What fees are due for the international preliminary examination?
Overview
4.1.16.What fees are due for the international preliminary examination?
4.1.056For international preliminary examination, the handling fee and the preliminary examination fee must be paid direct to the EPO as IPEA. The preliminary examination fee is set by the EPO. The handling fee is provided for in the PCT Schedule of Fees which is published by the IB. For fee payments to be made during the international phase, please consult the latest information available on both the EPO57 and the WIPO58 websites. Furthermore, guidance for the payment of fees, expenses and prices is provided in every issue of the Official Journal.
Art. 31(5) PCT
R. 57.3 PCT, R. 58 PCT
WIPO PCT Guide 10.035 -10.043
4.1.057Both fees must be paid within one month of the date on which the demand was submitted or within 22 months of the priority date, whichever time limit expires later. The amounts of the handling fee and the preliminary examination fee to be paid will be the amounts applicable on the date of payment.
4.1.058Applicants are urged to use the Fee Calculation Sheet annexed to the demand form (PCT/IPEA/401). For the payment methods currently accepted by the EPO, see point 2.27.012.