The European Patent Office (EPO) has once again decided that it will increase its official fees as of 1 April 2024.While some fees are staying the same, there are increases of around 4% for the common fees, and substantial increases in some early renewal fees.
In particular, the search fee is due to increase from €1460 to €1520, the examination fee from €1840 to €1915, the designation fee from €660 to €690 and the grant fee from €1040 to €1080.The most significant changes are in the renewal fees for the 3rd to 5th year. The 3rd year fee increases from €530 to €690 (an increase of approximately 30%), the 4th year fee from €660 to €845 (an increase of approximately 28%), and the 5th year fee from €925 to €1000 (an increase of approximately 8%). The 6th year fee decreases slightly, from €1180 to €1155 (an decrease of approximately 2%). The remaining renewal fees for the 7th to 9th years have increased only slightly, while the fee for the 10th year onwards remains the same.
As in previous years, applicants should once again consider paying fees before 1 April 2024, in particular the payment of the 3
rd to 5
th year renewal fees, where it is possible to do so to save the money.The maintenance fees for European patent applications can be paid up to 3 months in advance of their due date, except for the first fee (for the 3rd year) which can be paid up to 6 months in advance.
Source: Venner Shipley