Fee increase by the European Patent Office
The European Patent Office will increase its fees as of April 1, 2024.
The European Patent Office will increase its fees as of April 1, 2024. For most of the fees, the increase is by about 5%. However, for some of the fees the increase is up to 30%, such as for the third and fourth annuities.
The EPC allows paying annuities up to three months in advance of the due date. If fees are paid before April 1, 2024, the current lower fees will apply. Therefore, applicants can make considerable savings if annuities becoming due up to June 30, 2024 are paid before April 1, 2024.
Applicants also may want to consider filing EP applications or paying fees, such as designation and examination fees, before April 1, 2024 to take advantage of the current fees.
Below please find an overview on the most relevant fees of the EPO. The complete fee schedule can be found at the website of the European Patent Office.
If you have any comments or questions, please contact us.
| Fee type | New amount as at 01.04.2024 in EUR | Current amount in EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee – online | 135.00 | 135.00 |
| Fee for a European search | 1,520.00 | 1,460.00 |
| Designation fee | 685.00 | 660.00 |
| Examination fee | 1,915.00 | 1,840.00 |
| Fee for grant and printing | 1,080.00 | 1,040.00 |
| Opposition fee | 880.00 | 880.00 |
| Appeal fee | 2,015.00 | 2,015.00 |
| Claims fee for the 16th to the 50th claim | 275.00 | 265.00 |
| Renewal fee for the 3rd year | 690.00 | 530.00 |
| Renewal fee for the 4th year | 845.00 | 660.00 |
| Renewal fee for the 5th year | 1,000.00 | 925.00 |
| Renewal fee for the 6th year | 1,155.00 | 1,180.00 |
| Renewal fee for the 7th year | 1,310.00 | 1,305.00 |
| Renewal fee for the 8th year | 1,465.00 | 1,440.00 |
| Renewal fee for the 9th year | 1,620.00 | 1,570.00 |
| Renewal fee for the 10th year (constant from 10th year on) | 1,775.00 | 1,775.00 |