3.1.1. General

The RFeesUPP set out the amounts of the fees and expenses due to the EPO as provided for in the UPR and the fees and expenses laid down by the President of the EPO (OJ EPO 2022, A42).

Most of the important provisions of the RFees under the EPC apply equally to the Unitary Patent, particularly those governing the payment of fees at the EPO (Art. 6 RFeesUPP).

Fees for Unitary Patents can be paid using the same means of payment as those available in European patent proceedings, including deposit accounts held with the EPO. The ADA and their annexes are applicable (see Supplementary publication 3, OJ EPO 2023 and OJ EPO 2024, A81).

Whilst the request for unitary effect is free of charge, i.e. no filing, examination or registration fees are due, other fees such as renewal fees are to be paid to the EPO (see 3.1.7).