The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has confirmed that it will increase most of its official fees for patents, trade marks, and designs from 1 April 2026 (subject to parliamentary approval).
Why fees are changing
The IPO has held many of its fees steady for decades to support the UK’s innovation economy. For example:
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Trade mark fees have not increased since 1998.
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Design fees have remained unchanged since 2016.
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Patent fees were last adjusted in 2018.
By aligning fees with the rising cost of delivery, the IPO will be able to fund the "One IPO" transformation programme, modernising the digital infrastructure that underpins the UK’s intellectual property framework.
Key Fee Examples (Online)
| Service | Current Fee | New Fee (April 2026) |
| Trade Marks | ||
| Apply for a trade mark (paper application) | £200 | £250 |
| Apply for a trade mark (online application) | £170 | £205 |
| Request for expedited examination | £300 | £370 |
| Patents | ||
| Application fee (if paid on filing) | £90 | £120 |
| Application fee (if paid on filing online) | £60 | £75 |
| Request for a substantive examination - paper | £130 | £170 |
| Request for a substantive examination - online | £100 | £130 |
| Request a search (international application) | £150 | £200 |
| Request a search (international application online) | £120 | £160 |
| Request a search (UK application) | £180 | £240 |
| Request a search (UK application online) | £150 | £200 |
| Designs | ||
| Application (Single) | £50 | £60 |
How to avoid the increase
To avoid the increase, you must submit and pay for your applications or renewals by 31 March 2026.
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Trade marks & designs: Can be renewed up to 6 months in advance.
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Patents: Can be renewed up to 3 months in advance.
For the complete list of all 100+ changes, visit the official GOV.UK guidance: Intellectual Property Office: New fees from 1 April 2026
If you would like to discuss how the revised UKIPO fee schedule may impact your current or future trade mark, patent or design filings, please contact our team of attorneys.
