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Intellectual Property in IT Business: Protection of Software and Brands
With the active growth of the IT sector and creative industries in Moldova, the issue of intellectual property protection is more relevant than ever. Whether you're developing software, creating original content, design, or launching a brand, it's crucial to take care of the legal protection of your work results in advance.
Moldova offers clear and accessible mechanisms for registering and protecting copyrights, source codes, and trademarks for both individuals and legal entities.
What is protected by copyright in Moldova?
According to Law No. 139/2010 "On Copyright and Related Rights," the following are protected:
- Software (including source and object code)
- Websites and digital content
- Illustrations, designs, graphics
- Music, text, scripts, videos
- Databases
- Games and multimedia projects
Copyright arises automatically upon the creation of a work and does not require mandatory registration. However, registration significantly simplifies proving authorship in case of a dispute.
Software and Code Protection
In Moldova, software is protected as a literary work, regardless of the programming language. This means:
- The author is the individual who wrote the code
- The copyright holder can be a company (if the software is created under an employment or contract agreement)
- Custom development requires a legally drafted agreement transferring exclusive rights
For effective protection, it is recommended to:
- Conclude contracts with freelancers and employees
- Specify conditions for use and transfer of rights
- Keep original files, dates, and development logs
- Register software with the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI)
How we can help
Our law firm provides comprehensive support in the field of intellectual property:
- Registration of copyrights, software, and trademarks
- Registration of trademarks in Moldova
- Drafting and reviewing contracts (including international agreements)
- Transfer of exclusive rights, licensing
- Representation in copyright infringement disputes
- Protection of rights in pre-litigation and litigation stages
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