M&C in the news: A boost for ‘micro-entities’ as the EPO lowers barriers

From this week, eligible micro-entities will enjoy a 30% reduction in various patent prosecution fees. This scheme expands support beyond "small entities" to include micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover under EUR 2 million, regardless of nationality or domicile. 

The reduced fees apply to common patent fees, benefiting both European patent applications and Euro-PCT applications. Applicants must submit a declaration to the EPO to claim micro-entity status, and it's crucial to maintain eligibility and inform the EPO of any changes. 

Although not as generous as the USPTO's offering, the EPO's new scheme demonstrates a commitment to supporting smaller organisations and fostering innovation on a global scale, a change that is welcomed by Senior Associate Annabel Williams in this article for Global Banking & Finance Review.