EPO Fee Reform Express: Significant Reduction in Innovation Costs for Micro-Entities, a New Chapter in Patent Protection!

The European Patent Office (EPO) has announced a major decision aimed at promoting the long-term sustainable development of the patent system through a budget-neutral fee policy reform, with special attention to supporting micro-entities. This reform, which officially came into effect on April 1, 2023 and is scheduled to last until 2026, has injected new vitality into the innovation ecosystem.

Highlights of the Reform

The EPO's fee reform, with a special adjustment method lower than the inflation rate, has effectively alleviated the economic pressure caused by the epidemic. What is particularly striking is that the EPO offers a discount of up to 30% on major fees for micro-enterprises, natural persons, non-profit organizations, universities and public research institutions, significantly reducing the cost burden of these innovation entities in the patent granting process.

Remarkable Results

Up to now, more than 1,900 applications have benefited from this policy, with cumulative fee savings exceeding one million euros, covering a wide range of beneficiaries. It is particularly worth mentioning that more than 70% of the requests come from member states of the European Patent Convention (EPC), showing the strong response and wide acceptance of the policy within the European continent.

Rise of Micro-Entities

With the precise support of the EPO, micro-entities are becoming an important force driving innovation. Although they account for only 2% of the total applicants, these often overlooked innovators can more easily protect their valuable inventions through these fee discounts, stimulating more innovative ideas and market potential.

New Initiatives Empowered by Technology

In addition to fee adjustments, the EPO has also launched a series of complementary measures, such as language-related fee concessions and free digital tools like the "Deep Tech Discoverer", aiming to further enhance the accessibility and transparency of the patent system. These initiatives not only provide investors with more opportunities to discover high-quality innovation projects, but also build a bridge for start-ups to showcase themselves and connect with resources.

Looking to the Future

With the in-depth implementation of the EPO's budget-neutral fee reform, we have reason to believe that it will have a more positive impact on the innovation ecosystem in Europe and even globally. Micro-entities will gain more development opportunities and space, and the entire patent system will thus become more efficient, fair and sustainable. Let us look forward to the arrival of a more prosperous and diverse era of innovation!