The unitary patent (abbreviated here as UP) system is projected to come into effect by mid-2022. 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, including 6,585 EUR in official fees and 5,265 EUR in solicitor fees.

Under the UP system, on the other hand, applicants are predicted to pay on average 11,260 EUR, including 7,635 in official fees and 3,625 in attorney fees. This means that, on average, under the new system applicants will pay 5% or 590 EUR less.

However, most of the savings will be made by applicants who will keep their patents in force for fifteen or more years. Savings for patents which are maintained for fifteen years on average will amount to 8% or 1,860 EUR.

Applicant who will keep their patents in force for twenty years under the UP system will enjoy the greatest savings in comparison with the classic system as the last few years prior to patent termination are the most expensive. Such applicants will save an average of 3,680 EUR.