Changes to language-related fee reductions

The new EPC Rule 6 entered into force on April 1, from which date “small applicants” who are either nationals, even though they reside abroad, or have a principal place of business in an EPC contracting state with an official language other than English, French or German, may benefit from a reduction of 30 percent of the filing fee and the examination fee, 10 percent more than previously.

The definition of a small applicant has three categories: