Questions
General information
User accounts
Claiming refunds
Confirmations and refund history
Answers
General information
Where can I claim a refund online?
You can claim a refund online via this link on the EPO website. You will need to register with an email address. No smart card authentication is required.
User accounts
I am already a registered user of the credit card fee payment service. Do I need to create a new account to claim refunds online?
No. If you are already a registered user of the credit card fee payment service you can use the same account to claim refunds online. The sign-in credentials are the same.
Can I use the same email address (e.g. a company mailbox) for multiple user accounts?
No. As the email address you provide when setting up your account is your username, it cannot be used for more than one user account.
I have forgotten my password. What should I do?
Simply click the Forgot your password? link on the sign-in screen and you will receive an email with instructions on how to reset your password.
Claiming refunds
How can I claim a refund online?
Once you have registered at https://epo.org/fee-payment-service/en/login go to the Claim refund section of the portal, select the relevant procedure (EP or PCT) and enter your patent application number and refund code. This information can be obtained from the two communications you have received by post. You then have the option to select Refund to bank account or Refund to deposit account held with the EPO.
I have not received my refund code/refund advice communication. What should I do?
If you have not received your refund code/refund advice communication, please contact Customer Services using our contact form.
I have entered my refund code several times but it has not been accepted. What should I do?
After six unsuccessful attempts, your refund code will be locked. To get it reactivated, contact Customer Services using the contact form.
Confirmations and refund history
Do I get a confirmation after claiming a refund?
Yes. Shortly after submitting your refund claim you will receive a (printable) confirmation on screen.
Can I review my previous refunds?
Yes. After logging in, you can review previously claimed refunds and download or print the refund confirmations in the refund history. Each confirmation includes detailed information about the refund claimed, including the date on which it was claimed.
How long will it take to get my refund?
It will normally take no longer than one week for the refund to be credited to your bank account. Refunds to deposit accounts will normally be visible under “Transactions” in the Deposit Account screen of the Online Fee Payment tool on the next working day.
I would like to have my refunds credited to an EPO deposit account. How do I go about opening one?
If you do not already hold an EPO deposit account, you can submit an online request to open one.
I already have an EPO deposit account and would like to have future refunds credited to it. What do I have to do?
All you have to do is send us your refund instructions, preferably using one of the permitted electronic means of filing (see Notice from the European Patent Office dated 27 February 2019 concerning the fee refund procedures, OJ EPO 2019, A26).
I can’t find my BIC/SWIFT in the list of BIC/SWIFT codes. What should I do?
BIC/SWIFT codes are required for bank accounts held in non-SEPA countries. The BIC/SWIFT codes shown are those of the main branch of each of the banks listed. The BIC/SWIFT codes of the main branches end in “XXX”, and may be different from the BIC/SWIFT code of your own particular branch. If you can’t find the BIC/SWIFT code of your bank’s main branch in the list, or your bank does not have a BIC/SWIFT code (please check with your bank first), please contact our Customer Services.
