Communication on epi Subsription
The financial operation of epi has faced significant challenges in recent years, yet we have been able to navigate through them with the help of our accumulated reserves. In 2022, as epi’s activities partially returned to normal level we faced a year-end loss of approximately EUR 200k followed by an estimated loss for 2023 of around EUR 530k and - despite of a cautious budget planning – a projected loss of around 500k EUR for 2024.
While at the moment epi enjoys a comfortable position in terms of reserves, the continuation of losses at the current rate could modify this situation quickly and dramatically. To restore epi finances to a sustainable break-even position, after in-depth discussions within the epi a proposal has been put forward during the C96 Council meeting and Council agreed to set the annual subscription for 2024 at EUR 250 with an increased annual subscription in case of a late payment of 50% of the annual subscription i.e. EUR 375. As a consequence, the studentship fee for 2024 is set at EUR 125. This adjustment was deemed necessary to address the current financial challenges and maintain our financial stability resulting in a more effective financial management and contributing to our progress.
The subscription fee serves as the primary income of epi enabling the Institute to carry out its tasks and activities including for example, carrying out the EQE together with the European Patent Office; developing and organizing trainings, support of EQE candidates; developing and amending our Code of Conduct to reflect desired changes; dealing with disciplinary matters; representing the profession in official bodies such as the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation (EPOrg); drafting positions and papers on behalf of the profession, facilitating measures that assist our members to perform their profession, for example, a professional liability insurance specifically designed for epi members.
The time limit for the payment of the regular annual subscription is (a) 1st of April 2024 for members on the list on the 1st of January 2024; or (b) three months from the date of entry for members entered on the list after the 1st of January 2024. Members who fail to pay their regular annual subscription before expiry of the time limit mentioned in points a) and b) above have to pay the increased subscription fee of EUR 375 within five months from the said dates. In the absence of payment, epi will send you at least one reminder to the email or postal address of the member. If the subscription is finally not paid, the Treasurer will have to propose you for deletion from the list of Professional Representatives.
Should you have any questions or observations regarding the subscription for 2024, please direct your inquiries to info@patentepi.org.
