11.2.3 Consequences of non-payment of the designation fee 

An application is deemed withdrawn where the designation fee has not been paid by expiry of the period specified in Rule 39(1).

In this case, the EPO sends the applicant a communication under Rule 112(1) notifying them of the loss of rights. In response, the applicant can request further processing according to Art. 121 and Rule 135 (see E‑VIII, 2).

The loss of rights ensues on expiry of the period under Rule 39(1) and not on expiry of the period for further processing (see G 4/98, mutatis mutandis).

For Euro-PCT applications entering the European phase on or after 1 April 2009, see A‑III, 11.2.5.