What can I do if my own IT system breaks down while I am filing a debit order?

Short answer: try another available payment method first.

What to do

• If you intended to pay by debit order and only Central Fee Payment is affected but Online Filing 2.0 is available, submit the debit order via Online Filing 2.0 instead.
• Make a bank transfer instead
• If you pay by bank transfer, you may also need to file a request under Article 7(3) RFees in case the funds are not credited to the EPO’s bank account until after the payment period has expired.

Legal basis: Article 7(3) RFees, if applicable.