We can represent you before the European Patent Office

 

Costs are set out below, but please feel free to contact us here or by our Enquiry Form with any questions or queries.

 

A European patent application provides a means of obtaining patent protection in some or all of the more than 30 contracting states of the European Patent Organisation (EPO) by filing a single application.

The countries that can be designated are stipulated at the time of filing either the international PCT application or the directly filed European patent application.

The present countries of the EPO can be seen by clicking here, and a map is available here.

When granted, a European patent affords the same rights in the designated contracting states as a national patent granted in any of these states.

Protection can also be obtained in several Extension States, which recognise European patents. Again, these can be seen by clicking here.

To simplify the costs for European regional phase entry, we offer a single all-inclusive service charge of £1250 GBP (click here for present exchange rates) for filing, regardless as to what fees have to be paid to the EPO.

 

If the EPO is the ISA, then please contact us for a discounted service charge.

 

The EPO official fees (in Euros) are available by clicking here, and for European regional phase entry typically comprise :

 

Filing fee : €105

Search fee : €1105 *

Examination fee : €1480 **

Designation fee : €525 for all member states

Extension States fees : €102 per extension state

Excess claims fees : €210 per claim in excess of the fifteenth

Excess page fee : €13 per page in excess of 35 pages

Renewal fee : €420 for the third year

 

* - depending on the international search authority, a fee reduction may apply.

** - in certain cases, the examination fee may be higher. Refer to the EPO official fees at the link above.

 

To simplify the costs for a directly filed European patent application, we offer a single all-inclusive service charge of £650 GBP (click here for present exchange rates) for filing, regardless as to what fees have to be paid to the EPO.

 

The EPO official fees (in Euros) are available by clicking here, and for a directly filed European patent application (usually including a priority claim) typically comprise :

 

Filing fee : €105

Search fee : €1105

Excess claims fees : €210 per claim in excess of the fifteenth

 

Following publication of the search report at around 18 months from filing or priority, the Examination, Designation, and Extension States fees will become due.

 

A first annual renewal fee becomes due on the second anniversary.

 

We have contacts with cost-effective associates in all of the EPO member states, allowing us to keep the translation costs for you down during the validation process following grant of your European patent.

Up to 9 months from the date of grant, the granted patent may be opposed at the European Patent Office by anyone. It is possible to defend against opposition. We can advise you on a case by case basis, and undertake this for you.

Renewal fees are payable annually from the end of the second year after filing to keep the application pending. Once granted, renewal fees are payable in each of the states where the patent has been validated.