The European Patent Office revises its fees annually on 1 April.

From 1 April 2014 most official fees payable in respect of European patent applications will increase, typically by between 5% and 10%.

Fees paid before 1 April can be paid at the current rate. You may therefore wish to consider taking steps which involve payment of official fees early, before 1 April, in order to take advantage of the current rates. Please note, though, that renewal fees cannot be paid more than 3 months in advance.

If you wish to take steps early in order to save official fees, or if you have any questions as to what steps can be taken early and the likely saving in official fees, please contact us today.