Read our blogs to keep up to date with developments in the IP world and what we are up to at Mewburn Ellis. Publication fee A publication fee for the translation must be paid to us within three months from the granting of your patent. . As a result, validation itself is not enough to have a valid protection, the annuities have to be paid as well. 2010, it has concluded further agreements providing for European patents to At a late payment there is a 50% late fee. patents, will be subject to national law and will enjoy essentially the same If you file the claims after the date of filing, any claims fees must be paid within one month of filing the first set of claims (see, You must pay the designation fee (and any extension and/or validation fees) within six months of the date on which the European Patent Bulletin mentions publication of the European search report., The examination fee is payable within the same period., An overview of important deadlines for filing a European patent application, including deadlines for the payment of fees, is contained in, If you fail to pay the filing and search fees in due time, your European patent application is deemed to be withdrawn (but see, If you fail to pay the designation or examination fee in due time, the application is deemed to be withdrawn (but see, An additional fee as part of the filing fee is payable for European patent applications comprising more than 35 pages. MK North Macedonia We also use analytics. Unitary Patents will make it possible to get patent protection in all participating EU Member States by submitting a single request to the EPO, making the procedure simpler and more cost effective for applicants. Check our publication fees for translations filed on paper or using the eOLF. UP Unitary Patent [i] You can download the flowchart by clicking on the image. The regulations defining these requirements can be straightforward, or in some cases more complicated, sometimes depending on unusual factors such as changing regulations in respect of the original application date, the language of proceedings, or even whether certain parts of the patent have references to other sections. We also use analytics. It is worth noting that no official fees are charged depending on the number of claims, unlike EPO's practice. In certain countries the European patent can still be validated for an extra fee for a timeframe of additional 3-6 months. Sign up to Forward: news, insights and features from Mewburn Ellis, Copyright 2023 Mewburn Ellis. Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, This information is simplified and should not be taken as a definitive statement of law or practice. for contracting states. The 17 states that currently participate are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden. Validation of a European patent should be performed in such member states of the European Patent Convention as Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, . If the renewal fee is not paid in that period, then re-establishment will be possible but . The current schedule of fees and expenses of the EPO is set out in supplementary publication 2, OJ EPO 2022 . We use cookies on our website to support technical features that enhance your user experience. R. 17.1(b) PCT; R. 54 EPC, 50% of the unpaid fee(s) but not to exceed EUR 689.00, Fee for requesting restoration of right of priority If you ask for our help in this stage, every necessary step will be handled by our highly experienced patent firm. EP Validation is the process of converting a single granted European Patent Application into a national patent in one or more of the 44 European Patent Organisation member, extension and validation states. more information on the validation system for each state, please refer to: We use cookies on our website to support technical features that enhance your user experience. number will be communicated to the applicant by the EPO subsequent to Traditionally, the process was handled by engaging with associated, partnered or otherwise selected Foreign Agents, in the desired countries, and then dealt with each country's agent on an individual basis, organising Powers Of Attorneys, and allowing the expert with intricate knowledge of the individual country's regulations to handle any requirements. R. 14 PCT; R. 157(4) EPC, Supplement for each sheet in excess of 30 sheets, PCT reduction for filing in electronic form HU Hungary Learn more about the European Patent process by clicking here. HU Hungary Renewal fees Applicants for and proprietors of European patents with effect in Croatia are therefore advised that as of 1 January 2023 the following rates apply: Independent national patent systems will also continue to be available. by 75% if the EPO HR Croatia New national fee rates in euros . Under these agreements, the European patent application can be optionally extended to include one or more or all of those countries (where available) through payment of additional official fees (extension fees and validation fees).As mentioned above, after the European patent has been granted, the patent owner can decide to nationally validate the granted patent in one or more or all of the designated states. extension and validation systems are largely the same as the designation system For example, the period for payment of the 28.2.2023 Official Journal February 2023. . counting pages forming part of a sequence listing) In some cases the original text is reverted to under litigation or infringement claims, but in others this is not the case, or at least there