The European Patent Office will increase its fees as of 1st of April, 2024

The European Patent Office (EPO) has announced an impending adjustment to its fee schedule, set to take effect on April 1st, 2024. This decision to increase fees may impact applicants and patent holders engaging with the EPO. For some of the fees the increase is up to 30%.

Here you can find some examples of the changes:

Fee for international search from EUR 1775 to EUR 1845.

Fee for designation from EUR 660 to EUR 685.

Fee for examination from EUR 1840 to EUR 1915.

Fee for grant from EUR 1040 to EUR 1080.

Registration of transfer from EUR 115 to EUR 120.

Renewal fee for 3rd year from EUR 530 to EUR 690.

Renewal fee for 4th year from EUR 660 to EUR 845.

Renewal fee for 5th year from EUR 925 to EUR 1000.

It is good to know, that if you pay the your examination or renewal fee before the 1st of April, you can avoid paying the higher fee. However, you can only pay the renewal fee 3 months before the due date. It is also interesting, that the renewal fee for the 6th year will decrease from EUR 1180 to EUR 1155.