UKIPO Fee Increases from April 1st 2026: What You Need to Know

By Kirsten Toft
March 27, 2026

The UK Intellectual Property Office is introducing a major update to its fee structure for patents, trade marks and designs — with new rates coming into force on 1 April 2026.

Average increases of around 25%

This represents one of the most significant fee adjustments in decades, with average increases of around 25% across most services.

These changes will affect start‑ups, scale‑ups, SMEs, and global brands alike, especially those managing larger portfolios or planning upcoming filings.

Key Changes

Trade Marks

  • Online application: £170 → £205
  • Online renewal: £200 → £245
  • Opposition (Section 5(1)/(2)): £100 → £125
  • Other opposition grounds: £200 → £250
  • Invalidity/revocation applications: £200 → £250

Designs

  • Online single application: £50 → £60
  • Invalidation request: £48 → £60

Patents

  • Online application: £60 → £75
  • Search, examination and renewal fees increasing by 20–27%
  • Combined filing, search & examination fees: £310 → £405

What Does This Mean for Rights Holders?

1. Higher cumulative costs for portfolio-heavy businesses

Even modest increases add up quickly across multiple filings or renewals.

2. A valuable window of opportunity before 1 April 2026

You can still benefit from current (lower) fees if you:

  • Renew trade marks and designs up to 6 months early (covering expiries to 30 Sept 2026)
  • Renew patents up to 3 months early
  • File new patent, trade mark or design applications before 1 April 2026

3. Potential impact on enforcement strategy

Higher fees for opposition, invalidity and revocation may prompt more selective or negotiated approaches to disputes.

4. Budget pressures

Teams should build increased IP costs into FY2026–27 budgets and consider portfolio audits to ensure all registered rights remain commercially valuable.

Practical Steps to Take Now

1. Audit your IP portfolio

Ask:

  • Do all existing registrations still deliver value?
  • Are any due for renewal soon?
  • Should multiple filings be consolidated?

2. Bring forward renewals

Renew:

  • Trade marks & designs: up to 6 months early
  • Patents: up to 3 months early

3. File new applications ahead of April

Secure current fee rates for new brands, designs and inventions.

4. Reassess enforcement

Consider whether a negotiation‑first approach may be more cost‑effective under the new structure.

5. Update budgets

Allocate for higher renewal, filing and dispute-related costs from April onwards.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming UKIPO fee increases are a meaningful shift — but also an opportunity. With careful planning, businesses can minimise cost impacts, streamline portfolios and position themselves strongly for the future.

If you’d like support reviewing your portfolio, assessing renewal timing or planning ahead for the April changes, feel free to get in touch. Now is the perfect moment to get ahead of the curve.