New guide to help small and micro-entities benefit from fee reductions

MUNICH - The European Patent Office (EPO) has published a comprehensive set of frequently asked questions (FAQ) to assist users before a new fee system takes effect on April 1, 2024, which introduces fee reductions for micro-entities and other measures. These FAQs accompany the legal instruments published in the Official Journal and will guide users in applying for reductions, provide details on eligibility and outline the operation of the new scheme, according to the official website of EPO. 

Under the new measures, innovative entities that need financial support to access the European patent system will receive 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. These measures will benefit micro-enterprises, natural persons, non-profit organizations, universities, and public research organizations.

The FAQ will be followed by an update to the “New to patents” section on our website and a new Form 1011, which will be made available to users when the new fee policy enters into force.

Towards a simpler and more accessible system

The fee reductions are part of a package of measures that will come into force on April 1, 2024 to simplify the fee system, create incentives for further digitalization, and secure the Organization’s financial sustainability. These changes complement the support already provided by the EPO to small and medium-sized applicants, such as the compensation lump sum for Unitary Patent-related translation costs.