The EPO has published a simplified fee system newly introducing reduced fees for micro-entities.
The EPO’s yearly review of the fee system let to number of changes that go beyond the usual increase of fees as the European Patent Office now introduces fee reductions to for smaller sized enterprises.
With fee reduction for smaller sized enterprises the EPO wants to ensure that micro-enterprises as well as small and medium sized enterprises, natural persons, non-profit organizations, universities and public research organizations are able to obtain patent protection and commercialization of their in inventions throughout Europe. The definition of micro, small and medium enterprises is found in Official Journal of the European Union, L 124, 20 May 2003 (OJ L 124 20.05.2003, p. 1).
These smaller sized entities will benefit from a 30% reduction in all main fees in the patent grant procedure, provided they have filed fewer than five applications in the last five years.
It is important to note that an incorrect declaration of status of an enterprise or a forgotten update if the status of an enterprise changes can have serious consequences which might lead to an application deemed to be withdrawn.
Besides this introduction of reduced fees, the fee system was modified to simplify it, create incentives for further digitalisation and to secure EPO’s financial sustainability.
If you or your client wishes to make use of the above-mentioned fee reduction system please get in contact with one of the offices of LAVOIX in order to avert any disadvantages.
The new fee system enters into force on 1 April 2024.
This IP Alert is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.