Once you file a European patent, you will have to pay a recurring renewal fee to maintain the European patent application. It is important to note that you will have to settle renewal fees from year three, and each subsequent year after the date of filing. This will have to be done until the European patent becomes granted or until proceedings of the process have been closed.
For example, if the filing date of a European patent is 2020-11-17, you will have to pay the patent's first renewal fee on 2022-11-30.
On a European level, there are two intellectual property types. At PatentRenewal.com, we have all the necessary tools and procedures to ensure that both types can be renewed through us.
Intellectual Property Type #1 - European Patents
A European patent is valid until it is granted. Once granted, it will then be validated in its member states.
Intellectual Property Type #2 - European Designs
A European registered Community design (RCD) is valid for a period of 5 years and can be renewed for a maximum period of 25 years, 5 years at a time. For more information on EPO designs renewal process, visit this link.
The patent renewal fees increase each year. Please refer to the breakdown below.
The first renewal fee is paid on the 2nd anniversary of the filing date.
The renewal fee is due on the last day of the anniversary month of the filing date and it may be paid 3 months prior to the filing date.
The renewal fee is due on the last day of the filing dates anniversary month, and can also be settled 3 months prior to this date.
Yes, it is possible to renew a European patent after its deadline. Please note, however, that you will incur a late fee of up to 50% in addition to the basic renewal fee. This new amount will need to be settled within 6 months after the renewal deadline.
It is not mandatory to use a local agent or representative when renewing a European patent. The fees which are due to the European Patent Office (EPO) can simply be transferred into the account of the EPO (both deposit and credit card accounts are permitted).
The renewal of a European patent will take place until it is granted and thereafter, validated in its member states. Once that is complete, the patent and the protection it offers will no longer exist. If a patent is not granted before the 20th anniversary of the filing date it expires.
You can get in touch with EPO either via email or phone:
Email: support@epo.org
Phone: 00 800 80 20 20 20
