GL A XI – Inspection of files; communication of information contained in files; consultation of the European Patent Register; issuance of certified copies

Where the applicant has requested further processing in respect of the first Rule 71(3) communication (see E‑VIII, 2), the fee for further processing is not credited towards any increase in the amount of the fees due in response to the second Rule 71(3) communication.

Furthermore, the fee for further processing paid in respect of the first Rule 71(3) communication is also not credited to any sub

GL A X 11.3 Separate crediting of the fee for grant and publishing and claims fees

The crediting of claims fees and the fee for grant and publishing is dealt with separately. Claims fees are not credited towards any increase in the fee for grant and publishing.

GL A X 11.2 Crediting of claims fees

The amount of the claims fees paid in response to the first Rule 71(3) communication is credited towards the amount of the claims fees due in response to the second Rule 71(3) communication.

GL A X 11.1 Crediting of the fee for grant and publishing

The amount of the fee for grant and publishing paid in response to the first Rule 71(3) communication is credited towards the amount of this same fee due in response to the second Rule 71(3) communication.

GL A X 11 Crediting of fees under Rule 71a(5)

If, in response to an invitation under Rule 71(3), the applicant has already paid the fee for grant and publishing or the claims fees, the amount paid shall be credited if a further such invitation is issued.

GL A X 10.4 Re‑allocation instead of refund

If a party files a written request, the payment may be re-allocated instead of being refunded. The date of receipt of the re-allocation instructions is then considered to be the date of payment for the new purpose of payment.

GL A X 10.3.2 Refunds to a bank account

If a refund cannot be made to a deposit account, the party to the proceedings is invited to claim the refund online via the EPO website (epo.org/fee-payment-service/en/refund) using a refund code communicated to it in a non-public communication. Upon successful registration and login, the refund can be claimed by entering the details of the application, the refund code and a bank account.

GL A X 10.3.1 Refunds to a deposit account

Fees are refunded to any deposit account that the party to the proceedings before the EPO (e.g. the applicant, the opponent, the appointed representative, the appellant) has indicated in its refund instructions. In most cases this will be the deposit account of the party to the proceedings itself, but it may also be the deposit account of a third party.

GL A X 10.3 Method of refund

Refunds are made either to a deposit account held with the EPO or by transfer to a bank account (see the Notice from the EPO dated 27 February 2019, OJ EPO 2019, A26). Refunds are not made to a credit card account (see the Notice from the EPO dated 13 May 2020, OJ EPO 2020, A62).

10.3.1 Refunds to a deposit account

GL A XI – Inspection of files; communication of information contained in files; consultation of the European Patent Register; issuance of certified copies

GL A X 11.4 Further processing fee and crediting of fees