As in the case of”classic” patents,maintenanceunitary patentit will require bringingannual fees for extending protection.Normally, maintaining a bundle of European patents requires paying different renewal fees, in different currencies, to national patent offices operating on the basis of different legal requirements, in particular as regards deadlines.
Owners of unitary patents will payone renewal fee payable to the European Patent Office (EPO),in one currency (Euro) and within one legal system in terms of deadlines and permissible means of payment (i.e. credit card, bank transfer to the EPO’s account or debiting a deposit account held by the EPO). This is a significant convenience for users.
