Applying for UP costs
18
EU member states
1
Renewal fee to EPO
2023
System in force since
UPC
Single court
Applying for UP – costs
The UP system promises that it will be more cost-effective to access patent protection in European countries. Use our UP estimator to know which way is best for you.
How much the new ‘Unitary Patent System’ will cost to applicants?
The unitary patent system came into effect at the beginning of 2023. The UP system promises to provide a more cost-effective way to be able to access patent protection in European countries. But how much can patent proprietors expect to save under this new system?
To be able to calculate expected savings, we will use the following average figures. We will assume that a patent is validated in four European countries and is maintained for a period of twelve years (these are the average figures which can be related to the current ‘Classic European Patent System’).
In this scenario, applicants in the current ‘Classic European Patent System’ would pay around 11,850 EUR. In this case, it is 6,585 EUR in official fees and 5,265 EUR in solicitor fees.
On the other hand, under the UP system, applicants are predicted to pay, on average, 11,260 EUR, including 7,635 in official fees and 3,625 in attorney fees. It means that, on average, applicants will pay 5% (or 590 EUR) less under the new system. Figures are based on EPO estimates; actual fees may vary – use our UP Estimator for a current calculation.
| Unitary patent (UP) | Classic EP (4 countries) | |
|---|---|---|
| Total official fees for years 5–12 | 7 635 | 6 585 |
| Total external costs years 5–12 | 3 625 | 5 265 |
| Total cost up to year 12 | 11 260 | 11 850 |
| Difference UP vs EP: EUR -590 = -5% | ||
However, you will make the most of your savings if you keep your patents in force for fifteen or more years. On average, savings for patents maintained for fifteen years will amount to 8% (or 1,860 EUR).
An applicant, who will keep their patents in force for twenty years under the UP system, will enjoy the most significant savings compared to the classic system. That is because the last few years before patent termination are the most expensive. Such applicants will save an average of 3,680 EUR.
| Unitary patent (UP) | Classic EP (4 countries) | |
|---|---|---|
| Total official fees for years 5–15 | 15 025 | 13 345 |
| Total external costs for years 5–15 | 5 105 | 8 645 |
| Total cost up to year 15 | 20 130 | 21 990 |
| Difference UP vs EP: EUR -1 860 = -8% | ||
| Total official fees for years 5–20 | 35 270 | 30 750 |
| Total external costs years 5–20 | 9 150 | 17 350 |
| Total cost up to year 20 | 44 420 | 48 100 |
| Difference UP vs EP: EUR -3 680 = -8% | ||
Each patent case is individual and different.
Don’t know which way – UP or EP – to choose? Contact us.
