Following the Decision of the Administrative Council of 14 December 2023 (CA/D 16/23), some of the European Patent Office’s (EPO) fees will be increasing, effective from the 1st April 2024.
What changes are there?
Whilst many of the fees remain unchanged for the year including filing, opposition and appeals, of those increasing, most will do so by around 4%. However, 3rd to 5th year renewal fees are scheduled to rise significantly by 8% - 30%. A complete list of the increases is available on the EPO’s website.
Fortunately, it’s not all bad news. In addition to these increases, the EPO will be introducing a new fee system for micro-entities, with those qualifying being in for a treat with a generous 30% reduction in EPO fees.
Who qualifies as a micro-entity?
You're eligible for micro-entity status and the accompanying fee reductions at the EPO if you fall into one of the following categories: an individual inventor, a microenterprise (with fewer than 10 employees and under €2 million turnover), a non-profit organisation, a university, or a public research organisation.
It's worth noting that this status won't be granted if you've filed more than five applications in the past five years. So, this scheme will really benefit individual inventors and start-ups.
How much can you expect to save?
These reductions apply across the board, covering fees incurred throughout the patenting process, including filing fees, search fees, examination fees, designation fees, grant fees, and renewal fees. In total, you could save over €2300 (assuming payment of renewal fees up to the fifth year)!
How can you get in on this advantageous scheme?
It's a straightforward process, we simply need to file a declaration confirming that the applicant meets the criteria for the fee reduction. If you are a micro-entity and you have a pending European patent, or are about to file one, make sure you avail of these fee reductions.
If you want to find out more please do not hesitate to get in touch.
