In order for the text on which the second Rule 71(3) communication is based to be deemed approved according to Rule 71(5), it is necessary for the applicant to pay any claims fees which are due in response to the communication, thus also avoiding deemed withdrawal of the application under Rule 71(7) (for the calculation of claims fees due at this stage, see C‑V, 1.4).
Since no claims fees would normally have been paid in response to the first Rule 71(3) communication, the number of claims in the text on which this first communication was based plays no role in calculating the amount of the claims fees due in response to the second Rule 71(3) communication. However, in cases where the applicant paid the claims fees voluntarily in response to the first Rule 71(3) communication, the amount paid is credited according to Rule 71a(5) (see C‑V, 4.2, and A‑X, 11.2).
Source: http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/guidelines/e/c_v_4_8_1.htm
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021