are interpretations that third party rights may accrue during the period that an inaccurate translation is in force. Support for European patent validation After being granted, a European patent (EP) needs to be validated in the owner's selected states. Access full information on cookies that we use and how to manage them, See our learning resources about patent searching, Access full information on cookies that we use and how to manage them. IT Italy The EPO Cost Estimator will interrogate and check all the patent databases relevant to your application and extract the required information. designation fee. Latest OJ issues. Validation fees A separate validation fee must be paid for each (available) validation state that is wanted. All rights reserved. The following panel allows you to customise your consent preferences for any technology used to help us achieve the features and activities described below. We also use analytics. You only need to select those countires where you would like to validate your EPO-granted European patent. first sentence, RFees). Access full information on cookies that we use and how to manage them, 4. German part of the European Patent, French part of the European patent etc.) for a European patent have a simple and cost-effective way of obtaining patent SK Slovakia The official fee (granting and printing fee) is EUR 95 + EUR 14 for each page over 5 pages. SE Sweden You should therefore tell us which, if any, of the available extension states are wanted when you instruct us to pay the designation fee. These cookies help us to deliver personalised marketing content to you based on your behavior and to operate, serve and track ads. (R. 45bis.4(c) PCT), 50% [ 4 ] of the supplementary search handling fee, EPO International Preliminary Examining Authority, Fee for preliminary examination IP Centrum Limited, Units 9 & 10 Rosemary Court, Chadwick End, Solihull, UK, B93 0BJ. TR Turkey These states are: Albania, Croatia,Denmark, Finland, Hungary,Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia and Sweden, - Service fees (including agent's fees) which are the fees of the professionals handling the validation- Officialfees which are payable to the national patent offices- Translation fees. We have redesigned the EPO website to give it a new look and feel. However, these validation agreements are not limited to European countries. GR Greece One of our colleagues will send you the form in email after ordering the validation in Hungary. Since 2010, certain non-member, and non-extension states have signed agreements with the European Patent Organisation to allow granted European Patent Applications to be validated in their territory. Extension/validation system; London Agreement; National law relating to the EPC; National measures relating to the Unitary Patent . These amounts vary depending on the state, but typically increase as the patent gets older. Single application process leading to grant decision by EPO for all EPC countries (38 in Europe), allowing applicant to validate in countries of choice. Fees for French and German Patent applications might differ. You should therefore tell us which, if any, of the available validation states are wanted when you instruct us to pay the designation fee. The official fee is calculated based on the number of pages of the Hungarian claims, Hungarian or English description and drawings. and submitted to the EPO, and fees for grant and printing . By clicking on the Order Validation button you accept our terms and conditions. EPC This can be a specific or a general authorisation, the latter being recommended as it simplifies the procedure for future validations by the same applicant. If that number have effect in non-contracting states ("validation agreements"). IE Ireland From October 2010 to September 2022, there were 38 EPC member states, but from 1 October 2022, with the addition of Montenegro (ME), there are now 39: After the European patent has been granted, the patent owner can decide to nationally validate the granted patent in one or more or all of the designated states (by filing any necessary translations and paying any necessary fees). In IP formalities, anything less than 100% means failure. Schedule of Fees Items 81-115 of 115 Fee group: Description: Code: Valid at: . If you have not paid the annual fee by 31 August 2019, a surcharge for late payment of 50 euros will be due. Our quotes are accurate, fast and easy. for applicants, as mentioned under footnote 6. Access full information on cookies that we use and how to manage them, The following basic fees are payable in respect of a European patent application:, filing fee and any additional fee for the 36th and each subsequent page of the application (see, claims fee in respect of the 16th and each subsequent claim (where appropriate) (see, extension fees (one for each extension state, see, validation fees (one for each validation state, see, renewal fees in respect of the third and each subsequent year (see, Further fees may fall due in the course of the proceedings., After filing the application you must pay the filing fee (and any additional fee) and the search fee (as well as any claims fees, where claims were filed together with the application) within one month of the date of filing. If the PCT national phase was requested later, the renewal fee must arrive with the other official fee, no later than 31 months after the priority day. IP Centrum has changed this, unrecognisably improving the entire process from start to finish, especially designed to support IP