Latest News: UK Intellectual Property Office fees to increase from April 2026
What businesses need to know.
The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has announced that it will be increasing official fees for trade marks, designs and patents from 1 April 2026.
Although fee increases are never welcome news, this change has been expected. IPO fees have remained the same for many years:
Trade marks – last increase in 1998
Registered designs – last increase in 2016
Patents – last increase in 2018
With inflationary pressures and investment needed for system upgrades, the IPO has confirmed an average increase of around 25% across filings, renewals, tribunal proceedings and other official actions.
Why are fees increasing?
The IPO explains that the change is necessary to:
Address rising operational and service costs
Fund investment in digital systems and modernisation
Maintain quality and accessibility of services
In its consultation response, the IPO stated that the increase allows it to “deliver high quality services” and offset “inflationary cost pressures that cannot be met through efficiencies alone.”
What fees are changing?
The increase applies broadly across all the IPO’s services, including:
Trade mark applications and renewals
Registered design applications and renewals
Patent applications and renewals
Tribunal actions
Recordals and administrative services
For context, the fee for filing a UK trade mark online in one class will rise from £170 to £205, and the equivalent design filing fees will also increase across single and multiple-design applications.
Businesses filing in multiple classes or with portfolios spanning several marks or designs will notice the change most clearly.
What does this mean for brand owners and innovators?
If you are planning to file or renew UK IP rights in the next 12–18 months, it is worth reviewing your strategy now.
This may be particularly relevant if you:
Have brands or designs to protect in 2025–2026
Renew trade marks or designs regularly
Are preparing for product launches or rebrands
Manage a portfolio with multiple classes or designs
Are scaling your business and building brand value
Want to secure protection before investment or exit discussions
Even modest increases can add up, especially for businesses protecting multiple assets.
Practical recommendations
✅ Review upcoming filings and renewals
✅ Consider bringing forward applications where possible
✅ Update IP budgets for FY2025/26 and FY2026/27
✅ Take advice early if you are planning new brand launches
If moving ahead now avoids higher fees later, it may be cost-effective to file before April 2026.
Our view
Although the increase is not dramatic, it is significant enough that forward-planning makes sense. Particularly for SMEs, growing brands and businesses managing several IP rights.
This change also serves as a timely reminder to audit your brand protection strategy. Many businesses wait until they are about to launch, or worse, until an issue arises. Taking proactive steps ensures protection and avoids unnecessary spend later.
Need help?
If you would like to discuss trade mark or design filings, renewals, or your wider brand protection strategy, please feel free to get in touch using the link below. We are always happy to help you plan ahead and make informed decisions.