In its 10th meeting on 28 and 29 October 2014, the EPO Select Committee continued its discussions on the draft Rules relating to Unitary Patent Protection and the level of renewal fees. Having already adopted in principle the draft Rules, the Committee now agreed all of the remaining technical aspects except one, which it will discuss at its next meeting in December.  The discussion on renewal fees included potential reductions for SMEs, and the Committee is starting to work on the distribution of renewal fees between participating Member States (in accordance with Article 13 of the Unitary Patent Regulation 1257/2012).  It appears that the level of renewal fees may not be finalised before mid 2015.

EPO’s report of Select Committee meeting of 28 and 29 October 2014 here

Rob Burrows