proceedings are initiated by filing a written statement of claim. The procedure generally involves a written phase, during which the parties exchange pleadings and evidence, followed by public oral hearings phase.<\/p>\n<p>Relief includes injunctions, damages, destruction\/seizure of goods, judgment publication, information disclosure. Provisional measures, such as interim injunctions, seizure or preservation of evidence, and the temporary removal or cessation of infringing activities, may also be dispensed by the competent courts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What customs procedures are available to stop the import and\/or export of infringing goods?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Customs authorities can block the import or export of counterfeit or IP-infringing goods through procedures aligned with EU legislation. Rights holders may submit a formal request for customs intervention via the IPEP portal, while customs may also act e<em>x officio<\/em> if they suspect infringement.<\/p>\n<p>If goods are confirmed as infringing, they can typically be destroyed via a simplified procedure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are any non-court enforcement options or dispute resolution mechanisms mandatory in respect of intellectual property disputes in any circumstances? If so, please provide details.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Certain IP disputes require prior administrative proceedings before court action is possible (trademarks, patents, or designs).<\/p>\n<p>Oppositions are handled entirely by OSIM, while invalidity (cancellation) or revocation actions must first go through OSIM before any judicial challenge.<\/p>\n<p>Infringement disputes (e.g., unauthorized use) are typically handled directly by the courts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What options are available to settle intellectual property disputes in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Intellectual property disputes in Romania may be resolved through a variety of contractual, alternative dispute resolution and administrative mechanisms, depending on the nature of the dispute.<\/p>\n<p>Parties may reach a contractual settlement, including through licensing arrangements, cease-and-desist agreements or financial compensation. Mediation and arbitration are also available as alternatives to court proceedings. In addition, OSIM handles certain administrative proceedings, including opposition and invalidity or cancellation actions in relation to relevant intellectual property rights.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is required to establish infringement of each of the intellectual property rights described in section A? What evidence is necessary in this context?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>For inventions, infringement generally requires proof of the unauthorised use of a protected invention. Evidence: proof of ownership (e.g., valid registration certificate) and proof of infringing activity (e.g., product samples, advertising materials, invoices).<\/p>\n<p>For trade secrets, the rights holder must establish that the information was secret (not generally known or easily accessible), commercially valuable, subject to protection measures. Proof of the unlawful acquisition\/use\/disclosure is also required. Where damages are sought, the rights holder may also need to establish the resulting loss.<\/p>\n<p>Brands: infringement involves unauthorized use of identical\/similar signs likely to cause confusion. Relevant evidence includes registration certificates, market samples of the infringing products\/goods, evidence of confusion (e.g., consumer surveys, testimonies), or, if applicable, evidence of the trademark\u2019s reputation (for well-known trademarks).<\/p>\n<p>Infringement of copyright\/designs\/database rights\/semiconductor topographies consists of the unauthorized use of protected rights (in case of designs, use of similar signs may also constitute infringement if the overall impression is the same). Evidence: registration\/creation proof (e.g., timestamped files, ORDA deposit), comparative analysis between the original and infringing work, market evidence showing unauthorized use or commercial exploitation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How does the court acquire any necessary information (fact or technical) and in what circumstances does it do so? In particular a) Is there a technical judge, a judge with technical experience, a court appointed expert, an expert agreed by the parties, and\/or parties\u2019 expert witness evidence? b) What mechanisms are available for compelling the obtaining and protecting of evidence? Is disclosure or discovery available?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p><strong>a) Is there a technical judge, a judge with technical experience, a court appointed expert, an expert agreed by the parties, and\/or parties&#8217; expert witness evidence?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Courts frequently rely on court-appointed experts to clarify technical or scientific matters. Court-appointed experts are independent and selected from the official register of judicial experts. The expert\u2019s report is filed in writing and subject to the parties\u2019 debate and objections. In complex cases, multiple experts may be appointed, or a second expert opinion (counter-expertise) may be ordered.<\/p>\n<p>Courts may also accept: (i) party-appointed expert reports, or (ii) witnesses with technical background, who may be questioned during hearings.<\/p>\n<p><strong>b) What mechanisms are available for compelling the obtaining and protecting of evidence? Is disclosure or discovery available?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Courts can order the preservation of evidence before or during the trial if there is a risk that evidence may be lost or become unavailable. Romania does not have common law-style discovery. However, a party may request the court to order the opposing party to produce specific documents or evidence in their possession, under certain conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is information and evidence submitted to the court scrutinised? For example, is cross-examination available and if so, how frequently is it employed in practice?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The court will first examine the admissibility, legality, and relevance of each piece of evidence. Judges may question witnesses and parties directly, and they may request clarifications or additional documents. Expert reports are subject to parties\u2019 objections and may be challenged or supplemented by counter-expertise.<\/p>\n<p>Witnesses are typically used in IP infringement claims. Sworn testimony is required for witnesses, and giving false testimony is a criminal offence. Cross-examination (in the typical common law sense) is not specific to Romanian proceedings; however, parties can submit questions to be addressed to the witnesses by the judge. Judges have full discretion to rephrase or reject questions they deem irrelevant.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What defences to infringement are available?