Gociu Lawyers, in partnership with market research agency MKOR, has published the IP Legal Readiness Review 2026, the most comprehensive study to date on how Romanian businesses manage intellectual property. Drawing on 414 market interviews and a legal audit of 322 companies across four key sectors, the study found that Romanian brands operate, on average, 11.2 months without formal trademark protection after launch, and that 60% of audited companies fall below the threshold of functional legal protection — despite 64% planning significant investment in 2026.
“Companies are building brand value faster than they are securing it legally. The gap between commercial ambition and legal ownership is where Romanian businesses are most exposed — and it starts earlier than most realize, often with the name itself,” said Adrian Gociu, Managing Partner at Gociu Lawyers.
The findings point to a structural gap in early-stage decision-making: intellectual property is still treated as a formality rather than a commercial safeguard, particularly in fast-moving, brand-driven sectors.
The full findings, including sector-by-sector benchmarks and legal readiness scores, are available in the IP Legal Readiness Review 2026 (EN) - Gociu Lawyers.
About Gociu Lawyers
Gociu Lawyers advises entrepreneurs, companies, and business groups on corporate structuring, intellectual property, tax, and strategic legal architecture, with offices in Timișoara, Bucharest, and Dubai.
Contact: www.gociu.law | office@gociu.law
