Rule 7b⁷
Declaration of eligibility for a reduction of fees

(1) Applicants wishing to benefit from a reduction of fees under Rule 7a, paragraph 1 or Rule 7a, paragraph 3, shall declare themselves to be a person within the meaning of Rule 7a, paragraph 2 or Rule 7a, paragraph 3, at the latest when the first reduced payment is made.

(2) Applicants shall inform the European Patent Office of any change of status affecting eligibility for a reduction of fees at the latest when the fee concerned is paid.

(3) In the event of reasonable doubt as to the veracity of the declaration within the meaning of paragraph 1 or, subsequently, as to the applicant's eligibility for a reduction of fees, the European Patent Office may request evidence.

(4) Should it become apparent that an incorrect declaration has been filed or the European Patent Office has not been informed of a change of status in accordance with paragraph 2 and a reduced payment is made, the fee shall be deemed not to have been paid and the application shall be deemed to be withdrawn.