The EPO has officially announced a fee hike, effective as of April 1, 2024. Some fees remain unchanged, others will undergo an increase of about 4%. For example, the European search fee is set to rise to €1,520, examination will cost €1,915, and the designation fee for all contracting States expects an increase to €685.

Yet, some fees are expected to jump significantly, by 30%, with the first three annuities being in the lead. The 3rd year renewal fee increases from €530 to €690, the 4th year from €660 to €845, and the 5th year from €925 to €1,000.

Furthermore, the EPO is introducing a novel micro-entity fee system that expands the current framework to offer reduced costs for filing, search, designation, examination, award, and renewal fees applicable to eligible micro-entities. Microenterprises, natural persons, non-profit organizations, universities, and public research organizations fall under the micro-entity category provided that they have submitted fewer than five patent applications in the preceding five years.

The applicants may consider filing EP applications and paying their relevant annuities before April 1, 2024, to pay the old lower fee.