18 March 2024
Following the Administrative Council’s decision on December 14, 2023, the European Patent Office (EPO) will implement a general hike in its official fees by 4%, effective on April 1, 2024. Notably, the fees for the third- and fourth-year renewals will see significant rises of 30% and 28% respectively.
Below, you will find a summary of the adjustments for some of the EPO’s most frequently incurred fees:
| Current fees (€) | New fees from April 1, 2024 (€) | Difference (€) | |
| Excess claims fee (for the 16th to 50th claims) | 265 | 275 | +10 |
| Search fee | 1.460 | 1.520 | +60 |
| Designation fee | 660 | 685 | +25 |
| Examination fee | 1.840 | 1.915 | +75 |
| Fee for Grant | 1.040 | 1.080 | +40 |
| Renewal fee 3th year | 530 | 690 | +160 |
| Renewal fee for 4th year | 660 | 845 | +185 |
| Renewal fee for 5th year | 925 | 1.000 | +75 |
A few actions can be taken to avoid the negative impact of the increase of fees, such as:
- Submitting direct EP applications where the priority period remains open.
- For Regional Euro-PCT stages, a saving of €160 is possible with an additional saving of €320 if the third renewal fee is due.
- Paying 3rd and 4th year renewal fees due on/or before June 30, 2024, can result in a saving of 28-30% on these fees.
- Proceed with grant formalities only if you have already received the R. 71(3) EPC communication.
If you have further questions regarding these fee changes, please get in touch with us.
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