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Depending on the type of IP protection, examples of defences in IP infringement claims include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lack of relevant protection by way of expiration, annulment, invalidity of the IP right (e.g. lack of novelty, inventive step, originality, distinctiveness, or other substantive requirements), non-use of the trademark for a continuous period of 5 years;<\/li>\n<li>Lack of infringement on account of any of the following: no similarity or likelihood of confusion, independent creation (for copyright or designs), independent discovery (for trade secrets), prior use;<\/li>\n<li>Statutory exceptions \/ permitted use, such as use for educational, parody, quotation, experimental or research purposes;<\/li>\n<li>Legitimate use, in cases where the right holder previously authorized the use, either expressly or implicitly;<\/li>\n<li>Lack of actual damage or harm can sometimes be used to limit or deny claims for damages (e.g. in case of trade secrets), though infringement may still be found.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Other procedural defences include lack of standing (when the claimant is not the rightful holder nor a licensee with enforcement rights), expired statute of limitation (most claims must be filed within 3 years from when the claimant became aware of the infringement and the infringer), etc.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Who can challenge each of the intellectual property rights described in section A?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Generally, all types of intellectual property rights can be challenged by any third party with a legitimate interest, such as competitors, affected businesses, or consumers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">When may a challenge to these intellectual property rights be made (e.g. during any registration process or at any time during the subsistence of the right)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The timing of a challenge depends on whether the intellectual property right is registered or arises automatically.<\/p>\n<p>For registered rights, third parties may generally file oppositions during the registration process, typically within 2\u20136 months following publication, depending on the type of right. Once registered, the right may generally be challenged through invalidation proceedings at any time during its period of protection.<\/p>\n<p>For unregistered rights, challenges generally arise in the context of infringement or unfair competition proceedings and may be brought at any time during the subsistence of the relevant right.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Briefly, what is the forum and the procedure for challenging each of these intellectual property rights and what are the grounds for a finding of invalidity of each of these intellectual property rights?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>For patents and utility models, opposition or revocation actions can be brought before OSIM, while invalidation actions can be brought before the competent courts of law. Lack of novelty, lack of inventive step, lack of industrial applicability, non-patentable subject matter, insufficient disclosure\u00a0or extension of the subject matter beyond the application as filed can all be grounds for finding the invalidity.<\/p>\n<p>Plant variety rights are challenged (revocation or invalidity\/cancellation) before ISTIS and grounds for invalidity include the variety lacking distinctness or novelty at the time the right was granted, or the applicant not being legally entitled to the right.<\/p>\n<p>Semiconductor topographies are challenged before OSIM (revocation) and before courts of law (invalidity). Grounds for invalidity include fraudulent authorship and lack of originality.<\/p>\n<p>For trademarks, opposition, revocation or invalidity actions can be brought before OSIM. The grounds for finding invalidity are absolute (e.g. lack of distinctive character) or relative (e.g. conflicting rights).<\/p>\n<p>For geographical indications, the competent forum is a court of law, while grounds for invalidity include the geographical indication becoming generic or conflicts with a prior IP right.<\/p>\n<p>For designs, opposition and revocation procedures can be raised before OSIM, while invalidity actions fall under the competence of courts of law. Grounds for invalidity include lack of novelty or individual character, the design being dictated solely by its technical function, or conflicting with an earlier IP right (such as a design, trademark, or copyright).<\/p>\n<p>For copyright and database rights, civil litigation before courts of law is the usual forum, while invalidity grounds include fraudulent authorship and, in the case of copyright, lack of originality and being non-protectable subject matter.<\/p>\n<p>For trade secrets, disputes are generally brought before the competent civil courts, particularly in the context of unfair competition or breaches of contractual confidentiality obligations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any other methods to remove or limit the effect of any of the intellectual property rights described in section A, for example, declaratory relief or licences of right?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>IP rights may be limited or terminated through the following additional mechanisms:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Compulsory licensing, which may be granted by courts for patents\/plant varieties in restrictive circumstances (failure to exploit, public interest).<\/li>\n<li>Voluntary licensing, which is common for all IP rights.<\/li>\n<li>Coexistence agreements may allow two similar trademarks or designs to coexist in different markets.<\/li>\n<li>Exhaustion of the rights.<\/li>\n<li>Withdrawal\/renunciation, either before or after the protection is granted (e.g., if the right is no longer commercially valuable or to settle disputes).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What remedies (both interim and final) are available for infringement of each of the intellectual property rights described in section A?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Interim measures available include preliminary injunctions, asset freezing, evidence preservation (requires urgency, prima facie case, irreparable harm risk).<\/p>\n<p>Final measures include permanent injunctions, awarding damages (including lost profits), ordering the destruction\/recall of infringing goods, public acknowledgment of the final court decision, awarding moral damages for reputational harm.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the costs of enforcement proceedings and is any kind of costs recovery available for successful parties? Is there a procedural mechanism enabling or requiring security for costs?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Costs typically include court fees, expert fees, legal representation, and costs for interim measures, such as injunctions or evidence preservation. The total cost can increase significantly in complex or high-stakes cases, especially those involving patents, technical expertise, or cross-border elements. Administrative proceedings (before OSIM or ISTIS) generally involve lower costs than court proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>Successful parties in both administrative and judicial proceedings may benefit from cost recovery mechanisms, subject to the applicable procedural rules and the court or authority\u2019s assessment.<\/p>\n<p>In IP proceedings, the court may require the claimant to provide security where provisional measures are likely to prejudice the opposing party.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">4575<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/148468","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=148468"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}