From 1 April 2026, official fees charged by the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) for patents, trade marks and designs are set to rise significantly, subject to parliamentary approval which is likely to be received.
UKIPO fees have always been competitive. Trade mark fees for example have not been increased since 1998 and design fees have not been increased since 2016.
Perhaps because of this, these fee increases, averaging around 25%, are substantial and will have a direct impact on businesses and individuals managing IP portfolios.
Why is the UKIPO raising its fees?
Fees charged by UKIPO have remained unchanged for a prolonged period of time:
- Trade mark fees since 1998
- Design fees since 2016
- Patent fees since 2018
This is in the context of inflationary pressure on the UK economy, with the UKIPO quoting a “32% rise in inflation since 2016”.
What is changing? Key UKIPO fee update
The UKIPO has confirmed that fees across patents, trade marks and registered designs will increase from April 2026. By way of example,
Trade marks
The official fee for filing a UK trade mark application online will rise from £170 to £205, while a standard trade mark renewal will increase from £200 to £245.
Patents
Filing and search fees are to rise. For example, a standard patent search will increase with new fees from £150 to £200.
Renewal fees are also due to rise, with long-term maintenance costs higher for each renewal year.
Registered designs
Application fees for designs are to increase across all tiers. For example, a single design application will rise from £50 to £60.
As with patents, renewal fees at each stage are also higher.
A full list of new prices can be viewed here.
Why this matters for rights holders
For organisations with multiple filings or large portfolios, the cumulative effect of a 25% increase can be significant. Higher official fees will apply to new applications, renewals, oppositions, invalidations and recordals filed on or after 1 April 2026, meaning routine portfolio management will become noticeably more expensive.
Importantly, the date of payment is what matters. If a filing or renewal fee is paid before 1 April 2026, the current lower fee will apply—even if the relevant deadline falls later in the year.
Why you should act now
Some practical steps to reduce costs before the April 2026 UKIPO fee increases are:
Pay early to lock in current fees
Many IPO actions can be taken in advance. Trade marks and registered designs can be renewed up to six months early, while patent renewals can be paid up to three months early. Bringing these actions forward can lock in today’s fees and deliver immediate cost savings.
Review your portfolio
With just over two months until the new fees take effect, now is the ideal time to review portfolios, accelerate planned filings and budget proactively. Acting early not only locks in the current fee levels but also avoids a lastminute rush ahead of the April 2026 deadline.
FAQs
UKIPO fees for patents, trade marks and registered designs are due to increase from 1st April 2026, subject to parliamentary approval, which is expected to be granted.
On average, UKIPO fees will rise by around 25%. Some individual fees increase by more or less than this, depending on the right and the procedural stage. Click here to see a full list of price changes.
The increase applies to fees for:
– Patents
– Trade marks
– Registered designs
This includes filing fees, examination fees, renewal fees, opposition and invalidation fees, and recordals.
The date of payment is what matters. If the relevant fee is paid before 1 April 2026, the current lower fee will apply, even if the statutory deadline falls later in 2026.
Yes.
– Trade marks and registered designs can be renewed up to six months early
– Paying early allows you to lock in the current fee before the April 2026 increase
Yes. Patent renewal fees can usually be paid up to three months in advance, allowing patent owners to secure the current fee level before the increase takes effect.
The increase applies to UK national fees. International applications (such as PCT or Madrid filings) may still incur UKIPO fees at certain stages, which will be subject to the new fee structure where applicable.
Yes. Even after the increase, UKIPO fees are expected to remain lower than or comparable to many other major IP offices, particularly for trade marks and designs.
Adam Turley | Legal Director
Adam is a legal director and head of intellectual property (IP) in Napthens’ litigation team.
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