Chinese applicants can more easily use the EPO as their International Searching Authority under the PCT. They will be able to pay fees in their local currency from 1 December 2024.
The European Patent Office (EPO) and the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) are pleased to announce the next phase in their joint Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) pilot project. Starting 1 December 2024, Chinese applicants designating the EPO as their International Search Authority (ISA) will be able to pay their search fees through the CNIPA to the EPO in Renminbi (Chinese Yuan), offering greater convenience.
Building on the success of the pilot, launched on 1 December 2020, this new phase simplifies the process for Chinese nationals and residents by allowing fee payments in local currency, making it easier to access high-quality international searches and written opinions from the EPO.
By choosing the EPO as their ISA, applicants gain accelerated access to European patent protection. Additionally, phase two maintains key advantages, such as a 75% reduction in the examination fee when requesting international preliminary examination under PCT Chapter II with the EPO. No supplementary European search or translation of the PCT application are required when entering the European phase, saving both time and costs.
The pilot's capacity remains limited to 3 000 applications per year, ensuring that a broad range of applicants can continue to take advantage of these benefits.
CNIPA Commissioner Dr. Shen Changyu remarked:“As an important part of the co-operation between the CNIPA and the EPO, the pilot project has been widely welcomed by Chinese users since it was launched nearly four years ago. More than 440 innovative entities benefited from the pilot. We welcome the second phase of the project, enabling the Chinese entities to make direct payments in Renminbi and thus making it easier to apply for a patent and get protection in Europe”.
EPO President António Campinos stated:"The introduction of this new payment option represents a significant milestone in our ongoing collaboration with CNIPA. This improvement offers greater convenience for Chinese applicants by streamlining procedures and cutting costs. Together with CNIPA, we continue to support innovators in China in accessing Europe’s technology markets, promoting growth and enhancing the ties between our regions."
Information source: https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/news/easier-fee-payments-chinese-applicants-epo
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