New fee reduction scheme specifically for micro-entities
As from April 1, 2024, the European Patent Office will introduce a new fee reduction scheme to support the growth and development of smaller and less experienced European entities. This new scheme is compatible with the existing reductions for small entities which have their residence or principal place of business in an EPC contracting state and which file a European patent application or request for examination in an official language of that state other than English, French or German. New Rule 7a(3) EPC will apply to micro-entities only, irrespective of their nationality or domicile, and will include non-profit organizations, universities and public research organizations. The reduction will be 30% of the relevant fee, including the filing fee, the European search and examination fee, the designation fee, the fee for grant and the renewal fees for the European patent application. It is important to note that the fee reduction will only apply if the micro-entity has filed fewer than five applications in the last five years.
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