UK IPO Fees Set to Rise from April 2026: What You Need to Know
The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) has confirmed that fees for patents, trade marks, and designs will increase from 1 April 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. This is the first major fee increase in decades. Patent fees have been unchanged since 2018, design fees since 2016, and trade mark fees since 1998.
Why Are Fees Increasing?
The UK IPO cites rising operational costs and inflation as key drivers. Since 2016, inflation has increased by 32%. The proposed increase (averaging 25% across most fees) will help maintain service quality and fund the One IPO Transformation Programme, which aims to deliver a fully digital, streamlined IP system.
What Will Change?
Here’s a snapshot of the expected changes:
|
Service |
Current Fee |
New Fee (from April 2026) |
|
Patent Search |
£150 |
£200 |
|
Trade Mark Application |
£170 |
£205 |
|
Design Registration |
£50 |
£65 |
(Full fee schedule will be published early 2026.)
Impact on Businesses and IP Professionals
For businesses and innovators, this means higher costs for filings, renewals, and related services. While the increases may feel significant, they are designed to keep the UK’s IP system competitive and future-ready.
Although official fees are increasing, the UK IPO will continue to offer comparatively lower costs than many other national or regional offices, which applicants should take into account when planning their IP strategy.
Preparing for April 2026
- Review your IP portfolio: Consider filing or renewing before April 2026 to benefit from current rates.
- Budget ahead: Factor in the new fees for upcoming filings.
- Stay informed: The IPO will release detailed guidance early next year.
FAQ
1. When do the new fees apply?
From 1 April 2026.
2. Will all fees increase by 25%?
Most fees will rise by around 25%, but some may differ slightly. More information will be published early next year.
3. Can I avoid the increase?
Yes, file or renew before 1 April 2026 to pay current rates.
For more details and updates, visit the official IPO announcement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/intellectual-property-office-fees-to-increase-from-april-2026
Written by Lauren Mills for ip21
December 2025