The unitary patent system will come into effect at the beginning of the 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.

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.