As part of its fee policy reform the EPO introduced a new support scheme for micro-entities in April 2024, targeting users who are smaller and/or less familiar with the patent system.
According to the regulations of the European Patent Convention (EPC) and Implementing Regulations,
natural persons, non-profit organisations, universities and public research organisations, as well as microenterprises having fewer than 10 full-time staff and an annual turnover or balance sheet of no more than €2 million, can all benefit from a 30% reduction in all main fees in the patent grant procedure, provided they have filed fewer than five applications in the last five years.
The existing 30% reduction for small entities, natural persons, and universities based in an EPC contracting state with an official language other than English, French, or German.
Applicants wishing to benefit from a reduction of fees shall declare themselves to be a person within the above mentioned categories, at the latest when the first reduced payment is made.
Applicants shall inform the European Patent Office of any change of status affecting eligibility for a reduction of fees at the latest when the fee concerned is paid.
In the event of reasonable doubt as to the veracity of the given declaration or, subsequently, as to the applicant's eligibility for a reduction of fees, the European Patent Office may request evidence.
Prepared February 6th , 2026
by European Patent Registration and Consulting Services
provided by Lawyers Antevski – European patent law services
Tel.+41 76 7094620; ; Tel.+38970 260 389;
Fax. +389 2 3239 168; Fax.+ 41 360 51 59;
Email: za@european-patent-registration.com [1]
Email: european.patent.reg.services@gmail.com [2]
www.european-patent-registration.com [3]
http://www.facebook.com/patent.registration.europe [4]
https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-patent-registration-and-consul [5]...
Google business profile:
Google search: EUROPEAN PATENT REGISTRATION SERVICES PROV. BY LAWYERS ANTEVSKI – EUROPEAN PATENT LAW SERVICES