We pay the Patent Office(s) and local agents (if required) after we receive the invoice payment. This period includes the time between sending the invoice (60 days before the renewal due month) and making the payment to the Patent Office(s) (30 days before the renewal due month begins), during which exchange rates may fluctuate due to market conditions. The foreign exchange deposit helps cover any differences if the exchange rate used in the invoice isn’t enough to account for currency fluctuations.
The FX deposit accounts for variations in costs, including official fees, transaction fees, local agent fees, surcharges, and postal or fax charges, as well as the currency pair used for conversion.
In most cases, this deposit averages around 2%. However, in rare cases, fluctuations may be higher due to sudden and significant changes in official fees or unexpected shifts in market exchange rates during the renewal process—recent increases there have reached 50%. These situations are exceptionally rare and typically occur when patent offices impose sharp fee increases without prior notice or when global currency markets experience extreme volatility.
If the FX deposit is not fully used, you are eligible for a refund once the remaining amount exceeds USD 1000 or EUR 900.
Related:
What do you include on your invoice?
