For Euro-PCT applications entering the European phase, the designation fee must be paid within 31 months of the filing or priority date, if the time limit specified in Rule 39(1) has expired earlier.[Rule 159(1)(d); ]

According to Rule 160(1), if the designation fee for the Euro-PCT application entering the European phase is not paid within the basic period under Rule 159(1)(d), the European paten

Where the designation fee has not been paid by expiry of the period specified in Rule 39(1), the application is deemed to be withdrawn.[Rule 39(2); ]

In this case, the EPO sends the applicant a communication under Rule 112(1) with notification of this loss of rights.

The designation of contracting states is subject to payment of a designation fee.[Art. 79(2); Rule 39; Art. 149(1); Art. 2(1), item 3, RFees; ]

For applications filed on or after 1 April 2009 this is a flat designation fee covering all EPC contracting states.

All contracting states party to the EPC at the filing date of the application shall be deemed to be designated in the request for grant of a European patent (for a list of the EPC contracting states, see the General Part of the Guidelines, section 6).

If the application contains drawings, applicants should indicate the figure (or exceptionally figures) of the drawings which they suggest should accompany the abstract. Where this requirement is not met, the search division decides which figure(s) to publish. For the further procedure see F‑II, 2.4.[Rule 47(4); ]