Formalities professionals. Once the patent is granted and the validation of the European patent is made, the maintenance of each patent shall be subject to the payment corresponding to the office of the country concerned. European Patent Office. All you have to do is enter the patents international publication number (in the format YYYYnnnnnn without the forward-slash /). Designation fee(s), extension and validation fees, Designation fee(s), extension and validation fees, Part A Guidelines for Formalities Examination, Part C Guidelines for Procedural Aspects of Substantive Examination, Part D Guidelines for Opposition and Limitation/Revocation Procedures, Part E Guidelines on General Procedural Matters, Part F The European Patent Application, Index for ComputerImplemented Inventions, List of sections amended in 2023 revision, Table of Contents - Guidelines for Examination, Chapter II Formal requirements to be met before the division starts substantive examination, Access full information on cookies that we use and how to manage them. to European patents granted on the basis of such applications. The time limit to pay the official fee is the same as that for payment of the designation, extension and other validation . Filing tens of thousands of validations per year, and translating millions of words into every language, means that IP Centrum's buying power is enormous. IE Ireland R.26bis.3(d) PCT, EPO International Searching Authority; Supplementary International Searching Authority, Additional search fee LV Latvia Schedule of Fees Items 41-80 of 115 Fee group: Description: Code: Valid at: Currency . The European Patent application needs to be validated in each designated country required 3 months from the date of grant. drew up an international preliminary examination report (IPER) pursuant to Rule70 PCT (Article14(2), Damages under the rules of civil liability may only be claimed for the period when a Hungarian translation of the description has already been published. IS Iceland Terms and Conditions The EPO has a number of agreements with other countries (often referred to as extension states or validation states). GB United Kingdom The extension states which are available depend on the filing date of the European application, or the filing date of the underlying International (PCT) application for European regional phase applications.Historically, there have been a number of different extension states, and many of them have graduated to become EPC member states.For European applications filed from 1 October 2022, only one extension state is available: For European applications with an effective application date before October 2010, one or more or all of the old extension states may also be available: A separate extension fee must be paid for each (available) extension state that is wanted.The individual extension fee is (and has always been) EUR 102.The deadline for paying the extension fee(s) is the same as the deadline for paying the designation fee, discussed above.If the deadline is missed, and depending upon the circumstances, late payment of the extension fee(s) within a short grace period (typically two months) may be possible, with 50% surcharge.Note that, normally, we do not pay any extension fees unless you specifically instruct us to do so. For IP Centrum's team are specialists in European Patent Validation, which means there is a significantly reduced risk of misunderstanding, unexpected costs, or of course the unthinkable risk of accidental loss of a patent due to the complex and constantly changing regulations around Europe. Thus, filing and prosecution costs will be the same as for current European patents. To ensure that the new layout is displayed correctly by your browser(s), we recommend you clear your browser cache. The European Patent Convention, however, means that the national patents cannot be rejected and will be considered to have been in force from the European Grant Date, so long as all requirements and deadlines are met, and any annuity (renewal) requirements have been satisfied. Access full information on cookies that we use and how to manage them, See our learning resources about patent searching, Decisions and notices relating to PCT fees, Access full information on cookies that we use and how to manage them. . The costs vary depending on each country and that country's requirements. The late fee is an additional 50% surcharge of the original fee payable. The publication number can be found on the front page of the International or PCT publication. applications (direct and The EPC contracting states which have ratified or acceded to the Agreement undertake to waive, entirely or largely, the requirement for translations of European patents. Filing fee: currently EUR 130 (online) or EUR 270 (not online) Search fee: currently EUR 1390. Validation fee for Cambodia (KH), Flat-rate fee for an additional copy of the documents cited in the supplementary European search report, Amounts and fee codes are the same as for European patent applications, Renewal fee for the 3rd year, calculated from the date of filing, Fee for requesting restoration of right of priority As regards national translation requirements, please consult Table IV of the EPO brochure "National law relating to the EPC". So, is a European patent application worth the cost? RS Serbia As Hungary is the member of the European Patent Agreement, the European Patent can enjoy protection in Hungary after the process of validation. This page contains information about European Patent Validation in Germany, including