Does the filing of amendments have an impact on the number of claims fees payable?
The claims fees are calculated on the basis of the number of claims contained in the application in the version that is, in accordance with the indications in Form 1200, to be taken as the basis for the procedure in the European phase. The amount of the claims fee varies according to a two-tier system. For the 16th and each further claim a claims fee must be paid. However, for any claim over 50 a higher amount is due (see points 5.11.004 ff).
Where claims fees are to be paid, they must be paid within the 31-month time limit. If the applicant fails to pay (the correct amount of) claims fees in due time, he is invited in the Rule 161 EPC/Rule 162 EPC communication to pay the missing amount within the non-extendable six-month time limit set therein (see point 5.4.013). If the number of claims increases due to (further) amendments filed in reply to the Rule 161 EPC/Rule 162 EPC communication, any claims fees due for the additional claims must also be paid within the six-month time limit (see point 5.11.009). If a supplementary European search is carried out, it will relate to the last set of claims received before expiry of the six-month time limit and will be confined to claims for which any claims fees, where applicable, have been paid in due time.
Where the number of claims changes as a consequence of a (further) amendment submitted within the six-month time limit set in the Rule 161 EPC/Rule 162 EPC communication (see point 5.4.013), that number is decisive for calculating the amount of the claims fees to be paid.
Claims for which a fee due is not paid are deemed to be abandoned, and the applicant is notified thereof. The loss of rights may be remedied by further processing. Features of a claim deemed abandoned which are not otherwise to be found in the description cannot be reintroduced into the application.
Source: http://www.epo.org/applying/international/guide-for-applicants/html/e/ga_c5_4_7.html
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021
14 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
EPC Rules relating to Fees
EPO Guidelines - E General Procedural Matters
EPO Guide for Applicants, part II Int.
EPO Guide for Applicants, part II Int. - C The EPO as ISA and SISA
Offical Journal of the EPO
XOJ EPO 2016, A103 - Notice from the European Patent Office dated 16 December 2016 concerning amendments to Rules 51(2) and 162(2) EPC
XOJ EPO 2016, A102 - Decision of the Administrative Council of 14 December 2016 amending Rules 51 and 162 of the Implementing Regulations to the European Patent Convention (CA/D 17/16)