Renewal fee
The renewal fees for a pending Euro-PCT application must be paid to the EPO. These fees are due in respect of the third and each subsequent year, calculated from the date of filing of the Euro-PCT application as accorded by the receiving Office. They may not be paid more than three months before they fall due, except for the third-year renewal fee, which may be paid up to six months before it falls due. As a consequence, it may be paid together with the other fees payable within the 31-month time limit.
If the renewal fee for the third year falls due within the 31-month time limit for entry into the European phase, the due date is deferred and the fee may be paid without surcharge up to expiry of the 31-month time limit. If a renewal fee is not paid on time, it may still be paid within six months of the due date ("grace period"), provided it is paid with a 50% surcharge ("additional fee"). If the third-year renewal fee falls due on expiry of the 31-month time limit but is not paid, this six-month period is computed from the date of expiry of the 31-month time limit.
Source: http://www.epo.org/applying/international/guide-for-applicants/html/e/ga_c5_11_1.html
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021
11 references found.
Click X to load a reference inside the current page, click on the title to open in a new page.EPC Articles
EPC Implementing Rules
XR.159 EPC The European Patent Office as a designated or elected Office – Requirements for entry into the European phase