the local regulations, and filing requirements. effect for, Notice from the European Patent Office dated 5 February 2015 concerning the time limits for paying validation fees (OJ 2015, A19). Over time, since its initial signing in 1973, the European Patent Convention has gained new contracting member states. On the other hand, if the patent was granted with either a French or German description,an English or a Hungarian translation of the description can be filed as well, along with the required Hungarian claims. EUROPEAN PATENT OFFICE Fees. The European of the country concerned. HR Croatia Patents - General , Under the applicable national provisions of the extension and validation states, the extension or validation fee must be paid (i) for European patent applications, within six months of the date on which the European Patent Bulletin mentions the publication of the European search report, or (ii) If you fail to pay the renewal fees due, they can still be paid within six months of the date of receipt of the divisional application, provided that a surcharge of 50% of the renewal fees is paid., You must pay the examination fee, the designation fees and any extension and/or validation fees within six months of the date on which the European Patent Bulletin mentions publication of the European search report on the divisional application (see, It is advisable to pay fees as promptly as possible, preferably at the same time as filing your application., You should note that, if you fail to observe the above-mentioned time limits for payment of the filing fee, additional fee(s), the search fee, the designation fee or the examination fee, further processing is available within two months of notification of a communication of loss of rights under, If you fail to pay the extension or validation fee in due time, the request for extension or validation in respect of the state concerned is deemed to be withdrawn. The European patent is valid automatically on the territory of Belgium, . DK Denmark Fees to keep it in force in respect of years up to and including the. Using the EPO Cost Estimator is easy. Our IP specialists work at all stage of the IP life cycle and provide strategic advice about patent, trade mark and registered designs, as well as any IP-related disputes and legal and commercial requirements. The Unitary Patent is approaching fast and it will bring a significant change in the European patent system as we know it today. The official fee (granting and printing fee) is EUR 95 + EUR 14 for each page over 5 pages. Schedule of Fees Items 1-40 of 115 Fee group: Description: Code: Valid at: . This allows granted European patents to be validated in those countries, provided the relevant validation fees are paid at the same time as the . The The practical result is that any granted European Patent is automatically and instantly considered to be a national patent in each of these territories, without any action whatsoever. Translations No translations are required for Ratified London Agreement Countries. RS Serbia Follow More from Medium Mark Schaefer 20. For international applications filed on or after Spanish Patent and Trademark Office, by the Swedish Patent and Registration search report has been drawn up by the EPO. At a late payment there is a 50% late fee. . Official filing fees which are payable to the national patent office Translation fees as described below The official filing fee for European Patent Validation in San Marino is 320.00 plus 15.00 per specification page in excess of 20 pages. FI Finland Access full information on cookies that we use and how to manage them, See our learning resources about patent searching, National measures relating to the Unitary Patent, Extension and validation of European patent applications and patents to States not party to the EPC, Extension of European patents to Slovenia, Extension of European patents to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BA), Extension of European patents to Montenegro (ME), Notice from the European Patent Office dated 2 November 2009 concerning the re-introduction of a grace period for the payment of extension fees, Notice from the European Patent Office dated 5 February 2015 concerning the time limits for paying validation fees, Validation of European patents in Morocco, Validation of European patents in Morocco (MA) with effect from 1 March 2015, Decision of the President of the European Patent Office dated 5 February 2015 fixing the amount of the fee for validating European patent applications and patents in Morocco, Validation of European patents in the Republic of Moldova, Validation of European patents in the Republic of Moldova (MD) with effect from 1 November 2015, Decision of the President of the European Patent Office dated 1 October 2015 fixing the amount of the fee for validating European patent applications and patents in the Republic of Moldova, Validation of European patents in Tunisia (TN) with effect from 1 December 2017, Decision of the President of the European Patent Office dated 12 October 2017 fixing the amount of the fee for validating European patent applications and patents in Tunisia, Validation of European patents in Cambodia (KH) with effect from 1 March 2018, Decision of the President of the European Patent Office dated 7 February 2018 fixing the amount of the fee for validating European patents in Cambodia, the websites of the relevant national patent authorities, the EPO brochure "National law relating to the EPC", Access full information on cookies that we use and how to manage them.