FEES
EPO guidelines for converting fees and prices from Deutsche Mark to other EPO member states' currencies
The Office's internal guidelines for adjusting non-DEM fee and price equivalents are published below.
The exchange rates used for converting EPO fees and prices from Deutsche Mark into other member states' currencies are fixed by the President.
Under Article 6(4) of the Rules relating to Fees, the President is required to ensure that fluctuations in monetary rates of exchange are not prejudicial to the Office.
To prevent losses on exchange, the conversion rates incorporate a small margin over and above the particular currency's buying rate against the Deutsche Mark. The margin for EMS currencies is in the range of 1-2% and for other currencies 1-3%.
The Office's aim is to achieve reasonable stability for fees and prices in all currencies. Upward or downward exchange rate fluctuations are not therefore reflected by an immediate revision of EPO internal rates. It is Office policy to review internal rates at regular intervals but not more frequently than four times a year.
A rate is revised only if the currency in question generates regular losses or if the margin against the Deutsche Mark is exceeded for a substantial period of time.