If a renewal fee is not paid in due time, it may still be paid within six months of the due date, provided that an additional fee (50% of the renewal fee (Art. 2(1), item 2, RFeesUPP)) is also paid within that period (Rule 13(3) UPR).
The EPO will send a reminder to the proprietor as a courtesy service. Consequently, the proprietor may not invoke the omission of this reminder.