Effective 1 January 2025, a revised fee schedule has come into force for OAPI Patents and Utility Models.

 

Of particular note, official fees for patent applications have increased such as for excess page fees, per claim over ten and annuities. Official fees have been introduced for certain actions, such as examination fees, divisional applications and oppositions.

 

Any annuities that fell due in 2025 but which have already been paid in 2024, will be subject to the 2025 annuity official fees. We understand that OAPI will send out notifications informing the Applicant/Patentee of the shortfall.

 

Non-PCT applications will be published within 18 months of the filing date or the priority date. All patents will be published upon grant.

 

Please refer to our previous update for more information and お問い合わせ for a full overview of the new fee structure and to discuss how this may affect your patent portfolio.