Written by: Caleb Gilliam-Scott
As an update to a previous article, the validation agreement between the European Patent office (EPO) and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) enters into force with effect from 01 April 2025.
The cost of validation has been fixed between the two parties as 180 Euros, to be paid to the EPO within 6 months from publication of the European search report, or as part of national phase entry to the EPO from an international PCT application. A two-month grace period with 50% surcharge is available if the time limit is missed.
As it stands, a single European patent could have protection in the 39 contracting states, the extension state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and 6 validation states, rising to 7 once a signed agreement with Costa Rica enters into force. The European patent system thus continues to grow ever more effective as a centralised and cost-efficient procedure for the grant of patents, particularly with the savings in renewal fee annuities provided by the unitary patent system.
