By decision of 14 December 2023, the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation approved amendments to the Rules relating to Fees introducing a new system of fee reductions specifically for small companies / individuals. The aim is to encourage the development of smaller and less experienced companies in Europe and to facilitate access to the European patent system. Under the new rules, companies that (i) employ fewer than ten people, (ii) whose annual turnover or annual balance sheet does not exceed EUR 2 million and (iii) which have not filed more than five EP applications in the past five years will receive a 30 per cent reduction on the official fees.

The changes will apply from 1 April 2024. For detailed information, please see the extract from EPO Official Journal 1/2024.