PCT NATIONAL PHASE ENTRY
North Macedonia

North Macedonia has been a member of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property since September 08, 1991, and joined the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) on August 10, 1995. Additionally, the country is a signatory to the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for Patent Procedures, as well as the Patent Law Treaty (PLT). Furthermore, North Macedonia is a member of the European Patent Organization. North Macedonia's patent law framework aligns closely with international standards, with the Law on Industrial Property serving as the key legislation governing industrial property rights, including patents. The country complies with prominent international intellectual property conventions and treaties, such as the Patent Law Treaty and the Patent Cooperation Treaty. North Macedonia is a member of both the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the European Patent Organization (EPO), having ratified major IP conventions and treaties, including the PCT and the PLT.

The deadline for entering the PCT national phase in Macedonia is 31 months from the priority date.

The language for filing a PCT national phase application in North Macedonia must be Macedonian. The Specification, claims, formal drawings, and abstract in Macedonian translation can be filed at the time of PCT national phase entry or within 1 month from filing date.

No extension is available for filing a late patent application in North Macedonia.

Power of Attorney: A simply signed Power of Attorney should be submitted within one month from the filing date.

There is no cost exemption available for patent application in North Macedonia.

Patent applications in Macedonia are subject to both formal and substantive examination. A request for substantive examination must be made within two years from the Macedonian filing date.

Renewal fees are due starting from the third year and must be paid before the anniversary of the filing date in Macedonia. A 25% surcharge applies if the maintenance fees are paid within a three-month grace period. A 50% surcharge applies if payment is made within an additional six-month grace period.

A patent in Macedonia remains valid for twenty years from the filing date. In North Macedonia, protection through Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs) is granted under national legislation. An SPC can extend the duration of patent protection by up to five years, depending on the time needed for regulatory approval.

In the 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII), North Macedonia shines with an impressive ranking of 58th out of 133 economies, boasting a solid score of 29.9. The country stands out as a leader among upper-middle-income economies, securing an outstanding 12th place. However, within Europe, it ranks a notable 32nd among the 39 economies, showcasing its competitive position in the region. North Macedonia excels in key areas, dominating in Infrastructure (43rd), Business sophistication (52nd), and Knowledge and technology outputs (53rd), positioning itself as a rising powerhouse in innovation.

North Macedonia stands out for its vibrant cultural legacy, multiethnic population, and key position bridging Eastern and Western Europe. Since gaining independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, it has made significant strides, including resolving a historic name dispute with Greece in 2019, which led to its official renaming to the Republic of North Macedonia. Its capital city, Skopje, showcases a unique mix of Ottoman, Byzantine, and contemporary architecture, highlighting the nation's diverse past. While still developing economically, the country is building strength in agriculture, manufacturing, and services. As a NATO member, North Macedonia is also actively working toward full European Union membership, underlining its dedication to ongoing political and economic progress.