EPO launches new, simplified fee system
EPO launches new, simplified fee system supporting small companies
Fees for European patent applications are changing from 1 April 2024. These include reductions for small companies, and some fees have been eradicated.
The changes introduce dedicated fee reductions for micro-entities, simplify the fee system, create incentives for further digitalisation, and secure the Organisation’s financial sustainability through moderate increases of procedural and internal renewal fees.
The changes are in place to support small and medium-sized applicants in obtaining patent protection and commercialising their inventions throughout Europe and the world. The EPO has plans to introduce further support aimed at innovative entities requiring further financial assistance to access the European patent system, i.e. micro-enterprises, natural persons, non-profit organisations, universities and public research organisations. These micro-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.
